Richie Havens - Freedom at Woodstock 1969 (HD)

Rest In Peace Richard Pierce "Richie" Havens.. ☮
(January 21, 1941 - April 22, 2013)
More than 3 months ago I decided to take a look into the woodstock history and music. I was interested in peace, freedom and the hippie scene. Then I found this excellent, unique live performance by Richie Havens. At first I thought that he is just a very talented guitar player, but when he began to sing, my whole world stopped. His amazing own voice kinda petrified me. After that I imagined that he just sat there more than 42 years ago in front of more than 400 thousand people and sang into the microphone "YEAH ! FREEDOM ! FREEDOM !" and that was the moment which changed my life. Then I watched other videos where he sang freedom at woodstock and i realized that there is no real version of it. All versions are sort of pitched up (that means his voice is a bit higher than normaly) I downloaded one video, made it HD and made his voice deeper, so now in this video you will hear the real voice version and video of him. By the way, today was richie's 71st birthday. So I wish one of the greatest men alive HAPPY BIRTHDAY and all the best.
I do not own the copyright for this recording. I just improved the audio and video quality, so if it needs to be removed, I will remove it. Recently (15th of August 2016) the official Woodstock Facebook page posted my video on their site, so I don't think there will be any problems in removing this video at all.
If you enjoy the spirit and music of the late 60's and early 70's make sure to check out my band Magnolian Moods: / @magnolianmoods

[@elredlenny5731]

I remember when I drove a yellow cab in NYC I pick up Mr.Heavens at 43 or 45 street and 7th Ave. he was coming from 123 restaurant and bar and I drove him to his residents, he was about to pay the fare and I said to him your music brings me much happiness, the fare is all ready paid, and I didn't take the fare and his music still brings me happiness. Enternal peace Richie.

[@onie4024]

Great story, man...I'd love hear more stories about what it was like driving a cab in NYC back then. Bet you saw your share of musicians and crazy shit

[@williamcooke21]

He left us in 2013.

[@chevelle68man2007]

What an awesome story! I also would love to hear more stories.

[@mosessupposes2571]

Oh. Wow. What a privilege 💙

[@lindahollingsworth2567]

I love this story. You did good. :) xx

[@FirstUsedBooks]

His contribution to Woodstock cannot be overstated. He played longer than intended because other groups had not yet been able to arrive. He improvised to fill in the time. Holy shit, did he ever improvise. He set a standard for the musicians who were to follow him, and he set it high.

[@andrefecteau]

also he was "instrumental"...the hi fi was not hooked up yet

[@francisensign619]

Perfect for the fourth of July with covid getting behind us.

[@agents977]

Said he played every single song he knew.

[@tompease8810]

This is simply electrifying great start to a great ecperience of stars performing

[@mcfly3510]

Well said

[@trevorheldreth1068]

I don’t know about yall, but this is one of those songs you can’t only listen to once. I have to listen to it multiple times it’s so good. Truly incredible

[@simonfrederiksen104]

full body goosebumps from just below my knees all the way up to below my jaw

[@govbop]

I played this song on my Sister's death bed while holding her hand. 4 days after she passed the song "Brothers" by the black keys appeared on my cell phone with the lyrics fully displayed. The main lyrics of the song, "Brothers" is "let me be your guiding light". I can feel my sister's loving presence sending me love, support and inspiration. This song allowed us to connect in a deeper more loving way after she passed than we ever could while she was alive. Mr. Haven's has blessed us both so deeply.

[@myboy576]

It's called coincidence, ain't no presence , ain't no God up there making you feel her love, in fact, after death, thing's pitch black, I'm sorry for your loss though it's never easy but people should face reality and confront the facts, people are ready to believe anything as to make death easier on their minds. Life is a bitch, it ain't kind, it ain't fair, it ain't smooth, it's rough and violent.

[@starcraftdesign]

Messages from the other side. I'm sure it is. Connection beyond love ❤

[@boondock8082]

​@myboy576 have you died and do you know? Sad for your out look.

[@amandaadkins8991]

It's a fool who says there is no God, He is our Creator and Giver of life praise his Holy Name

[@joecesarano4301]

How kind of you to show how rude and ignorant an atheist can be.@@myboy576

[@ianharding5739]

A lot of people don't know that this ENTIRE THING WAS MADE ON THE SPOT. Richie played through his entire set and had to keep playing due to the next act being late because of the insane traffic at the festival. He played 'Freedom' and it was improvised. That is the level this man was on. Rock on in eternal freedom Richie.

