Richie Havens - Freedom at Woodstock 1969 (HD)

[@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.

[@ValeriePace-cc1vw]

I believe it was made up on the spot. I was born 10 years too late. I would of loved to have been there. 🙂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@mhlengintswane9052]

When Django took off his coat and surrendered to Candie's goons for the sake of his wife while this song was playing in the background....man, it still gets me

[@galvestoncandlecompany5696]

@@mhlengintswane9052 when the guitar started, I whooped

[@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.

[@nerdtechstore2023]

Woodstock 69 the greatest 3 day event ever!!!!!!!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@kenneththompson8933]

"..Sometimes I feel like a Motherless child "...what a line.

[@Cineportrait]

Exactly. Cuts in deep

[@taka2517]

@@Cineportrait Its from Sweetwater (Sweetwater - Motherless child), actually the next song in lineup. They arrived to late because of the masses of people coming on nad Richie had to improvise his last couple of songs.

[@Top10WizardReviews]

In case anybody actually wants to know "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child", also "Motherless Child", is a traditional Spiritual. It dates back to the era of slavery in the United States."

[@Fred-s9o]

​@@Top10WizardReviewsthat good to Kno , thank you

[@Fred-s9o]

😢😢😢

[@numberwunsaifu2575]

Richie was a customer of mine when I worked at B&H on the corner of 34th and 9th street in Manhattan. He was a very nice guys everything I saw him. I saw him often enough to ask him questions about his career and Woodstock. I remember when I learned of his passing I took the day off of work to reflect on his music and life. Legend.

[@joemartines3545]

Very interesting experience...

[@loughton57]

I worked in the west village .. lived round there too .. omg those were the BEST days..RH was going out with my friend

[@fonsecarichard]

Wow! Great story and sorry for your loss 😢

[@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

[@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

[@pamlunn8844]

The sweat pouring off of him...he was putting his life and soul into this performance.

[@bobiesfriendtim]

Im always amazed that this man, exhausted from playing like 6 hours at this point. Had the stamina (And absolutely giant balls) To start a song with this riff and hold it the entire time. What a fucking Legend. RIP

[@MrMoe158]

Not 6 hours

[@SCOTT-ki3ve]

I used to only play electric guitar as a teen. Then I saw this video, in the 80s and learned how powerful acoustic music could be. If I could only be at woodstock for 1 song it would be this

[@SuicideSeason4545]

3*

[@MrMoe158]

@@SuicideSeason4545 Not three hours either

[@Svimle]

It was 60 hours

[@stanferris1974]

I watched a documentary on Woodstock he said he just got up there and did what felt natural he didn't plan it. Ended up being a Iconic performance

[@alanmartin5119]

A Masterpiece remember it well I’m 75 (worlds oldest teenager) I Blasted this song last summer’21 Coopers Beach Southampton NY With a longgggg towel over my head/shoulders to the ground, The Bech ERUPTED into dance & gaiety!!!

[@carolynzaremba5469]

I'm the same age as you.

[@christlopherbrandimarte4520]

❤❤❤❤ I vaguely remember this OUTSTANDING performance live since I was at ripe old age of 7.. However, as I grew older I appreciated this man, a true gentleman, and his iconic character rendering performance of perfection despite the improbable impromptuitiveness. Richie Havens IS Woodstock. He is what made Woodstock infamous. God Bless You. And if you're on Southampton Beach during the Summer of '24, let us all know, for we would all love to jam and join you.

[@williamsomerville-x7q]

I'm 72 and it's 2024 I hope you are hale and hearty and still enjoying music.

[@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.

[@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

[@meganrussell53]

What a beautiful story you shared. I lost my sister at a young age, and music connects uo to this day. 💜🎶💜

[@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.

[@PhillipLewis-z9j]

​@canihavethesauceYou're a cheery sob aren't you?

[@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.

[@Kismet1955]

Freedom...2021..who is watching? Love from holland

[@quidly259]

And in 2024!

