Follow Ritchie Havens

[@edwardmcmanus7496]

My first Richie Havens concert was in October 1970. It was a most special night sitting no more than 20 feet away from him with his two mates on his left and right. He brought an indescribable level of both energy and decency the way he presented his songs. Some 30 years later I sent him an email to his personal email address that I found on the net. I thanked him for my memories of him from that night and the hours of beautiful music he gave me. Less than 2 days later I got the nicest email from him. He was a uniquely beautiful man and artist. RIP Richie.

[@chrisandrus689]

... amen, Edward... knew him, loved him, wherever he was Peace was there....

[@RonaldLindeboom]

If I had to pick the most important song of my lifetime, it would be this one.

[@dennyknight9997]

Me too, Ronald Lindeboom, I hope this dude sits with God.

[@RonaldLindeboom]

+Denny Knight, You sir, have great taste in music. ;)

[@EatMeBeatMeGirl]

Yes, sir. Agree. Beautiful lyrics, beautifully sung.

[@dianesmithson6030]

Love this song. Beautiful lyrics!

[@aprellabutts2429]

I'm just discovering his music and 55. The Voice brought me here, one of the singers said that he would like to cover Ritchie Havens songs

[@JimTolerico]

One of the best songs ever. RIP I will always miss you.

[@mikeprell2747]

We lost one of the best when we lost this Gentleman!

[@lindagarb8537]

Miss him so much. His music is so beautiful and soothing.

[@howabouthat8606]

Richie Havens...every song feels like he's stroking every sadness out of my heart, soothing me, setting me free....this man was a gift to humanity and he lives forever xxxx

[@MegaCarmine12]

i agree i play this for my beautiful granddaughter Francesca passed 8/11/15

[@swilson7674]

I feel the same way....love this music

[@michaelduffy1684]

I believe Richie was an Angel. Ever since I found him during a High School History field trip to see the movie Woodstock in 1970 I felt a magical mystic sense of everything is going to be alright. I believe this with all my heart. RIP my brother!

[@productionsbypassadino8379]

Michael Duffy I met Richie at a small club on LI NY called "My Father's Place" in the late 70's. He was hanging around the back of the club listening to another act. I walked up to him and complimented him. He graciously took my hand and joined his other hand in a peaceful touch... he bowed slightly and meekly with his eyes closed and thanked me. I was so touched by his humility and meek peaceful manner.. I never forgot that moment...

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

I Shook his hand as he was leaving the stage at Woodstock. He was walking down the wooden ramp/bridge behind the stage and i was standing there and reached thru the railings and he reached down and grabbed my hand and smiled and said" thank you my friend"....Such a beautiful soul i've admired all of my life. I believe he was a Angel too.

[@racerx6041]

Michael Duffy : That's also the first time I saw him. Richie was all Woodstock stood for. Music love and peace.✌

[@dbradx]

@@productionsbypassadino8379 - I saw him play at a Woodstock 20th anniversary show north of Toronto back in 1989 and had a chance to chat with him briefly afterwards. I know what you mean - I have never felt such genuine, honest warmth and love from another human being. I got that same handshake and a gracious thanks when I mentioned what a fan I was. When I told him how much this specific song meant to me, he gave me a big hug and wished me well. I feel infinitely richer for having had those few moments. Thinking a lot of him on this 50th anniversary of his triumph at Woodstock. Peace.

[@maitefaangaza2409]

@@productionsbypassadino8379 I had a similar experience about 10 years ago. He took my hand and covered it with his other. then looked me in the eye as though no one else was there and asked me to tell him a little about myself. Then he thanked me for buying his CD. I felt the love he radiated quite readily.

[@lindaw5226]

Absolutely one of my favorites, haunting and poignant and still immediately transports me back to the late 60’s. I continue to play this version often to remind me of who I was back then and who I still am now 50 years later!

[@susanandrew6453]

Me too, and me too, and me too.

[@TheSzlagowski]

R.I.P Richie Havens - Thank you for singing my soul for over 40 years. Many will mourn you - for you have fed the souls and spirit of many. Respect.