[@ajeter2629]

That's part of what makes me love this song so much. Pure thoughts from the heart on the spot. So much soul and resonance with how a lot of people are feeling but too caught up to admit it. I really appreciate this song

[@teresapuppo1388]

Voce, chitarra, anima ed a braccio.

[@pfaffman100]

That's incredible, who knew, wow.

[@pfaffman100]

Really!

[@brotherlove9374]

You're right puppy, as Jesus walked, talked, healed and saved Havens was high on a celestial plane few know of, angles wept hearing his talent, wishing to be there. RIP April 22, 2013. He's now playing in the sweet bye and bye

[@qman1058]

He played every song he knew, but they asked him to keep playing because the next act wasn't yet ready...hence "Freedom." This is music history at its finest moment.

[@Missab4000]

The fact that this song was improvised on the spot is so impressive.

[@blancalorenaranirez9947]

H

[@mpmg67]

Really? I didn't know that!

[@Knightveil]

It's true. Havens had completed his set but the next act wasn't ready or hadn't arrived so Havens was asked to do an encore. He'd played all the songs he and the band had rehearsed so he made this up on the spot. It's a testament to the musicianship of the backing band as well. They pick up his groove and just keep it going. Understated, powerful song.

[@Robstar2672]

I believe that Motherless Child was a song he used to do but hadn't played it for 4 or 5 years. This was a jam on that.

[@GanjaismOfficial]

Missab4000 Good info for others to know!

[@philcasogonzo14]

The most powerful performance possibly ever

[@roycepavich2441]

Imagine being able to make this up as you went

[@john2sioch299]

It's called spirit revival lives deep within your heart

[@leonoraacevedo1154]

A TRUE ARTIST💯

[@iantreefellow]

Imagine the modern pop princesses and princes improvising and doing this - nah can't see it.

[@patchoulidrop]

He didn't. It's an old black spiritual from the 18th and 19th century.

[@Generacion1992]

thank to the technology im able to enjoy him everytime i want! at least 😁✌✌

[@bishopsheen6897]

Saw him perform with my wife while she was carrying our daughter in her belly...in my hometown of bridgeport connecticut...what a wonderful and marvelous performer R.I.P. BROTHER RICHIE HAVENS

[@nickpastorino5370]

Greatest improv performance of all time. Rest in peace good sir.

[@francais70]

+Nick Pastorino I do agree with you. His performance is superb, likewise he had to improvise

[@ohtebowah]

improv??

[@berrickstillenhaus3841]

dude made it up on the spot

[@vichy766]

Yeah, didn't know it till I went to Woodstock 8/15/2016. Deeply letting out the passion of these credible musicians. Comparatively, I know hear these tunes at the bank music system, where in 1969 and decades later you could not hear these tunes. Times changed by the music.

[@larryholcomb2165]

No he didn't. Actually, the name of this song is "Motherless Child". It is a traditional "negro" spiritual sung in the days of slavery.

[@rebelwithoutaclue9387]

My parents hitchhiked from Montreal to New York when they were only 13 and 15 in order to go see this! I have some amazing Polaroids of them. My mom was so beautiful with her waist length hair and crown of flowers all high on acid 😂. They told me so much about it I feel like I was there! I love that my parents introduced me to so many genres of music! Although I’m a Gen X Skater Punk Rocker at heart I have a appreciation for all music (with a few exceptions. Like modern country or dance hall reggae)!

[@AlOrsini]

I was there, with my cousin home from his first tour of Vietnam. I was fourteen, now I'm sixty eight. Peace!

[@thatwasprettyneat]

you're a young man

[@dave90046]

Great story. It’s hard to wrap my head around what he was feeling vs what you were feeling.

[@AnthonyJamesKaddyKingJr]

Thanks man for you're service with the war brother peace 2ú all

[@Bayers2020]

I salute you sir! My generation was thirty years too late but we still come back and relive these moments with you in spirit. I wish I could’ve seen woodstock

[@fernandomaron87]

Truly a legendary moment, i wish i was there with you guys smoking a J and listening all the great music.

[@girl692311]

My mother worked for him during this time and he flew my mother, and myself my brother and her mother, out to Jamaica while he worked. This was in the early 70's. We flew 1st class, I remember

[@Fuff63]

Yep, song was improvised on the spot when he was asked to fill time. A testament to the man and his bands artistic skills. Turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the event and in music history. These guys saved the opening of the show. I think this is pretty cool.