[@kathitownsend3857]

July, 2024

[@adalcigoncalves]

I’m from Brasil

[@NimaRazavi]

2024, from Iran.

[@pokey5736]

2024 USA

[@ShuffleBassT]

Hey guys, since Woodstock happened now 55 years ago I also wanted to make a quick statement by myself here. Recently I had a talk with my best friend and told him "Do you remember, when I first heard and saw the footage of Freedom by Richie Havens? I was 15 years old, simply overwhelmed like never before. I have not witnessed a performance like that all my life". We kept talking and suddenly I realized - now, 13 years and 7.5 million views later I'm still sitting here and am immensely flattered by your views, likes and comments. It started as an interesting and most of all a fun project for myself back then when I sat down and enhanced the audio plus footage quality. I could have never known that after all these years I would reach so many beautiful people all around the world with what was at the time my personal, absolute favorite video. That time really influenced me and my musical career enourmesly. Being now the head and leader of my 8-piece band Magnolian Moods, playing many different instruments, singing or just writing some new songs. It all started with this particular video. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and thank you, Richie, for ,to this day, still bringing people together. You and your irreplaceable voice, groove and energy will never be forgotten.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Stay strong, healthy, creative and blessed. Express and unite. Keep it up! Much love from Greece. Thank you for everything!

[@JuggleBolaWORLD]

Super fantastic. This video and playing by Richie Havens truly is something special and powerful. Thanks for sharing your story. Any links for your band Magnolian Moods? Rock on my friend. 🤘

[@ShuffleBassT]

@@JuggleBolaWORLD Thanks, man - great to hear. Sure we are on Spotify and you can watch our newest live performance of "Sunbeams" on KZbin. Greetings from Austria -Sebby.

[@jamesmuhs9593]

When you'll do your best to improvise and fill time until the other musicians arrive, and subsequently create a joyous thunderclap that shall forever resonate through the heavens.

[@lord_chardak]

50 years ago from today... Still one of the most simple & impressive performance on stage so far. Peace!

[@ericwhalen7153]

Mislav Lešić it’s so funny reading this comment after being drawn to this song yesterday out of the blue...

[@lisahice1867]

I was 11. I watched coverage on TV wishing I could just run away to New York. Listening today after 50 years , I still can feel it. Nowhere to run to now... Nothing will ever be that cool again. Peace and love!!!

[@brianmucha6426]

Amazing!

[@christinacope562]

I guess it's true life is about changes. Never would there be another event like this. I wish I could've been there to experience. No crime in that large of crowd, most were in for free and bless Mr. Yaygur for fighting the local government for this to be held on his farm in 1969.

[@captainturf3995]

I’m a “metal” guy and a guitarist and I find myself coming back to this performance ALOT! One of the greatest live performances of all time...if not the greatest. This is an artist absolutely feeling it to another level, brilliant!

[@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!

[@paparichard5172]

I was able to see Richie perform in the basement of a church on long island in1969. It was a powerful performance, one I could not forget to this day. Why he stuck in my mind for me to seek him out is one of God's mysteries.

[@knblutz]

Wow. I lived in Lynbrook in ‘69 No way my NY cop Dad would let me go! They put me on an airplane that Saturday back to Canada and waited until plane took off! Scorsese 4hr editors cut “Woodstock” was just on tv! “They” must all be looking down… 2024…. Kris xox

[@knblutz]

In the original movie I swear I saw “Brandy Alexander” from Lynbrook High School! She had curls and round glasses. I almost peed my pants. Xox

[@VivaCatatumbo973]

Richie Havens. Born 1/21/41. Passed away 4/22/13. This song makes me want to cry every time I hear it. RIP Brother.💐😢

[@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.

[@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.

[@jeej333]

Epic raw emotion. Dammit Richie! This man poured his heart out. Richie Havens left his mark that still reverberates into goose bumps.

[@pamelanorris8179]

It's awesome that when he died, he had his ashes spread on the grounds where Woodstock happened.

