Richie Havens - Freedom

[@nicholasshackleferd2546]

As a motherless child. That line about feeling like a motherless child really fucked with me.

[@theBigMacandFries94]

The fact that he improvised this song at the spot, infront of 200,000 plus people, makes one of my most favorite songs preformed at woodstock.

[@NachtSchreck13]

Improvised? It's literally one chord over and over and over and then two chords a few times then back to that first chord over and over and over. Nothing very spectacular.

[@alextorres8934]

Nacht Schreck feel and energy > technical skill and robotic playing

[@Gwenhwyfar7]

@@NachtSchreck13 and yet it's my favorite woodstock performance.

[@Hackettpieces]

@@NachtSchreck13 do not say bullshit

[@gypsyjones5876]

its is acutally a poem

[@egocciller920]

He supposedly made this song on the spot. Feeling the ambient freedom of the vast audience.

[@wicketandfriendsparody8068]

Ego Cc̤̈iller well, if it was possible to draw the energy/inspiration to pull that off; this was the PLACE!!!¿¿¿ I had inspired jams rival this. I can imagine if those same jams had the inspiration of Woodstock. I believe it!¡

[@macattack5691]

It was an old slaves ballad that he turned into a song on the spot. Talented man!

[@egocciller920]

MacAttack thanks for informing me! And yeah he is.

[@ersheri]

Wow I had not idea!

[@DevilishDropout]

Well he constructed this version of the song on the spot to cover for a delay in the next act. Haven's covered the 3 hour delay, the song is Motherless Child but the extended version he plays here is called Freedom because of the extended improvised chorus.

[@Ericpopper]

Only one man can claim he opened woodstock!

[@TheZachdaddy92]

Chills ... Just Chills

[@christopherreid9992]

SO COOOOOOL

[@walterdiaz3894]

I play bare hands

[@drummerguy4032]

What about his band though?

[@zacharywilliams222]

@@drummerguy4032 only if he opened acoustic solo?

[@wannabepoet9647]

You could say that Richie Havens taught me how to play guitar; my ring finger and pinky are partly paralyzed on my left hand so playing traditional chords that require more than three fingers to play are a bit slow and difficult for me to play, but since I’ve discovered Havens through the Woodstock movie, I’ve mirrored his playing style, with open tunings and using strumming patterns and pressing thumb, indexfinger and middlefinger to play the chords rather than playing with traditional chords. So for me Havens is both a legend and the best teacher I’ve ever had

[@Feede88]

Juho Juutilainen dude! Check out Django Reinhardt you won’t be disappointed, guy was a shredder with just two fingers!

[@wannabepoet9647]

Fede Cnjo hey, thanks! I will check him out

[@a-rod1527]

awesome. dont let this type of music die

[@michaellittlewood3032]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am also a man with hand deficiency. As for me, spinal cord"chord" issues. Your comments have helped and will use to keep the fires burning. My thumb is like a hammer. Please take care.

[@jordandangelo180]

awesome 👏🏽

[@kamikazeking21]

The passion in which he played his music is electrifying. RIP to a great legend.

[@fordprefect813]

My dad let me watch the Woodstock Movie when I was really young and it had a profound effect on me. This song still draws up feelings of passion and confusion because the world never seemed to level with what I saw on that tape..

[@Klaatusman]

Then you have the Altamont Festival-billed as "Woodstock West".

[@jordandangelo180]

Me too

[@cyndifoore7743]

Hippie Mafia 813 society was very different back then. You could trust almost everyone. Not the angriness that’s happening now. I could be a hermit after living then and hating how it is now. Thank God for a dear friend who’s an old hippie too, we get each other....

[@jordandangelo180]

Cyndi Foore it’s so true. Even when I was growing up as a kid in the 1990’s people were a lot nicer than they are now. Even 15 years ago. People were friendly. I like to work out. Bodybuilding and guitar/music have always been my two passions. When I would go to the gyms years ago, within a few weeks/months I had a huge new group of friends, not just acquaintances. Now, people won’t even make eye contact with me except for a couple old timers and a couple of guys my age but other than the everyone is angry, standoffish and with an extremely pompous air to them. Times have changed and not for the better. Technology is great but the world has become an angry place.