[@renalopes44]

Richie Havens opened the Woodstock festival, even though he wasn’t scheduled to go on until later in the evening. Heavy traffic had prevented the opening acts from arriving at the festival, and festival organizers convinced him to take the stage around 5:15 p.m. on Friday afternoon. The other acts were still stuck in the traffic, so Havens performed several encores, playing “every song he knew.” Searching for another song to sing, he began strumming, getting into a groove, when the word “Freedom” came to mind. He sang his now-famous song “Freedom” for the first time, on stage at Woodstock, making the words up as he played. He later told the story of having to see the movie “Woodstock,” so that he could hear how the song went so he could perform it again.

[@larryholcomb2165]

Actually, the name of this song is "Motherless Child". It is a traditional "negro" spiritual sung in the days of slavery. Ritchie didn't know hw was going onstage first and was frying hard on Mescaline just like Carlos Santana was.

[@VictorRodriguez-999]

A little late but Richie DID in fact improve this song, it is true that he incorporated parts of Motherless child but other than that what you see and hear in this vid is 100% made in that moment on the spot. performingsongwriter.com/richie-havens-woodstock-1969

[@franknolan221]

Get your drugs straight, if not your composers. Santana said he was on acid.

[@amisbuehl]

IDIOT @@franknolan221

[@bmbacchus]

He set the tone for the entire three days!

[@rolandkahl2890]

Goosebumps. Still after all these years.... When Woodstock happened I was 7 years young and my much older father (born 1917) loved this song as well....he always called the Hippies (in German) "Blumenkinder" (Literally: Flowerchildren). I will love this song until my life ends....

[@rhiannonssixthdimension]

This song breaks my heart every single time I listen to it, no matter how many times. How deeply it resonates. It's beautiful.

[@dannyboy6015]

Rhiannon It's just beautiful

[@AndyPWolf]

And it is not only beautiful. It is about freedom: our freedom that is. Defend it, fight for it !

[@BOWMANTUNES]

I was lucky to meet him three times. He was a beautiful person.

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΠαπαγεωργίου_66]

+1

[@chrisdrummond8893]

Amen

[@sicsempertyrannis9024]

The heart of Woodstock. By far the most underrated performance of the festival. Richie Havens set the tone and bar for the rest of the artists to follow. He poured his soul out and gave the crowd absolutely everything he had. Rest in peace brother.

[@epona9166]

It’s an incredible performance but I don’t think it’s been underrated. It’s probably the most famous performance of the bunch. Because he was just plain brilliant, bc he was first, bc he played for hours when the next act was late and bc he made up this song on the spot. He could have repeated songs, but he did THIS.

[@timtim4664]

@@epona9166 there will never be another for sure! This performance is how I first heard of him. (Clap your hands, clap your hands)

[@carolynzaremba5469]

And everybody did clap their hands. And they all stood up to do it. @@timtim4664

[@BigPoppaFlood]

I can't believe he made this song up on the spot, as the opening act setting the tone. I will never not listen to this whole song singing along as if I was there. Richie Havens 🙏

[@meganrussell53]

Such an incredible performer...i remember when i was in middle school, my friends and i talked our Principal into letting us play this song on the intercom for the last day of school. Only now i love the realization that we had such amazing music in our lives. We were so lucky. 🎶💜

[@nipperparr6709]

The first person to sing in Woodstock, what a Musician!!

[@ClifPayne]

I really didn’t pay attention to Woodstock at all until years afterwards. My introduction to Ritchie Havens came when I saw him on the Tonight Show a few years later. He sang a song called “Handsome Johnny” He got a standing ovation. I was instantly hooked. Then, I saw the movie Woodstock. Yes, the Woodstock performance is a premier performance, a legendary iconic performance. I am so glad that I got to spend some private time with him just shooting the breeze back in the 1990s after one of his concerts. I still have his autograph which reads “To my friend Clif - Friends for life.”

[@cherylbreitkreutz5756]

I literally owe this song my life..it saved me from a panic attack and a suicide attempt... now it just settles me..

[@DEVVEN36912]

Cheryl Breitkreutz Dealt with suicide attempts myself, I'm glad you've found something to help you.

[@n40tom]

Cheryl Breitkreutz I'm so glad you found strength to get through that. I've only felt like that once in my life and believe it or not I was only 7 years old and I thought about taking my own life. Our apartment house caught fire and they seen me playing underneath it and thought I was the cause of it. These cocksuckers put so much pressure upon me as a little kid who knew he did nothing wrong but I wanted to kill myself just to escape them blaming me over and over again. Fucking sad ain't it.

[@chrisdrummond8893]

Cheryl Breitkreutz Music has more power than we realize.

