Follow-Richie Havens

[@RichardHoinski]

Richie Havens was a man of deep understanding, a man who loved others and lived his life in a way that we should all try to follow. Last saw him at Montalvo in Saratoga, CA. He is deeply missed but lives on in his amazing music.

[@micaiah613]

Richie is my brother and I will miss him forever, I was the last of his siblings to stop calling him by his real nickname. I spent the very last Saturday that he lived with him. He was happy and comfy and I am content knowing that was there to make him smile.

[@mechelinekelly763]

MICHELLE HAVENS I saw him in a small club in Chicago and he sang a song for me entitled 'Younger men grow older ' I dedicated it to my brother...😔

[@tonyajohnson1059]

What a beautiful human being he must have been. The feelings I get when I listen to his guitar and voice..One of the greatest musicians ever.. His music soars the heights and swims the,depths of my soul.. I wish I could have known him..R.I.P......Beautiful one..

[@02mgnm]

Phyllis...Richie and this song makes me feel one with this world. Peace to you.

[@kenmusillo8667]

He was great

[@Pearly056]

What a wonderful brother you had, Michelle. I loved to listen as well as watch your brother perform. This song is one of my favorites. It is good to know that he was comfy and content. That is what sisters do best. Much love to you.

[@lynngeosits7138]

FOLLOW...One of the most powerful, mystical songs ever written sung by a master musician and truly great soul, Richie Havens. Richie, your vast presence is missed by many.

[@chrisandrus689]

... i knew him (first saw him in the Village (64?65?) ) one of the first to cover Dylan, i loved him, he was (and always will be) a (True) Warrior of The Light... RIP my friend

[@robertm7889]

Brilliant! Beautiful! The voive and words are pure magic!

[@everlast6678]

I first heard this song when I was a teen. I am now 73 and this song still sends the life energy scintillating through my body. Richie Havens sounds the eternal note. 🙏

[@charlenefaulkner5230]

I'm choked up, cannot speak, only listen. I will miss Richie's formidable presence, truth telling and interpreting. This song is perfect from lyric to voice, our voice, his voice.

[@chrisandrus689]

.... Miss Charlene, your words sing to His spirit, i am sure.... Warrior of Light, We miss you...

[@boughtnpaidfer]

This song pulled me through such saddness - God gave us this man. His body is gone, but his soul is with us, and his music is inside many of us still.

[@lateforthesky61]

"Only in the comforting shall ye be comforted" Grateful for decades of comfort from the majestic Richie Havens.

[@ELVIS4221]

THIS IS TRULY THE GREATEST SONG EVER SUNG BY THE GREATEST HUMAN I HAVE EVER HEARD. TOTAL BROKEN HEART. OH LORD, PLEASE TAKE HIM INTO YOUR LOVING ARMS LIKE HE DID FOR US

[@amandacruickshank6241]

"I hold some grapes up to the sun And their flavor breaks upon my tongue With eager tongues we taste our stryfe And fill our lungs with seas of life" Wow.

[@roberthurley6860]

I cant get through this without crying. Evert time.

[@stoogeforlife]

in 1980 I went to see the movie Coming Home starring Jon Voight, immediately I went on a quest to locate this song because it blew me away. I found the album months later in a little record store in Faneuil Hall in Boston one Saturday afternoon. After 34 years I can still remember what the clerk said to me " wow, what a day today must be, this is the 2nd Richie Havens album I've sold today". I wore out the grooves on the album, listening to the Follow track...... What a beauty....... Love the opening verse...

[@grovergarver3104]

Pretty much the same story for me. I saw the movie at home on something new called HBO and it took me several years to find the song afterwards. I kept looking for "Nothing But A Dream."

[@chitownsiren]

My first introduction as well. Captivates me to this day

[@angrybirds222]

The beauty resonates.

[@faust451]

I just watched Coming Home for the first time last night on Turner Classic Movies and while the entire soundtrack was incredible, this song in particular captivated me and I had to come find it on KZbin. Amazing reading all these comments, it confirms the power of music and film and yes, as a film Coming Home was overwhelmingly powerful, great job by the film makers and all the actors.

[@jackeaker9192]

Yes this life is the dream.reality is what comes after and is eternal.

[@CrystalDawnMusic]

I am so saddened to have lost Richie Havens. His music is a healing force. I have loved his spirit and his music. He was one of the best live solo performers that I've ever seen. What a great soul we've lost.

