The Roots Agency represented Richie Havens for many years and regrets to post of his passing on April 22, 2013. You are invited to leave your comments here:  https://www.facebook.com/TheRootsAgency

RICHIE HAVENS was gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music. His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since his historic appearance at Woodstock in 1969. For four decades, Havens used his music to convey passionate messages of brotherhood and personal freedom. Billboard Magazine writes, “This acoustic soul giant truly seems to be getting more inspiring and graceful with age.”
Beloved folk icon Richie Havens died this morning in his home from a sudden heart attack. He was 72.

Havens first became part of musical history during his impromptu opening performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Best known for his distinctive intense, rhythmic guitar style and soulful covers of pop and folk songs, Havens toured and recorded music for over 40 years before retiring from the road 3 years ago. Beyond his music, those who have met Havens will remember his gentle and compassionate nature, his light humor and his powerful presence.

While his family greatly appreciates that Richie’s many fans are also mourning this loss, they do ask for privacy during this difficult time.

A public memorial will be planned for a later date.  New York Times obituary

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Contact: Carrie Lombardi
LiveLoud
carrie@liveloudco.com / 303.413.8308

From Woodstock to The Isle of Wight to Glastonbury to the Fillmore Auditorium to Royal Albert Hall to Carnegie Hall, Richie played the most legendary music festivals that ever were, and most of the world’s greatest concert venues. But even when performing in a Greenwich Village coffeehouse or a small club or regional theater, he was eternally grateful that people in any number turned up each time to hear him sing. More than anything, he feels incredibly blessed to have met so many of you along the way.

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