[@chrisdrummond8893]

Hillary Prune I didn't realize the true beauty of this song until my mother died over 2 years ago from battling dementia.

[@steveisjoseph]

I'm so happy you are still with us my Sister, I have loved you all my life!

[@minustaco42zero24]

Damn this the way Richie sings with such soul and passion makes my hair stand in end and eyes water. Thank you Richie. The first time heard this song I was super sick and had a religious experience from this song.

[@ChristopherCudworth]

I was twelve in 1969 and I struggled to understand everything about Woodstock. But for some reason Richie Havens took me to a whole new space when the album came out. His voice quality and intensity tore away my fear of trying to grasp things beyond my age.

[@susanlenehan2127]

This song and his energy still gives me goosebumps! What a POWERFUL performance!!!

[@treebeard8475]

I don’t seek out Richie havens usually but god damn every time I hear him play this set I wanna cry. Gotta fix my play list now

[@AmiraUnplugged]

2024 just discovering this, this will be my new obsession ❤

[@mikahjohn2809]

The worst thing about this song is that it's 5 minutes long and not an hour :(

[@torlandonsteines]

☺🤣❣🕊,love n peace world over ❤

[@belowthedot8903]

If it makes you feel any better he allegedly played on stage for three hours because all the other bands were held up in a massive traffic jam

[@davidrs7085]

Absolutelly yes

[@blanketeyblank5309]

Loop it ...i 'll listen for hours.

[@kiliya1086]

His energy makes you proud to be a man, protector and friend, son.......Love this song.

[@TaintShot526]

Such a beautiful and powerful song.

[@chalorodriguez3317]

Every artist sang their hearts out at this gathering of the vibes.. Glad it was taped so generation after generation can watch.. Thanks for the upload

[@tomkohlman8110]

Ditto my friend 🙂

[@MickeyBelanger-pr7uj]

Taken over. Bye forces unknown..Stood at the. Stage. God said. Rich. Eyes. Heaven. 50 years later. Stood. At the tree of life. I'm glade you made it. Mr. Havens Hearing you from beyond. Was a surprise 😮

[@yharnamhunter8759]

absolutely killer song. What I'd do to go back and enjoy this musical wonder

[@thomasponzio8345]

created the song on the scene unwritten unrehearsed just brilliant and the guitar playing wow

[@andrefecteau]

a clear shot of "being in the zone"...rare for most unless you play some kinda sport...cherish the moment if you ever experience it...shows what real human potential can be.

[@tommy_salami108]

rare unless you play sports .. or have played a video game

[@andrefecteau]

@@tommy_salami108 can you say something original ?

[@tommy_salami108]

@@andrefecteau I don’t see any other replied with the same point, why are you calling me unoriginal?

[@andrefecteau]

@@tommy_salami108 because you literally rejected what I posted

[@andrefecteau]

Replied

[@dylanmccaskill643]

This performance send chills up my spine every time… Thank you Richie, wherever you are ❤️🙏✌️

[@eddiel2531]

He was first to play. He wasn't scheduled yet, but, nobody else was there yet. He graced us with hours of history that day.

[@georgehollingsworth2428]

Astonishing that this was totally adlibbed on the spot.

[@originalthreebeard]

There are two standout anthems that came out of Woodstock 1969. From the first act, Richie Haven's Freedom, and from the final act, Jimi Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner. You can say all you want about all the acts in between - and there were many great acts - those two are the bookends of the greatest music event of a generation.

[@theresadomingues9294]

Great performance! When I saw Richie Havens in concert he broke a string. He plays for real!

[@carolmyers6678]

laying in the hospital when describing getting out of bed for the first time " Freedom" was the first thought. I am forever grateful to have experienced it at the original time.♥️

[@stacylayton9713]

Saw Ritchie in 1970 at a concert at University of Iowa. Went with my best friend and we were in high school. It was a great show and one I have always remembered.

[@teresathayn5170]

Seriously, I get goosebumps every time I hear this!! The strong painful emotion kicks my ass!! We must treat each other better damnit!! I love you all so freakin much!!

[@simonfrederiksen104]

Yup - goosebumps so intense I might as well be sitting on a mountain top as naked as the day I was born

[@kristenwerner415]

Not only did this wonderful being create this song on the spot but as he admitted he was tripping balls. LSD the beauty helped his mind flow with the idea of freedom and what it felt like to his conscious soul. Freedom is always a dream, is always a struggle, since there has always been those who wish to control and take freedom. It all starts with how we treat each other and especially how we treat our children. Clap your hands Clap your hands. Love = Freedom.