[@42.0fmthefever5]

I will be singing this after this pandemic is done with! ❤ stay safe everyone! 🌎🌍🌏🙏🏻🌏🌍🌎

[@ladystardust36]

Vinyl Dad hugs from Italy 💪❤️💪

[@42.0fmthefever5]

@@ladystardust36 hugs from Canada

[@donshearn8994]

I've been listening to Richie Havens everyday for the last month. Stay safe and sane.

[@leoonardo4282]

Amem 🙏🏼

[@ayobamidele]

Me too, although I have to sing now too to stay sane. Keep Safe. And listen to Ritchie too The Nobody Left to Crown album, I love. He inspires me in my music. What's your favourite album

[@Skydog75]

If you watch his interview, this song wasn't quite an improvision. He had been working on bits & pieces of it over a long time. BUT, it came together when he needed it. True talent eh.

[@spooky_zen]

this is one of those performances where i think gave everything everybit of his soul

[@ayobamidele]

You're so right, Richie really inspires me to write and play music.

[@jimijames9792]

This remains so powerful, even now.

[@crazyfacts09]

I love the performance, it's more raw and emotional then the way it sounds on his album. grate music man, I feel moved whenever I hear this version

[@ayobamidele]

So agree with you really need Richie in times like these.

[@pvtrichardsonbr]

rip to all our people murdered for no reason.

[@lordeagle100]

The country has stepped back.... not even 4 years and Trump managed to mess up every thing..... stay strong Sir.. The change that is needed will come from the bottom of society... The people with the power are the problem. Not the every day person paying the burdon for the rich.... it begins with us at the bottom.

[@gretchencook159]

Amen

[@kaylazxl]

a fucken men

[@henrymillar359]

@@lordeagle100 how is the killings Trump's fault? You will have to name all the president's, as there were murders when all them were in power.

[@lordeagle100]

@@henrymillar359 right.....

[@bennybonilla2864]

The pure rawness of human emotion though improvisation and passion. This guy is singing his heart out. That’s why it’s got so much feeling

[@TheOlesarge]

This song should absolutely be the anthem of that generation.

[@racistinfidel9608]

I Got Stoned And I Missed It might work better. Having lived thru all of it.

[@leonardoferreira3643]

It is unbelievable this song was created there, in the stage.... Havens was such a great artist!

[@sogekingfromsniperisland7033]

Leonardo Ferreira u saying he is improvising?

[@TheWizardYeof]

Tenoch More or less. It was based on older songs somewhat, but this, as it is, was improvised

[@NachtSchreck13]

Improvising? It's literally one chord for almost the entire song. There's nothing to improvise. It's not like he pulled some complex arrangement out of thin air, it's just one chord, over and over and over. Anyone could do this.

[@henk4067]

Nacht Schreck but not with this energy and feeling! There is a reason he performed at Woodstock at the first place

[@SeNjArTeN]

@@henk4067 The reason being that woodstock attendees were a bunch of hippie retards with no sense of music.

[@billy5939]

I'm speechless ... ...... Can't even find words to fully Express the impact this song has on me...... RIP richie

[@tsahaylu7]

He was covering for somebody who was late/or a no-show and did this ad-lib, and just killed it, man! ❤

[@Rubyslipperspetconcierge]

I’m 44 and just visited the Woodstock location for the first time. I discovered this amazing artist and gentleman, Richie Havens, while looking up Woodstock documentaries to listen to on the way there in the car. I’m just mesmerized. All of the performers…but this man ☮️👏🏻❤️. Another cool thing that happened on my way there, was when I turned onto famous HIGHWAY 17b on the way there, “white rabbit” by the Jefferson airplane came on my radio RANDOMLY. The hippie spirits were with me that day! Ushering me there. Welcoming me. So what if I happened to be 53 years late to the festival. 😂🥰☮️🚐. I stood alone on the meadow and looked at the green and peaceful expanse around me and I got chills deep to my core. Trying to imagine it filled with 500,000 souls was crazy to me! 😵‍💫❤️Their love and strength is still there. It’s forever captured. I arrived just to late to see the museum…but the meadow winds and late afternoon sunshine were my greeters and guides. I hope to go back one day to spend more than my quick stop visit! God bless this place…all the performers, the promoters and Max Yasgur.