[@promqueen53]

I was listening to this about 2 weeks before he died...and loving it as much as I did in 1967. It's about our short time on earth and how to enjoy the beauty of life here. R I P Richie...

[@BelleMacaw]

The world is a better place because he was here.

[@map82751]

Was fortunate to Mr. Havens shortly before he died in an outdoor concert in Lowell, Mass. He ended with Freedom and it so truly touched my soul forever.

[@martinacorry5446]

sometimes i would get stoned and listen to this song as i went to sleep ,,, the album keep replaying all night mixing with my dreams ..... every line in this song came back to me at times through the night .... when i awoke at sunrise he would still be there and i would turn the music lower and watch the world slowly get lighter and i would be consoled .. that life was just a dream and i was stronger for it ........... eternally grateful Ritchie, thank you ..... Bill Sokolich

[@rickgonzales6829]

Oh Father, take the fear from my heart, and open my eyes so that I may see the true purpose of my being. And when my time comes to cross from this plane to the next, may I come to you with open arms and a shameless heart…………..

[@irishsetterarchie]

Only One Spirit can speak living words that are meant to be light in the darkness. I have heard and I have seen and I am thankful for the light.

[@toddfritz6791]

Love You and miss you my Brother

[@JoseMedina-sv8uy]

Muchas Gracias por compartir esta hermosa canción del legendario Richie. Muchas Gracias Richie por tan bonitos momentos. QEPD.

[@carlgove1379]

Saw him at Woodstock. One of my wife and my best memories.

[@RainbowBrite80]

I can’t believe this amazing musician was around during my lifetime and I never heard his voice until 3 weeks ago... I have been listening to him every day since. There’s something about his music that feels like fresh air and the blue sky and I feel like his music has brought something back to life inside of me that I didn’t realize I lost abt 20 years ago.

[@goodthing52]

I saw Richie Havens at Woodstock and I admit that I had never heard his music before. He was the right one to open Woodstock with. He set the tone for what happened the next three days.

[@jerrygoldfarb7739]

Also saw him there-he was the perfect artist to open that never to be repeated event-I was however familiar with him owning Mixed Bag on vinyl and having seen him once at a club in NYC

[@sirarthurlancelot216]

I agree, as a fellow Woodstock alum, I could not think of a better opening act! Three days of peace, love and music.

[@dannythewordmaster]

Now let's say someone tells you, “sing it with heart, sing it with feeling, put your entire soul into it, sing it with the entirety of your being” and you’re not exactly sure what this means, or how to do it, well . . . just listen to this song and then you’ll know exactly what it means.

[@robertm7889]

Superbly said.

[@gypsymutter2819]

@@robertm7889 Love

[@gypsymutter2819]

Love

[@gophertunnel]

Oh my, I was born in 1958, and I have never heard of this man, this song, and his voice and guitar style. It's just undescribable and enthrall ing.

[@SWPRealEyes]

He played at Woodstock, you gotta check out that performance.

[@JOLEBLON62]

Same... Only I was born in '62. His voice not only makes you hear his words, it makes you listen.

[@angrybirds222]

(1959) Smiles. My girlfriend turned me on to him…. On her “playlist”and one of her favorite songs. In one beautiful serenade, I’ve learned and feel more connected to her soul than the 50 years that had gone by since the last time we met only once, on that enchanting summer night so many years ago. His words, so relevant, even as I write this.

[@maryweprin]

Ritchie’s music defined a generation, expressed its hopes and its longings. He was one of ours, he was a hero. Billy

[@brucekugler5164]

Baruch Hashem Jerry, thank you for sharing your gifts.

[@Wildvideonyc]

I first saw Richie Havens in 1966 opening for the Blues Project at the old Cafe Au Go Go on Bleecker St.,right across from the Bitter End.He opened for the BP many time at the Cafe AGG.He was a beautiful,enthralling cat with a unique voice and equally unique personna.He was a black man who had defined his life on his own terms and his own rules.He sang beautful,moving songs and always,always radiated love in his heart.Regardless of his own trials he was eternally positive and left a body of work that could be summed up with the words"People,be good to each other.That's all.Just be good to each other.The world we share together is so much better when we're simply good to each other".