[@WeRideBMXinSR]

My grandmother blessed me with richie around the fire pits and family vacation. 25 now.. i wish I was born in this era.

[@shaunely63]

I really hope someone takes the footage from this performance and remasters it to 4k 60fps. Moments like the crowd response from 2:53 would look awesome.

[@shellycathcart1763]

Forever changed from this song. And I discovered in my teen years in the 90's. Richie Havens channelled a vibe we all had

[@musicforhumanity-1]

For Richie You bloomed like a flower You shined like the sun Your voice brought us together You showed us how to be one Some people try to move mountains Others try to soar across the sky But with your song, you moved a generation And you never asked why No, you never asked why Chorus Because you saw the light inside of one and all Yes, you saw the light and you heard the call To sing from your heart to sing from your soul To be an example for the young and the old With your rhythms, you moved us As you cried out for freedom Four hundred thousand sang along As you touched our souls & spirits All with your song And now you have left us But we will never forget The smile on your face Your love, your grace Your love and your grace Because you saw the light inside of one and all Yes, you saw the light and you heard the call To sing from your heart to sing from your soul To be an example for the young and the old Copyright April 26, 2013 Barry Adelman

[@johnevans388]

Thank you :-)

[@nastienancy21]

ROCK ON

[@Meaneviljoe]

❤️Pure pleasure to my ears!❤️I finally found freedom in my life, thank you so much Universe!❤️

[@souloftheage]

This man POURS his soul across the stage and time to a middle aged white man in the Midwest!!. HISTORY is the ultimate determinate of art: And it has judged Richie Havens well!. Damn he rocks that guitar and my soul.

[@50doriana]

grazie per questo straordinario video, l'ho inserito in un post su Agoravox Italia dal titolo "Pace Musica Libertà Woodstock 1969 per sempre nel cuore". Nel 1969 avevo 19 anni

[@bennybonilla2864]

PURE RAW HUMAN TALENT. This man is singing his truth

[@JEM133]

Such a statement in time...... How can you not love this,AND,it's off the top of his head.

[@rkmklz7562]

This is a Fantastic Version of this Song....The opening of it can get in your Head....this shows there is no Music in this Generation....Thay never be like the Music and Singers we had!...this was Cool in 1969...it is still in 2023!!!

[@willieboy3011]

It is a good song by a good singer. Richie had good energy, strong voice and guitar. If you do not like the music, it is a matter of taste; it does not mean the music is inferior just because you do not get it.

[@toddfongemie9441]

We need this song in this day more than ever FREEDOM 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@courylanders4142]

Just found out he made this up on the spot. Then had to watch the Woodstock movie to learn how to play it!!! LOL!!!!!

[@richardcarroll7660]

I believe they needed more time between acts and asked him to play another song and he made that one up.

[@jimih8539]