[@bioterrorismsecurityassessment]

Rest in peace Richie Havens freedom

[@marcozappia272]

I return to this video every now and then to remember how deep and vibrant that moment was. He is a rare example of a man who brings out his soul with nothing to hold him back

[@yazooNo5]

April 22 , I Richie Havens died. I will not forget his scene in Wood Stock. Pray for the souls.

[@thegreats1781]

Happy Juneteenth Family 🖤💚❤

[@LOOPA9]

I've just seen a man arrested for speaking at a London protest sing this song as he was handcuffed and locked in a pig van. Heartbreaking. Our freedom is being stolen.

[@lencol5350]

Freedom, freedom Freedom, freedom Freedom, freedom Freedom, freedom Sometimes I feel like a motherless child Sometimes I feel like a motherless child Sometimes I feel like a motherless child A long way from my home Freedom, freedom Freedom, freedom Freedom, freedom Freedom, freedom Sometime I feel like I'm almost gone Sometime I feel like I'm almost gone Sometime I feel like I'm almost gone A long way form my home Clap your hands, clap your hands Clap your hands, clap your hands Clap your hands, clap your hands Clap your hands, clap your hands Hey, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya [(ad lib)] I gotta telephone in my pajama, and can call you from my heart I gotta telephone in my pajama, and I can call you from my heart When I need my Brother, Father, Mother, Sister When I need my Brother, Mother, Father, Sister Freedom...

[@saqibsultantemuri2437]

Thank you!

[@saqibsultantemuri2437]

Its not Pyjama, it is bossom. " i've got a telephone in my bossom"

[@jasonwatkins8731]

@@saqibsultantemuri2437 I was just about to make the correction too

[@saqibsultantemuri2437]

@@jasonwatkins8731 it was no offence. Just friendly hint. I really appriciate your work. I like people like you posting lyrics. Thank you.

[@d3vilz_lair666]

I was 8 and was at Woodstock...my dad says I was walking and stopped dead and turned to watch ritchie and was glued

[@gonzotolkien]

That moment when the crowd goes from sitting down to realizing they're witnessing greatness and stand up simply amazes me, every time.

[@louisdefilippi8982]

Electrifying... goosebumps even after all these decades! (currently 2024)

[@kierand9410]

He really bared his soul here. Stunning intensity.

[@LeanBuka1]

This is passion, man. No less, no more

[@dennismiddlebrooks7027]

I saw Richie Havens open the anti-war concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC in January 1970 with this song. The concert started at 8pm and was still going on at 3am when my friends and I left. Appearing that night were Janis Joplin, Peter, Paul & Mary, Mountain, Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Jimmy Hendrix (who collapsed during his performance) & His Band of Gypsies, and others. What a memorable night that was!

[@mrkneel5760]

Common’s question of, “what song first moved your soul?” Brought me back here.

[@jeffhill8272]

My sons, whos 8yrs old and hus mom isn't really in his life was in tears when i was playing this in the car.. the "motherless child" part obviously hit him

[@Meteo_sauce]

Some times i feel like ill never slow down. World Wide Choppers

[@sithlordshaun_]

Django unchained brought me here, great song.

[@hughiedavies6069]

My favourite performance at Woodstock, from what I've seen in videos.

[@davidfonfa3700]

“Sometimes I feel like a motherless child” Paul Robeson salute from Havens

[@freyahylax2840]

Wichtiger denn je... Freiheit... 💖

[@pavlovsunhappydog]

The only song that can give this jaded 52 year old the goosebumps..stunning.

[@jasonwatkins8731]

This song had me crying one day when I was high...... Phenomenal energy

[@frankjones4357]

There are moments in time. Often few and far between. When truth reaches out in lyric and in song, taps you on the shoulder and says; "Listen to me. Listen carefully. For I'm an infrequent visitor." This was one of those moments. One that I vividly recall to this day. And one that I will never forget. Peace...