[@utubetomcat]

Wow, all I can say is...wow

[@Wildvideonyc]

It's my reward for being 60.And also why I honestly wouldn't want to be a day younger.If I were any younger I would've missed out on the 60's.Back then all shows were infused with the drama of the political and cultural revolution going on.They were opportunities for the subculture to convene and show the world they were real.After all,the media talked little about that culture.Woodstock was just the moment enough people came together that the entire country finally accepted how massive that hippie-subculture had become.They were intense times,changes occuring at warp speed.In '64 it's "I wanna hold your hand" and less than three yrs later - Hendrix and Purple Haze.I saw him in '67 - Central Park a few weeks after the famous Monterey Festival show.Same show,burning guitar etc.But that's a whole 'nother story..........

[@lillygrayson5870]

your touching comments made me cry...

[@JBCo2012]

Beautiful Words! That must have been amazing times seeing Richie Haven opening up for the Blues Project I assume with Al Kooper at the Cafe Au Go Go ,back in the mid-1960's. That was across the street from the Bitter End I realize that, but was CAGG next to the Village Gate as well. So much Great music within literally a 50 foot radius. And not too far away on McDougal Street was the Cafe Wa (spelling?) and the Gaslight. And I'm probably leaving out a dozen more.

[@JBCo2012]

WildVideoNYC I just did the math. You saw Richie Havens and Blues Project when you were 12 and Jimi Hendrix when you were 13. WOW. Who took you to those shows your dad or older brother? My dad took me to Fillmore East in 1969 to see the Youngbloods open up for Jefferson Airplane when I was barely 14! Surreal Times! Lol (ShortyHOJLatta knows)

[@classicrock64]

MY FAVORITE RICHIE HAVENS SONG

[@phyllislloyd1527]

i cry every time i hear this song

[@SWPRealEyes]

I understand!

[@DCarley3245]

me as well Phyllis

[@veronicaclark5960]

So do i….

[@bobouzala]

You're are beautiful Phyllis!

[@thehypnoticdog6682]

Such a beautiful song, filled with love, hope, and serenity.

[@thomasflynn5366]

I have always loved Richie Havens' voice and said "I wish he'd come around here so I could see him". When he died I found out he lived 10 minutes from me. So close and yet so far.

[@ZachKopkaZake]

Now that's just crazy I'm sorry man

[@Theobservatorypod]

My thanks to all those comment on the loss of this great Soul! His inspiration and his part in history and change will not be forgotten. I made this some time ago, but the words are almost haunting now as he passes. As I placed blue sky with clouds in the video every time he sang, "Don't mind me cause I ain't nothin' but a dream" it seems now almost destiny as the feelings were so strong when I made it to use those images. Goodbye Richie, we will all miss you!

[@CarlRennhack]

One of the most beautiful songs of all time!

[@garyhillman3649]

Follow has been my lifetime friend.... Thanks Jerry and Richie..... Love you forever

[@honeybeehyatt1395]

When he sings, it’s like a dove takes my heart into its peaceful flight

[@dedhippi]

The lryics in this leave me breathless....

[@paulmartin7535]

He was so much more than a Dream, and yet, he is... listening, he still is.

[@jazzygirldetroit]

Firstly, R.I.P. Ritchie Havens, thanks for a lifetime of meaningful and beautiful music. Secondly, I saw the movie Pallbearer and couldn't find the title of this song in the credits, but the voice was unmistakable. So fortunate to have found it today. What a beautiful song.

[@PaperRaines]

That part of the movie was the only part someone needed to see to fall in love

[@jaygeecee13]

My heart is broken to have lost Richie so young for these days. A voice of peace, integrity, love, freedom, equality for all. This, my favorite Richie Havens song, was a rare delight I would wait to hear on WBAI radio, NYC, late at night on my transistor radio. Let the river rock you like a cradle, Richie Havens.

[@PaulMcJazz]

R.I.P. Richie Havens. Thank you for the sweetness of your music you have left us! You will be sadly missed good man.......

[@carmellewis5919]

London 1970s- I was there and Richie Havens. Loved him

[@donacondatore4684]

You are magical🎵🎶❤️🎵🎶❤️🎵🎶❤️🎵🎶❤️

[@PawsitivelyEsoteric]

It's been my favorite Richie song since I first heard it all those many years ago. My friend and I followed him around LI one year - from My Father's Place in Roslyn to Hofstra to the hangar at Mitchell Field. I called out to him to play Follow and he laughed and said he didn't remember the words any more it'd been so long. I told him I'd help him to which he smirked and played those first beautiful notes. His voice still gives me goose bumps. Another silken voice added to Rock 'n Roll Heaven.