[@lyndahallock3954]

For my Son and his Father, both now gone...I hope you found one another.....

[@theajones6080]

God bless, I hope so too.

[@ReverendSoupbone]

God, listen to that voice!! I was so lucky to see Richie in a small tavern back room. I was ten feet away. He was so magnetic and amazing. Such a treasure.

[@MegaCarmine12]

my granddaughter just passed away and when i played this song i could not stop crying. the meaning of this song was so strong that it was almost more than i could take. i have hear this song since 1968 and never has the message been so powerful. rip Richie my Brother.

[@chrisannesmith9259]

+Carmine Ciserano God Bless you!

[@rkoorse]

+Carmine Ciserano Oh, hey we who hear you send you something on the wind. I saw Richie at Woodstock. Like to think his wish when he made music was to pass a bit of his wonderful soul out to the rest of us, for us to pass it along to others. We feel it all together and know each other that way. Both with you sad and happy for you...Peace.

[@chrisannesmith9259]

Peace and Blessings to all of you!😘😘😘

[@chrisannesmith9259]

Peace and Blessings to all of you!😘😘😘

[@chrisannesmith9259]

Peace and Blessings to all of you!😘😘😘

[@carmellewis5919]

The man - who was part of my youth. Beautiful voice, still moves me in the year 2022

[@milestrotter6844]

I am 15 and can't get enough of these old songs! I am not the biggest fan of modern music, surprisingly. This song is a masterpiece.

[@kathiburger6018]

So glad you've discovered Richie. Keep listening. There are so many songs he interpreted as only he could. Listen to all his music - everyone song is a gift you will treasure. I'm 60 years older than you, but 'found' him in my teens and he's 'been with me' ever since. Saw him in concert many times in various venues - small, intimate clubs, college theaters, and others. He was magnificent every time and had a magical ability to connect with his audience. Share him with your friends. They will thank you for it.

[@milestrotter6844]

@@kathiburger6018 I will let my friends know, thanks for your story, you're so lucky I wish I got to see him live. Those performances must've been magical.

[@boughtnpaidfer]

This is a call to listen to the creator, God is here with us.

[@jojoma714]

RIP Richie Havens. You were one of a kind with a voice that came straight from the gods.

[@jayjaytud836]

I was 15 years old and Richie took out his guitar. Just he and I and played me this. My life forever changed. xo Peppy Castro

[@michaelmorgan119]

way back I went to the theater and saw this great movie with jon voight and Jane fonda called coming home. i have been stunned a handful of times by the beauty of music and lyrics, i could name them all. this was one of them. During the movie I heard this song in the background and it whacked me. Let your hands tie a knot around the table. it haunted me. I had to find out, who sang it and what was the songs name, which was no little feat back in 79 or 80. it took me 1 week to get the info. I was in college in Massachusetts so I took the saturday train to faniel hall in Boston, found and old record store and by some miracle he had a Richie Havens album that had the song on it. He said to me I never forgot it. " it's weird you are the second person today to buy a RH album, I haven't sold anything by him in months." I couldn't wait to get it back to the turntable in my dorm. I listened to it over and over. it was so beautifully written it was worth the effort. one of my top 3 all time beautys.

[@melrosemiss]

What a powerful movie that was.

[@CP5699]

Such a passionate man. An immensely talented man with a gentle and loving soul.

[@dd1985]

I am seriously about to cry, such a beautiful song already. So simple and humble. And now he passes- if Richie Havens was nothing but a dream, he was one you didn't want to wake up from.

[@dbaby5614]

Simple...strong...beautifully poetic. Bless you for posting.

[@adamtheberge9329]

I heard this song on the TV show once and searched and searched and searched until I found out who it was by I absolutely love this song it's the greatest song ever written

[@johnaaron9387]

I’ll never forget shaking your hand at Blues Alley. It was twice the size of mine. Mixed Bag changed my life. Thank you for filling our hearts with your music.