[@anthonysalciccioli6052]

Richie Havens was the real deal. This song gets better with time.

[@jrhendry9913]

Wish i was there.

[@davidplommer9383]

2020 and still resonates! Maybe even more now that lockdown is ending!

[@neryhernandez8275]

had to listen to this today in the midst of riots, we continue to fight for freedom RIP George Floyd

[@42.0fmthefever5]

#BlackLivesMatter ✊🏻🙂✌🏻❤🇨🇦

[@mwiltsey]

Nery Hernandez - The rioters are NOT for freedom

[@welcometothejungl3]

George Floyd was a felon and a piece of shit human

[@42.0fmthefever5]

@@welcometothejungl3 wow really you are disgusting! You been on KZbin for 7 years and no subscribers damn haha

[@welcometothejungl3]

Vinyl Dad Stfu fat fuck

[@hughiedavies6069]

Richie Havans had a kind of shamanic energy when he performed, I love his performance at Woodstock, "Freedom "

[@Whoistgifuture]

I feel you Richie………here before 10 million views, let’s get it there…..Power to the people 💪🏽✊🏽

[@Whiteboybeats1968]

You’re looking at a pro right here. The man’s in his groove, setting the mood for the crowd, but it’s not quite there, so he politely asks his tech for a tweek (so smoothly in fact, even that request becomes part of the song). And with that, Richie Havens & Co. blow your mind! Dude definitely was a pro!

[@leanneturner3470]

It just doesn't get anymore real than this.

[@ayobamidele]

This message still resonates today, he's a great inspiration to me in my music and I'm sure to many musicians around the world - Thanks for posting

[@bullishharvey8793]

April 4th2020. Much love to the reader of this

[@vlado.957]

Greatest man in the world!

[@krisskriss1223]

Remember that is wat not supposed to open woodstock ! Legend

[@EarthBenderMab]

i miss u Richie Havens and was lucky to have met you and be held in your massive hands. say hi to my Mam for me please

[@Lachaîneéclectique51]

THE BEST PERFORMANCE FROM WOODSTOCK 69, 3 HOURS .... RIP RICHIE, WE MISS YOU.

[@Travelin_Man]

One of the greatest rhythm guitar players of all time 🌎✌️

[@holgerbopp8053]

For those of us who were there it was a most powerful message.

[@mirkomiessner]

The spirit of music at its peak

[@jilliankleemann9200]

I love how I can sense how beautiful this soul is. How lucky we are to experience this. How fortunate we can live during a time to listen to this.

[@maxmt4325]

It needs to go back to these times. Not war but people coming together through music and unity. #freedom #2020 sucks

[@shanesouza4303]

Ya I think he threw his soul right down on the floor and said Lord do with it what you will. Legend. I discovered him on a cassette tape out of an old mopar car.

[@kevmarpnky]

When the people start to stand and clap is when that festival became legendary.

[@twiztid1fiddy]

Always gotta come back to this one

[@DebraThomson]

We really need today your music Richie.....FREEDOM....FREEDOM...FREEDOM....FREEDOM....SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A MOTHERLESS CHILD.... A LONG WAY FROM MY HOME....

[@venomtang]

Song breaks my fucking heart man

[@bigGaza1]

This was the First time he ever played this song, Was not written, was Improvised and turned out to be his best and one of the Greatest songs ever sang.

[@gonzotolkien]

Well, it's a version of a folk song called Motherless Child, but it's insane how many stars aligned for it to happen: him on stage for three hours because of a traffic jam (that's why he has a crazy amount of sweat on his back), running out of songs, and the long intro because he didn't know what to play, when this popped into his head. Legendary.

[@reynoldspotter1121]

Thanks so much for putting forth this anthem. Now is the time to play.

[@cyndifoore7743]

Miss you Mr Havens, you were a gift to us.

[@heattheiron]

Definitely best version of this on KZbin. Thanks!