[@johnmelmer8606]

moving song by a soulful balladeer. watch Ritchie perform in Woodstock. Gave each performance his whole heart and soul

[@robertm7889]

Come taste and smell the waters of our times!...wonderful lyric

[@fastedward53]

He was our cry for peace and love !!!!!!

[@palladas]

Bless him and his gorgeous talent.

[@ujohn]

First rate video but I will always prefer to listen to this tune in the dark or with my eyes closed concentrating on the remarkable lyric and singular voice. Thanks for posting. The tune should be better known. Ive loved since '67.

[@GlenAnne99]

I found this on a friend's channel...what a beautiful video creation this is! You did a wonderful job of expressing the powerful lyrics to this song...thank you so much :) There will never be another artist like Richie Havens...yes, he will be missed and even more importantly, he will be remembered for the sacred and sweet soul he was. Annie

[@Jimpeacfammusic]

when i was a little boy i walked thru the forest on my own following the call of birds and animals as quietly as I could, then i would climb way up to the tops of the trees so that i could feel the wind toss me and the tree slowly back and forth..this is my anthem PEACE U

[@SWPRealEyes]

+James Pringle That sounds amazing!

[@Jimpeacfammusic]

and crazy dangerous...i kept pushing the envelope further and further...i'm 62 now with 4 grown kids and a grandson,...i've had several very serious injuries resulting in 13 operations.....and a combined time of 2 1/2 yrs. in the hospital with unbelievable pain that carved deep valleys of pain, suffering, wisdom and perception of our mortality...I like to think that some of this hard won experience has been passed on to my children who are all very decent humans. THE THING I LEARNED IS THAT EVERYTHING CHANGES EXCEPT WHO WE REALLY ARE=THE I THAT LISTENS TO THOUGHT

[@markbravo8904]

Almost always when I return to the Forest . I am returning to my youth . My boyhood in the estuaries of the N. C. Coast . The Mangroves of S. C. My teenage years in the Pacific North West . Redwood Grove's And now my Golden Years In the Central Valley's Giant Saqua Grove's PEACE

[@claudiarobbens]

most beautiful song

[@MAdebates]

A true populist...loved him. When I lived in the West Village, sometimes he'd just appear on a flatbed and give a two-hour concert. Others, I'd pay a pittance to see and hear him at Folk City, the Bitter End and such. A few times in HS in Plainfield NJ, he'd take a bus to sing for passing the hat at the folk club in the basement of Leon's Deli in North Plainfield. Super; I was fortunate.

[@SusanBaus]

I saw him a year or 2 ago at the Woodstock Performing Center for the Arts. He was awesome and had just put out a new album which I bought. I can't for the life of me figure what song can follow this one on my mp3 player. such beauty is a rare thing.

[@7bean584]

A voice and lyric that bring out the soul in all of us. Well done.

[@JustJake57]

Thank you SWP. Richie will always remain a part of my life even as he passes into the ages. What a wonderful and warm soul. I never passed an opportunity to see him, and that time span was over 40 years - a truly genuine, caring man. And I so thought that I'd see you one more time. It's so sad to know that he is not on this earth any more.

[@mariagramieri9290]

i wish the dewy clouds would enfold me! This is so beautiful! They don't write songs like this anymore.

[@globalheartwarming]

Let them!

[@Theobservatorypod]

So sorry to hear of the passing of Richie Havens today! He was such an inspiring man who sang from his Soul.........I'm not in show business; I'm in the communications business. That's what it's about for me." To quote him!....

[@rufus660]

What a touching composition. I had never heard of Richie Havens until I heard and found that song from the movie " I am your Woman". This is breathtaking.

[@JackW467]

Beautiful. Thank You.

[@frankskinner4355]

First heard this mans voice on Icarus ascending by steve hackett, still one of my favorite tracks.I remember thinking that no one could have have a voice like that. I saw him live in Manchester about 15 years ago and the version of On the turning away was spine tingling, only known this song for about 5 years and feel like i've known it all my life-so beautiful.

[@goodthing52]

This song gets me everytime.