[@jackdolphy8965]

Mixed Bag -- it was the same for me, I was 13 at the time. Put me on the track I'm still on. I was honored and thrilled that Richie signed my copy yes that same Lp I kept with me all those years, after a concert in Tucson about two years before we lost him. Richie was soo gracious and loving. . . I read him a poem that a friend of mine from those years passed to me; my friend loved Richie since those times and died (of AIDS) before ever getting to meet him. I mentioned that to Richie, that my friend never got to meet him and would dearly have loved to; Richie got real quiet for a moment as he re-read the poem on the paper I had brought, and he said "well now we have". Peace :)

[@raesamuel7018]

saw richie at the Mohigan.resort in Ny a couple years ago..Richie had a quality that defies words..warmth' sincerity..off stage he was richie..a gift to us on earth here

[@suznmusic1]

I don't know how many tears rolled down my face, listening to this song. The death of Richie Havens is a great loss to the world, and I am stlll mourning! I am very happy though, that I can share this here with you!!!!!

[@domais68]

Super talented musician and great guy! I met him in NY. He was a mountain of a man. I'm 6'4" and he was about 3-4 inches taller. R.I.P. Mr. Havens! You made our world a better place.

[@johnlisa6321]

Richie Havens, too bad he is gone. So glad to have seen him live years ago at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA. One of my favorite songs. I do not know who else could sing it like Richie. Very good lyrics.

[@egodust11]

I just thought about this song a few hours ago, and it magically appeared on my KZbin list. Ever with you in OM, my spirit brother.

[@dominicmarrano3949]

one of the greatest songs, ever...still..after all these years...

[@williamparis4604]

I met Richie at a club in LA where he was performing. A more gracious and friendly man I've yet to meet.

[@stewartrosenwasser6587]

One. Of the most beautiful songs ever. The words. My daughter and I sing this.

[@j.j.manning8569]

If there is any sense of humanity in an individual you will be moved- as I was. On at least 3 occasions during this song- I broke up and tears welled up in my eyes as I ,listened to every syllable from Richie's voice- THIS is what keeps US ALL human. As it is wished---- BE Touched- Live-- and have NO FEAR of one another. J.J. Port Washington NY. Follow. Me

[@theajones6080]

So true. This song is so moving. I heard when I was 14, and never forgot it,and I never will

[@theajones6080]

I was 13 when I went myself to see coming home in 1977. This song caught my attention and it took me a long time to figure out who sang it. So beautiful and affecting to a young girl. So beautiful and affecting to a now 54 yr old woman. He was heaven sent. God bless.

[@jsmith1277311]

The soundtrack of my life.

[@A_Pa-Plainjane]

to all the lucky listeners of this melody, say a blessing to the spirit of one of the finest humans ever to walk the planet.

[@atomotma]

You gotta love this man, with or without his singing.

[@laurenet81]

Richie Havens, what a great man, he will be missed and his music never forgotten. This is my favorite song from him , and i always shed a tear when i hear it so beautiful.

[@sojourner420]

I often listen to your songs. Your voice and guitar playing can never be matched. YOU are SORELY MISSED. Rest Brother

[@nharveyrep]

I am hearing this really hearing, feeling and resonating with his words, voice, and wisdom for the first time. We hear when we're willing and able to listen.

[@u000drl]

RIP the 60's would not have been the same without you.

[@prose_ack4818]

This song calms my 6 month old down instantly.. I have loved it since my mother first played it for me and it has gotten me through really tough times..

[@prose_ack4818]

The same child is now 5 and she still listens to this song every night to sleep. Its so special to hear her say " Momma.. follow? " All these years and an autism diagnosis later this song still calms her down faster than anything else. ❤

[@TheSzlagowski]

O'Sensei Richie - you are sadly and strongly missed.

[@Lobishomem]

Brilliant!! Forgot how amazing this man was, won't forget again, thanks for posting.

[@MegaCarmine12]

listening again 50 years later still sounds beautiful

[@HopeForPeaceNow]

That one always get me weepy .... so so so beautiful

[@krobk1953]

R.I.P. my friend, thank you for giving us the blessing of your music.