[@jdwfenton]

Legend has it that this was all improvised . Havens had played for 3 and a half hours while waiting for other acts that were supposed to go on first. He said he played every song he knew. So he just improvised. One of the defining moments at Woodstock. RIP

[@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

[@SpacePirate3000]

Fun fact: He wrote this song on the spot at Woodstock because he ran out of things to and still had some time left. It became his most popular song.

[@edgartellez4394]

Cool fact . Thanks

[@Hillbillyhippie-oc7fq]

Wow he is very good like Taj mahal

[@universegalaxyuniversegalaxy]

Hey just so you know there is a page on KZbin called Michael Jordan fans are the worst sports fans of all time.

[@SpacePirate3000]

@@universegalaxyuniversegalaxy There's a thing called idgaf about Michael Jordan. The picture is the meme of him crying.

[@universegalaxyuniversegalaxy]

@@SpacePirate3000 There's a thing about you getting annoyed for no reason. I just let you know something then. You're making a big deal out of nothing seriously then.

[@gllincoln]

Feel greatly privileged to have been there and to have arrived early enough to know how the first set performed at Woodstock rolled. I had never heard Richie Havens' music before then. He came out playing "Handsome Johnny". Richie Havens' broke a string - kept on playing, talked to the audience thru the process of restringing and tuning - Richie Havens' poise and stage presence blew me away. He cranked out music for a long time - I've read estimates that he played nearly three hours straight, far longer than he was originally scheduled to play because the arrival of so many acts had been delayed by the incredible 10 mile long traffic jam on the New York Thruway.

[@brotherlove9374]

Was in Ft Monmouth U.S. Army Signal School, at the time. Few knew how historical Woodstock was going to be . . . .

[@gllincoln]

WWI NLN Very true! The magnitude of the event still escapes many who comment, and I had no clue either, when I mailed off a check for tickets. I saw an ad in the Rolling Stone magazine that listed an incredible lineup of bands appearing. I had no idea that at least 1/400 of the entire population of the USA were making a similar spontaneous decision to attend.

[@leecollins5822]

Incredible..... A lucky man indeed. Will go down in history as the greatest gathering ever :)

[@andreawalcovy4039]

I wanted to go, I lived in NY @ the time but I had No Luck trying to talk my parents into letting my Sister & myself go. maybe cause I was 9yrs old. I said I'd keep an eye on my Sister who was 10 yrs older, I just got a look like "child have u lost ur mind??" I should've tried to talk my mom into going 1st. hindsight,......oh well I've got to see so many Amazing bands shortly after.shhhh. don't tell Hahaha!😋 ive Always been ahead of my time. funny thing time.....

[@leonoraacevedo1154]

Wow you was so lucky to have been there✌✌✌✌

[@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 🙏

[@scottbeck9385]

I was 10, my Brother was 18. Best 3 days of my life was at Woodstock.

[@Burt472]

Lucky you...I was 12 and living in Italy then...Still am...But managed to visit the States a few times....

[@GrandmaCathy]

❤❤❤❤ I was 3. :-(

[@cavaliothorson7755]

Me and my siblings weren't alive yet. 😕

[@jeovanneramos5066]

Kinda wish you had a cámara 🎥 or video camcorder it would be an interesting point of view a little boy with his big brother on one of the greatest moments in music history.

[@mamapegg]

This is perhaps the rawest performance ever. Fantastic

[@YoungFlyFlashy08]

To anybody reading this: I lost my mom on my birthday a year and a half ago. Mother’s Day is always particularly hard even with having a huge support system and a big family. The power of music is this song being the only thing that is keeping me moving. Literally. Wherever you are Richie Havens....thank you.

[@john2sioch299]

Bless your heart and prayers to comfort We have had hard love losses this passing year Thru faith and strangers coming together, we find strength to carry on😇

[@michelewalburn4376]

I hope that my other partial comment comes up. I can't see it, but sometimes I can't. I believe that your mom sent me to say hi to you.