[@brucekugler5164]

The author of this beautiful song is not Richie Havens, but his old, good buddy, Jerry Merrick, who died early in 2019. Incredible song and recording by Richie Havens

[@ligsvideos]

I first heard this as part of the sound track to a movie - The Pallbearer. Interesting (if not great) movie but the song stuck with me. I concur with previous comments as to the power of these lyrics.

[@MegaCarmine12]

dedicated to my beautiful granddaughter Francesca miss you every day grandpa

[@rebeccavelliquette2285]

My favorite from Richie Havens.

[@mcmermade]

Thank you so much for this upload. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard this cover in 1968-69? The force of its beauty has stayed with me my entire life. I wrote to Jerry Merrick after much searching to thank him for it. Rest in peace and love, Dear Heart. You will never be forgotten.

[@MilindS99]

Love it, the words and voice and video, alllllllll.....

[@mattgrems5547]

One of the best songs ever written and sang love this song.

[@HoursaDay]

Richie you are so missed!

[@wilkins304]

His spirit remains alive

[@wilkins304]

May his memories be a blessing to all of those he touched through his music

[@brucekugler5164]

Because this song has meant so much to me since I was a teen, I finally contacted the poet, Jerry Merrick about a year before he passed away, in order to tell him. I also had a an opportunity to do the same with Richie after his performance in Loveland, CO before he passed away. It's an extraordinary song, piece of writing, and can't imagine anyone doing justice to it better than Richie Havens, who was also extraordinary. Appreciate the post by Riche's sister below.

[@adamfeldman8713]

I love this song👌💯%👊😎👍you best believe that, yet yourself / myself and or ⚡️a person may never hear it, better yet listen to what it’s all about

[@dandiego7298]

So Dylanesque and so good.

[@omarfuentes4583]

Qué personaje y qué música! Sin duda ha merecido muchísima más popularidad...

[@Taleda777]

Thank You ... Heard this first time at the end of the movie, A Walk On The Mooon - fabulous movie btw. Kept repeating this lovely song in my head ... fills my heart and eyes. Love & Blessings ... Peace.

[@marilynmead5324]

This Excellent Song was used in 2 of MY FAVORITE MOVIES - “Coming Home” and “A Walk on the Moon” Marilyn

[@mariellemaple]

wow i just feel this extreme love surrounding me

[@urbanbeardman6840]

Peace. ✌️

[@carolinen5396]

☮️ peaceful tune ♥️

[@zootszabo2415]

MASTERPIECE

[@Rosalie1942]

I found this very uplifting and Richie Havens really conveyed the message .

[@2seconds992]

Woow! my hairs stood up when i read the lyrics. This is so REAL.. just when the insanity of the opposite side is going to extremes (who's benefited by the pandemic? i say no more for now). strange i haven't discovered it b4.

[@franks9012]

Just love this song...the lyrics are timeless...reminds us to slow down and enjoy the little things that we miss every day

[@jeffyoung1396]

Frank S And also to enjoy and appreciate loved ones and friends.

[@1bol390]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@crzymama713]

haven't heard this is many moons,but it came on while i was gardening today ...just seemed so fitting.............. love it~beautiful video too! thank you!

[@danyellerobinson5940]

Timeless message.

[@danyellerobinson5940]

... he's a dreamer, but he's not the only one.

[@jjimkinsfinks398]

so very beautiful--thank you so much!!

[@LindyLooo99]

I just love this song Scott! I listen to it a lot! Love your work!

[@robertnewcomer2740]

............... WONDERFUL ................

[@josephinebloodgood4734]

Such an amazing artist.

[@Theobservatorypod]

Thank you, I felt the same way when I heard it for the first time!

[@paulmartin7535]

This may seem heartless, but I've felt this for over half a century... when he sang without his dentures, he sang with abandon, with all of it -- much purer; freer.

[@jerrygoldfarb7739]

What a great song and a fantastic rendition!

[@akabobcat]

beautiful song and pics

[@edharkreader4268]

Rest in Peace Richie, we're going to miss you.

[@temponed]

Thanks for posting and including the lyrics. Love this song. The combination of Mr. Havens' amazing voice, guitar-playing and that beautiful 60's bass sound is fantastic. I'll just choose to overlook your mentioning Jason Mraz who is not even on the same planet as Richie Havens. ;)

[@marie1962ish]

The voice of an angel

[@02mgnm]

Richie was a master craftsman.