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Woodstock icon Richie Havens dies at 72 Woodstock icon Richie Havens dies at 72
(35 minutes later)
Richie Havens, the folk singer who opened the legendary 1969 Woodstock rock festival, has died of a heart attack at 72.Richie Havens, the folk singer who opened the legendary 1969 Woodstock rock festival, has died of a heart attack at 72.
He died at his home in Jersey City, New Jersey, his agent, Roots Agency, told Reuters.He died at his home in Jersey City, New Jersey, his agent, Roots Agency, told Reuters.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, the musician was famous for his distinctive guitar and singing style.Born in Brooklyn, New York, the musician was famous for his distinctive guitar and singing style.
Recalling Woodstock, Havens once said: "Everything in my life, and so many others', is attached to that train.''Recalling Woodstock, Havens once said: "Everything in my life, and so many others', is attached to that train.''
His improvised version of the gospel song Motherless Child evolved into Freedom at the festival and became an anthem of the 1960s hippie generation.His improvised version of the gospel song Motherless Child evolved into Freedom at the festival and became an anthem of the 1960s hippie generation.
The Woodstock concert film captured his performance for posterity.The Woodstock concert film captured his performance for posterity.
More recently, the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's award-winning slavery-era film Django Unchained featured Havens singing a version of Freedom.More recently, the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's award-winning slavery-era film Django Unchained featured Havens singing a version of Freedom.
'Fiery, poignant''Fiery, poignant'
His family said a public memorial would be announced later and asked for privacy in the meantime.His family said a public memorial would be announced later and asked for privacy in the meantime.
"Beyond his music, those who have met Havens will remember his gentle and compassionate nature, his light humour and his powerful presence," it said in a statement."Beyond his music, those who have met Havens will remember his gentle and compassionate nature, his light humour and his powerful presence," it said in a statement.
Roots Agency said Havens had been "gifted with one of the most recognisable voices in popular music".Roots Agency said Havens had been "gifted with one of the most recognisable voices in popular music".
"His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless," it added."His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless," it added.
Havens performed at US President Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration in 1993.Havens performed at US President Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration in 1993.
He released more than 25 albums and other songs he recorded include versions of Bob Dylan's Just Like a Woman and the Beatles' Here Comes the Sun.He released more than 25 albums and other songs he recorded include versions of Bob Dylan's Just Like a Woman and the Beatles' Here Comes the Sun.
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