I’m currently working a 12 hour shift in a remote railroad signal box, it has 360 degree panoramic views. In front of me is the ocean and the sun is glinting on calm waters, behind me are mountains, I can see tiny white specs moving up and down the mountains (sheep). Either side are lush green meadows which produce vibrant beautiful colours from wild flowers in the summer time. The signal box is an old Victorian wooden building. The old pendulum clock is tick tocking in a very mediative rhythm on the wall. My dog is curled up asleep next to the old log burning stove . The wind is trying to make its way through the thin panes of glass which makes a beautiful haunting sound The resident Robin is outside on the steps eagerly pecking at the bread & biscuits crumbs I’ve thrown out for him. It’s a far cry from my last career in the city , I was well groomed and sharp suits , nice car and big house until one day ( 3 years ago) I saw the light after being forced to lay off some people at my company. It hit me hard & I just couldn’t live with myself anymore. I handed in my notice and walked out . The Universe came to my rescue and found this job for me, now I have long hair & beard and look like Grizzly Adams . I’ve taken up painting with water colours and I’m regularly bringing my paint pads here to work. I regularly have this channel playing in the background. The only person I see occasionally is an old farmer who drives by on an old open top tractor, he’s an old man with a flat cap, bright red face, his sheep dog between his legs with its front paws placed on the steering wheel . I call him “ Farmer Jones” although I’ve actually no idea what his real name is. He acknowledges me by raising his index finger off the steering wheel of his 1950’s tractor that has seen many many years of extreme mountain winters. Both Farmer Jones & his old sheep dog stare straight ahead without flinching. Where they go is a mystery as the the old drovers track goes on for miles way up into the mountains, they normally drive back past about 5.30pm and disappear back into the mountains in the opposite direction. He’s a tall man with 1970’s hair cut , kind of reminds me of an old Clint Eastwood stature . I’m sure he must have been a very handsome man in his day . I imagine the local girls hoping to catch his eye on a Saturday night at the old village hall dance. I’m guessing that there was once a Mrs farmer Jones but judging from the vacant stare of both him and his dog that they both experienced “ THE DAY !“ that life for them stood still” . Mrs Jones was getting ready to leave their old white washed mountain top farm to do the weekly shop in the local town , she’d been looking at a fancy catalog which had arrived in the post and had been looking at a beautiful summer dress that she wanted to buy for their daughter who’d got married some years before and had moved to the city suburbs with her husband and had recently had a child. As she was leaving she noticed a dead rat laying under the kitchen table . She thought oh thank god ‘Dylan’ the sheep dog finally killed that damn thing, it’s been raiding the pantry for months , he’s such a good dog considering his young age, I do love him . Mrs J got into the old car which took a few turns to start and slowly made her way down the old drovers track towards what can be loosely called a road , she glanced up at the mountains opposite her and saw Mr J and Dylan as specs in the distance rounding up sheep. She loved them both with all the love of a woman’s heart. She made her way along the road until arriving at a T junction of a main road , to the left was the local town however Mrs J turned right . ( if you asked her why she turned right on that particular day, all she could tell you is that …. All intention , meaning, thought , feelings just evaporated, “ I was a whispy summer cloud that drifts with absolutely no control , it came out of nowhere and yet I was connected to everything in the universe!! I just kept on driving , I wasn’t aware I was driving!!). Mr J & Dylan had arrived back many hours ago from the mountains as it was getting dark , he knew something was wrong as did Dylan , both fearing the worst . The phone line was down as usual but he’d managed to get the word out that Mrs J was missing. 3 days go by and Mr J looks at the open page in the catalog and think … You stupid man, I should have bought her something fancy !! I should have noticed, he wipes away a tear . Dylan noticed the rat he killed for his mama and had left it there so she could see she didn’t have to fret no more about it eating food from the parlour. Dylan thought .. it’s my fault she left I should never have left that rat in the kitchen. THE DAY !! Fast forward many years and that vacant stare is still there as they both go over that day forever . Mrs J found herself in the suburbs of a City she’d only visited once and followed a vaguely familiar road until she arrived and parked outside a vaguely familiar house. Marie her daughter was playing in the front garden with her new 1 year old child , something made her look up and notice an old beat up car parked on the road just in front of the gate. A female telepathy kicks in “ She knew “ she walks to the car and opens the driver door . The Female glance of eyes meeting for a split second carries more information than any Male could ever comprehend nor fathom. No words required, Marie took her mother by the hand sat her down at the kitchen table whilst she prepared the spare guest portion of the house . Mrs J stayed for a month until she left with a note to her Daughter “ Thank you “ !! . Mrs J these days is still with us but not with us . THAT DAY she dissolved back into the universe !! so Anyway, I’ve another train coming so I’d better go and pull a signal lever !!! I Look at the passengers faces as the train passes by, some have their heads in their phones , some stare emotionless out of the window , lost in their thoughts as life takes them on an individual journey of lost lioves, love, despair, anger , worry , contentment. It’s a journey we all must make …God speed to you all ❤️🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@weathercontrol0]

Sometimes, I feel like I'm never slow down

[@penguin9941]

Азиз Заидов wait!

[@ThatSpecialNobody]

WORLDWIDE CHOPPERS!

[@billshank6266]

MF DOOM!!!!

[@Enter5tube]

What a time to be alive.... the best generation from the '60 to nowadays... wish I was born then

[@rodo091]

whos with me 2019

[@crazyladyofberlin8715]

Me 😀

[@ralphlopez2575]

Me too!!!

[@troutymctrouttrout3809]

Imagine that moment when everyone stood up and Woodstock really began. What an absolute banger of an opening act and to think it wasn't even intended. There's more being said in the emotion and the playing of the instruments and the energy in the crowd than could have ever been expressed in the lyrics. The greatest rock concert of all time now and forever.

[@mikekavalerchik5226]

That is a powerful Great performance. It's an example of a human spirit channelling the power of God. Cannot be repeated. My favorite Woodstock performance

[@SanjooKusuriyacho]

He has opened the window of "WOODSTOCK1969" by this incredible performance. That's really, really remarkable achievement !!!

freedom for Ukraine ✌️☮️

[@carolynzaremba5469]

i missed Woodstock by 2 days. I had been living up in Kingston, NY for 6 months and my friend Gary and I decided to go back to Berkeley, so we delivered a car and drove back across country. The day we arrived back in Berkeley was the day "Woodstock" happened. Our friends were going nuts and said, "Did you hear?" We were dumbstruck. Fuck! We missed Woodstock by 2 days!