[@tomblackmore3310]

Best song ever about living a real life

[@imageseverywhere]

Had the great pleasure of seeing Ritchie regularly at Gaslight and Cafe Au Go Go in mid 60s...Open E tuning and unique strummer ...and oh that voice..this one always resonated!

[@racerx1189]

Let the river rock you like a cradle Climb to the treetops, Child, if you're able I dedicate this beautiful song to all people of the world. Especially all those who are having a hard time of it at this very tough time. May God bless and keep you always. 🙏❤️✌️

[@sgraffwriter]

Not often enough placed among the musical greats--but richly deserves to be. Now, he's another one who reminds us of what we all need more of in this world; peace, love, and music.

[@normanlarke1]

Uplifting and human that was Richie Haven's in his music and life. Love.

[@phelp014]

Thank you. So many nights I fell asleep listening to this song.

[@racerx6041]

Richie's voice was food for the soul much like this beautiful song. May he rest in peace. ✌

[@marcberner4717]

Godspeed, dear brother Richie! Thank you for being here.

[@shangdangshugga]

I saw Ritchie play at an out door festival in the early 2000s. I remember him telling a story about how one day in 1967 he woke up one morning thinking" yknow Im just not gonna be in a bad mood anymore and lo and behold i havent been since. " This quick comment before song always stuck with me. He's one of the few humans on the planet that could say that and youd totally believe its true.

[@racerx1189]

That's a beautiful thought man. ✌️

[@jackdolphy8965]

Yes that's a wonderful story he told. Sure is something to remember - cause from Richie you sure totally believe it's true :) Wind ever at your back brother.

[@spike16965]

This has always been a good song with depth meaning.

[@juanolmo2748]

No words to describe the feeling this song bring it to me.

[@juanolmo5087]

The song , the man .. the feelings ..when you listen this song you are touching by God.

[@pattibyhoff1762]

come and touch the things you cannot feel...rest in peace...your friend, paul

[@chickalini]

I opened my computer to find a call from the Dark from one of my most Beloved crying out at the truth of the Perspective Reality Presents and felt Anguish. Searching my mind for words to help and coming up empty this song by Ritchie Havens came to mind. I first heard it as a child of 18, one of those kids that followed the siren call of new horizons, winding up in L.A. California where at the time it seemed there were more answers than questions. There was a record store (records were vinyl discs that would reproduce music on devices called phonographs) on Sunset Blvd, named Wallach's Music City where you could pick out three record albums to go into a listening booth and listen to. Ritchie Havens' album Mixed Bag was one of the ones I always picked and his song Follow would always capture my mind and always send it careening out into various spheres of thought. I don't believe I ever followed this song to the end, as it would inevitably lose me, until today when I rode it to it's end. We all have different interpretations of reality, but down through the decades his words "don't mind me for I ain't nothing but a dream" have, much like the title of the song, followed me, maybe not in the fore of my mind, but always there. Yes I ain't nothing but a dream, but even as I type those words, despite the batterings of time, despite the roller coaster ride with the crushing lows after the soaring highs there's a primal spark that still ignites me, Yes I ain't nothing but a dream, but it's my dream and I still have volition, the ability to choose. Despite all the evidence that darkness is prevailing I choose to believe that the light will dissolve the dark. Actually I don't really think I have a choice, it's either live or die and in my mind optimism is the only path to life. This might sound trite, particularly to the doomsayers, but there is as much evidence to support my view as there is for the opposite. Always choose the light and always be the author of your life!

[@bombteacher]

A true legend and gift from God...I regret not being able to see you in person, Sir!

[@chrisannesmith9259]

Come taste and smell the waters of our time. Ahhh... Rest in Peace my Beloved Brother!

[@DazeyMay]

I had just been thinking of him yesterday and tearing up listening to his music...