[@thomasschmoll1727]

Es war ein tolles Ereignis, alle gaben ihr Bestes um anderen Freude zu bereiten. Ich habe die Doppel LP noch in Vinyl. Ich höre Sie nocht sehr oft an

[@ekcorp6350]

Just came from Spotify and his singing voice live is the exact same as on spotify. Wish more artists today would focus on improving their actual singing voice.

[@ayobamidele]

Really agree with you. I saw him live a few times in London he was much older then but his voice was the same, just as strong. Apprently he had perfect pitch.

[@razor7526]

Rest in peace brother

[@knowledgegizmo7934]

THIS. NEEDS. MORE. VIEWS. Music gold here!

[@Dougarony]

Amazing performance of something being taken from We the People every day...Freedom!

[@switchjim]

2:52 LOL He was the very first performer, which is why the crowd looks so clean.

[@alexasaltz4229]

Havens was not scheduled to play. Running behind, he was asked to play. Richie Havens kicked off Woodstock and the rest is history. Every time I hear this song, I feel it. I mean I can FEEL it...

[@soulman7429]

Adore Richie Havens. I'm mad he had to leave this earth. Selfish of me to say perhaps. Wish artists like him could stay forever.

[@raqamsonofmanasseh8784]

Sometimes I feel like, a motherless child. The plight of my people, so called Blacks/Hispanics/Native Americans. Its 2020 soon to be 2021 and we're still Oppressed, murdered and still enslaved. You can hear his cry about our plight back then and this very day... Soon to be over with. We're waking up worldwide to where we've been scattered too.

[@devinsnyder9653]

Still a great Song..👍

[@skygazer6898]

Prince, gives a shout out to Richie Havens on his song June. Amazing performance!

[@tylersperry4744]

Thank you for blessing the internet with this! So much history behind it. Keep it up!

[@BoogieKnight1976]

Wow! That was powerful.

[@문승수-y9m]

When I saw this 10 years more or so, I was shocked literally, I never seen played the guitar like this before and voice so rough but there was an more than a words. I don’t know about the sprit of woodstock but I believe that there was a real of music as art and there was a real joy when we hear this kind of music

[@ayobamidele]

I agree with you, such a passionate powerful artist with a strong presence, he really inspired me in my music too.

[@redogg2749]

I wish I wer born to experience this magic.

[@guygirl5270]

I can't believe what a amazing artist 😍

[@sneakthieve]

Glad I got to see Richie before he passed

[@montjoiestdenis1]

Freedom song for ever !!! Peace bro...

[@karinrigler452]

wo sind unsere Jungen heute ---where are out Young peopöe today .......geilste Musik-ever ...

[@alistairmacrae4870]

Django. Watching this movie in 2020, freedom by Richie Havens in the background. Memories flooding back. Brilliant

[@gus9584]

Great artist !!!

[@dthesq]

You cant imagine how big a smile I got when this came on in Django.

[@americanfellow]

WOW, a classic of classic rock. one of the best songs and interpretations i've ever heard. tfs! :))

[@michaelbolam3061]

He was only 28 years ago old man, he appears much older through the wisdom pouring out of him

[@ireibarvaz]

amazing master RIP Richie Havens

[@hirdy161]

Love Richie. Absolute legend, came back and did it again collaborating with Groove Armada. Top bloke

[@TinaMossBeach]

So sorry to hear of his passing. I saw him in concerts in the 60s...magical.

[@nadominhoca]

That was legendary man!!!

[@darrenrobertson4961]

My love from Nova Scotia introduced me to this guy. If nothing else, it's a great peek at Woodstock. The music's pretty alright too!

[@izuki8959]

im only 40 feel like 20 but this was a time when love compassion hope meant something ,,,, im affraid the only reason they hav shit like that today is not for men women to hold hands and say to the gov NO we dont want war ........ Now its .... ok ...... do whatever the gov wants cause we dont speakup about truth ............. not lies ....... sad

[@stevenbelloni]

RICHIE mi manchi e ci manchi tantissimo. ☮️☮️☮️

[@stizzyjay5997]

He goes so hard on this