[@backwood_dinerornn7246]

What makes this more of a classic is that this was improvised, he was the first act at Woodstock and had to keep playing because the other musicians were in traffic 😂👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!!!!! I wish I was born to be there

[@johnruvidich8257]

From the second he started I knew it was going to be life changing 3 days..He was so special , miss him.

[@dianaleal5183]

I miss this generation it was so different compared to now. I loved the music everything like The Who sang My Genreation. RIP Richie Havens

[@samanthastring8299]

Ya know what sucks? Today's pop artists! They aren't really artists... they just make records. Richie was the real deal. The Picasso of song:)

[@gillan5]

1972, when Ivwas 12 years old, here unba Cinema in Germany.... I mean when he asks for handclapping and 400000 stood up and clapped- goosebumps to this day. What a moment!

[@GordiansKnotHere]

This calls right to the soul...

[@merlinidlehands3302]

I heard this song playing when I woke up backstage at The Concert for Tibet in SF and thought ,someone has the Radio on UNTIL I got out of bed and saw Richie Singing LIVE lol I didnt know he was there haha

[@jasonpatterson2218]

That was a great day in rock and roll history. ☮

[@anthonykennedy5324]

I first heard the album in Vietnam. In Nui Dat, Vietnam. Phuoc Tuy Province, Australia's area of responsibility. Christ, I loved this music. I didn't know about Woodstock. Still love it. All of it.

[@janiceprosser2903]

What a powerful song . Brilliant man . Love and peace ✌️ to Palestine 🇵🇸 ❤️. Am ashamed to be British 😢😢. From 72yr old lady in Sth.Wales. PEACE ✌️ ☮️ AND NO POVERTY IN THE WORLD.!!!. XXXXX ❤❤❤

[@jakeet999]

I always loved this tune a great performer and man

[@wpageabc]

FREEDOM.... LIBERTY... SONGS TO SING... FREEDOM ! Was there it was Free. Richie was free and real..

[@luispereira6915]

True Freedom to love to.... Freedom in to love good...👉🕺👌💃👍🏽✌️🇨🇱Woostook viva the festival number one✌️

[@jussimakinen4720]

1993, Alaska Palmer State Fair. A cold windy day. Sitting on the grass with the mountains behind the stag for a back drop. Richie talking about the number12. 12 apostles, months, goes into the zodiac signs. It's a large stage him standing and accompanied by a dude sitting in a chair 10 ft from him. Goes into his song freedom. The stage starts filling with a pink light. First thought it's the stage lights. Gets brighter and begins to fill the stage. A good 50 ft across. His acomppiest disappears. Now there's only Richie. Where all standing, I'm feeling all the pain, oppression in the entire world. The song ends. Silence. One person yells "We love you!" Silence, we walk away. No one asking for more. No encore. There was no more to give. I was working the fair, we had a food booth. Walked into the booth and started to cry. I had to walk out for about an hour. Talked to someone else a few years later who was selling tie dye tee shirts. She went back to her booth and had to leave too. A few weeks later I lost my son, my only child. Somehow the event helped me through my journey. I've often wondered if that happened to him now and then. No need for an encore. Amazing human being.

[@samelblechle1173]

Most unique and beautiful styles

[@theresakruse1655]

I was just watching students outside the university in Tehran chanting "Azadi, Azadi, Azadi" (freedom, freedom, freedom) while troops march onto campus. May ALL the people of the world know freedom, and soon.

[@SamEy3Am]

"Stuff You Should Know" gang, say "here!"

[@patriot-hj5vx]

Here 😅

[@LordOFThisWorld19]

I love how he just leaves...hes like alright I played enough for you and improvised all I could. I'm done hahaha

[@olderolderman4603]

My home welcome from Vietnam discharge day August 11th 1969 I want to Woodstock August 15th 1969 First Act on stage freedom thank you Richard😊

[@boondock8082]

Can't believe it took them so long to stand and get into it. Awe now I can't help but dance my ass off.2023

[@VitorinoArte]

RH..ficou na história, ao abrir a festival de Woodstock.Nunca mais haverá nada igual, e nada será como antes.