[@doloresgonzales5147]

then don't mind me cause I ain't nothing but dream and you can follow ... RIP Richie ... love listening to you, love you voice love your guitar playing ... love your sound. RIP

[@thegr8one572]

I lost my cousin recently .. discovered this song and the Man through a movie called "pall bearer" it moved me so.. I had to find it/him .. I've been studying this song ever since ...it's impeccably written .. my brain couldn't comprehend the abstraction in the lyrics but my soul understood its meaning ...♥️ 💯

[@ABookworm2010]

Rest in Peace Richie Havens, love this song!

[@sarahloper9799]

Needed this so much after this month of grief.

[@cindyleefrank]

SIR RICHIE YOU HAVE TOUCHED MY SOUL FOR 45 YEARS I AM SO SAD AT THIS TRAGIC LOSS GOD KEEP YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN

[@Youman71463]

two years ago today, on Earth Day no less - RIP and thanks for all the great, always reflective music

[@blaeckingceorl4161]

You can see it's really a beautiful song. My english is not quite good, but I got the impression that not just me that think about passing away when hearing it. It reminds me the times when I used to dream of my grandma after she had passed away. Especially when he sings "Don't mind me, 'cause I ain't nothing but a dream." Makes me think about the horrible feeling that filled me knowing that that was just a dream. I also think about my own death and the fact that I'll let behind that one who I loved deeply, but I never came to touch and show the most beautiful things I always wish to show since the first time I saw her.

[@anna-nn4ix]

miss you Ritchie Havens..

[@MegaCarmine12]

i'm still listening to this song love to my granddaughter Francesca I miss you Grandpa

[@MegaCarmine12]

each time i hear this song i think of our lost loved ones rest in peace....

[@kbencsik1]

I was lucky enough to see him in a small venue, Sellersville Theatre, PA and he was wonderful. Love his interpretations.

[@cdog9559]

saw Richie '72 Brooklyn College NY

[@johnrestivo8872]

As i walked on through the garden i'am glad i did not miss you . R.I.P. BROTHER

[@imannonymous7707]

His sound and feel cuts thru my soul like knife thru butter......

[@ericharpbrown]

A masterpiece which took me through 1967

[@lindagarb8537]

Sings to my soul. Miss him so much.

[@therdhood]

Heard this for the first time in a lot of miles and a lot of years. RIP Richie.

[@sharonensor7471]

RIP and thankyou Ritchie

[@scsmith621]

what a beautiful song

[@29poland]

RIP Richie Havens!

[@mikeywood1516]

Incredible musical force.

[@platter1000]

rip. thank you for your music

[@chrisannesmith9259]

Peace and Blessings to all of you.Please keep bringing your Love and Light! It is so needed!😘😘😘

[@carmellewis5919]

Known this guy a long time. Part of my past Great voice

[@evestar100]

Peace and Love forever.

[@robertmorris6016]

Just heard this artist wow. My loss .

[@johns.8082]

I don't know what this song is about or what it means, but yet I do. Magic.

[@bmr622]

perfectly said john

[@stumplifter]

It is one of Those Songs that touches something deep. Jerry Merrick originally wrote it, I cam here via Susan Tedeschi covering it.., and just really WANT to know the meaning of the lyrics are... Magic Beauty a Dream.

[@sab9327]

I wish young artist had this passion and actually talent . They can dream both but never live it

[@Jerryo1949b]

Thanks for posting,Vincent. Wonderful song!

[@andreapoop6576]

beautiful song

[@hugginduff]

the essence of the 60s

[@MikeJones-pd9ws]

This song was written by the late Jerry Merrick. You can hear his version by looking up Jerry Merrick

[@jaymontie]

finished the 'a walk on the moon' movie and youtube searched the last song.. thanks for this

[@noble103]

Just beautiful

[@calgal8785]

So blessed to have experienced Richie Havens in person in New York City and San Francisco. Much respect for him💗👍

[@DCarley3245]

this song always makes me cry

[@neilbixby6120]

So full of heart!

[@alexiamathews55]

I love this song

[@harriettbarnes7257]

Gratitude 4 this

[@daddiocapa]

incredibly sweet !