[@higimais3892]

Conheci a música freedom atraves do filme Django livre , quando ouvi , fui atrás da música e descobri o talento de Richie, liberdade,liberdade , liberdade

[@qboro7182]

This shit makes me cry man. I thank my father for putting me on !!!

[@Givingitashot]

An amazing artist, song hits you like a kick in the balls! Has to be one of the most amazing performances mankind had ever expressed.

[@antisga]

And to think that this was all improvised on stage. Truly a musical genius.

[@anechoicsoul]

My dad saw this live at 19 years old at Woodstock. Every single time he hears it, he will cry. He said no experience in his life came close to Woodstock.

[@alorsini313]

Perhaps your Dad and I crossed paths...I was there too.

[@burthabard8316]

its on my tv but i am there in the present

[@Machiones]

Wow great. Then he went and wrecked the economy for my generation

[@zagyex]

I wasn't even born then. yet every single time I hear this, I cry.

[@zagyex]

@@Machiones You live in the best world people ever lived in. Stop whining.

[@bluesborn]

Almost 51 summers gone and this song has never stopped lifting up the spirits of the world. A gift to mankind.

[@endearingart]

Never stopped!

[@torlandonsteines]

Kool pic..like the hat

[@Tacoman1967]

I play this when I think I'm alone with feelings and no one else knows how it feels.

[@chrisrat2720]

Sometimes - some times it's a long way - but the way , all of you know it-the way to the holy finish but bevor we have this soul and musik from the deep hard - and let it Roll ✌☻☮

[@jacktwist5907]

So true. When I do my walks in Central Park I play it on my phone and go back to a better time. Thanks so much.

[@nancyhalstead916]

I am now 76 years old This day , under the hot August sun, I was 21. What a time. What a wonderful man, an inspiration. Peace and love to all.✌️❤️

[@michaelscott7462]

Namaste.

[@robertschappert6760]

I had diner with Richie in Snow Mass Colorado in 2003 he was a wonderful humanbieing....he told me the truth about the Watch Tower...

[@michaelscott7462]

@@robertschappert6760You are wealthy with such a memory.

[@robertschappert6760]

He played at a small park for FREE and I payed for Diner ....He was the rael deal.

[@adalcigoncalves]

I’m 76 too. Brasil

[@edoardorainone1423]

This is one of the best musical performances in the history of music worldwide.

[@JulietSpoto-pn2lx]

He put his body, soul, and spirit in that.

[@ramsey6681]

Apparently Richie Havens had already done his full set, but the next act - can't remember who it was off the top of my head - was running late (seemed to be a bit of a theme for Woodstock to say the least!), so he was asked if he'd do another five minutes or so, just to keep the audience engaged. All he had left was "Freedom" - a half-finished song he was working on. So he decided to wing it and improvise. Who could have known it would turn out to be one of the highlights of the entire festival?! ✌😁

[@JulietSpoto-pn2lx]

@@ramsey6681 damn, didn't know! I love it but I did kinda notice the clap your hands part could've been other words.

[@ramsey6681]

​@@JulietSpoto-pn2lxAll he had was "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child", "Sometimes I feel like I'm almost gone" and "Freedom". Literally the only words he'd written! Two short lines and a one-word chorus. The word "genius" is bandied about all too often in my opinion. But getting a crowd of thousands to stand up to clap and sing along to a song they've never heard and which you've only half-rehearsed at home falls into that category as far as I'm concerned! 😁

[@JulietSpoto-pn2lx]

@@ramsey6681 Some people who saw it I'm envious of!

[@neildyer4433]

I think we all feel like motherless children and a long way from home right now Stay safe every one peace

[@lordeagle100]

Spot on Neil. Peace be with you as well brother.......

[@treseoreilly1953]

We are all one people brought together by songs that still resonate within us, with music in your life, you are never alone. ☮️

[@johnnyirish801]

Don't lie.

[@treseoreilly1953]

@@johnnyirish801 lá maith, what do you mean by Don't lie?

[@johnnyirish801]

@@treseoreilly1953 Don't lie. It's not nice.

[@paolobonzi5956]

It's 2024. The word War is now so common and near, we all need peace. Right now I'm here and this song it's so actual, is giving me hope.

[@canihavethesauce]

Don't exaggerate. We're no where near that level, and never will be again.

[@sunnybizzle2971]

I was born in 88 and I can say this is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. It’s 2023 and that statement hasn’t changed.

[@AllenQuillian]

It is as moving as I remember after hearing it in the movie released a year later. 😮😅

[@stevenmaginnis1965]

Better than Beyoncé's song of the same title. There, I said it.