[@mrmojomajestic8317]

My idea of heaven would be a Groundhog Day thing but Woodstock. Living those 3 days over and over again, mingling with the people. I was actually born Aug 16h, 1979. 10 years today after the middle day. 💯✌🏻😎🤙🏻♥️

[@MattyMadonna]

I swear this song just soothes my soul every time I listen to it..

[@Fodsmyth]

+Jerome Gage Jr. Yes it does.

[@slwtgf]

me too, identical feelings you summed it up.

[@maryjbelle]

+Jerome Gage Jr. it always has for me many years and I still feel it.

[@andywolf9366]

+Jerome Gage Jr. Freedom! Freedom! I was told Mr. Ritchie Havens had to improvise as he had to play longer since no other musician had arrived. And he came up with an anthem, today as up-to-date as ever! Freedom! Freedom!

[@colinandrews4841]

+maryjbelle yes.. yes yes... and still do .. he told it.. and helped to set us free.. )))))

[@eliquate]

I was 10 when I found this documentary on my dads shelf. I had never heard of Richie Heavens. I watched this song about 100 times. I had never seen anything like this. This is going to sound cringy but I was a suburban white kid who’s only exposure to black culture was from MTV. But this performance there is an energy, of frustration and defiance, and when I learned more about what black people were going through during this time (and still)… this shit to this day makes my hair stand up.

[@tomgardner8825]

it's Havens

[@eliquate]

@@tomgardner8825 auto correct, but thank you.

[@truckerdude9172]

Why would your story be cringey? There are tons of people who grew up like you did. Nothing be ashamed of. Best advice I can give is try not to get your information about people from tv lol

[@bee1411]

@@truckerdude9172 🙌 Exactly.

[@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

[@dnlsiri]

If you are watching this in 2023 there is hope.

[@boots-mr4dp]

2024

[@GnomaPhobic]

We need the spirit of the 60s now more than ever. Peace, Love, and Equality for everyone!

[@Samanta2137]

2024

[@davemackay]

2024

[@knblutz]

Feb 2024. While I wait!

[@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

[@tkso.philly3879]

This song has ALWAYS brought tears to my eyes and touched me deep in my heart.My uncle was out there in the crowd somewhere,just before being deployed to Vietnam.

[@truenorth2977]

It was such a difficult time. I hope he made it back.

[@ericgolden4349]

This man freestyled before it was a thing that’s legendary

[@HeliosDroneWorks]

Haha I understand what you are trying to imply but freestyle and improv was around long before Richie Havens

[@kenrawley9025]

Amazing story how this happened (also noted in comments below). He was asked to fill time as the second act was very late. He ran through all his songs and created this on the spot (note his backup guys looking at each other). I was lucky to hang around him, Arlo and Meanie at Woodstock 25. My fiancé once read Ritchie his tarot cards in her apartment in NYC. He had his ashes spread at the Woodstock site. RIP.

[@melonhead49]

When music ruled the world

[@DicedPotato]

melonhead34 x

[@MrSmith-no5pg]

When socialists almost destroyed the world. I love richie havens however; it is because of this time in history; that we find ourselves in this upside down world today.

[@LoveLife-xy9ir]

When drugs were cool hahaha. Drugs kill

[@harr6676]

Still does my guy

[@devinbret]

@@MrSmith-no5pg Well that is a load of nonsense. Indefensible.

[@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)!

[@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!

[@chisa1429]

2024 almost 2025.. who is still listening this song !?

[@kathitownsend3857]

🎉 election day 🎉

[@dcarey51]

Always!

[@timothycampbell499]

I am ✌️

[@lisamartin2459]

Need it more today

[@francesrandazzo9434]

Need it today

[@rubbermannequin6595]

In the 1990s, I had just installed a lighting system in The Casino Cabaret, an intimate little performance venue in Denver, Colorado. They hired me to run lights for shows since they didn't have anybody. And that's how I got to see this amazing gentle soul perform live for free. He talked about opening at Woodstock, all kinds of things. He was a great story teller, a philosopher, a soul man. I am privileged to have been able to listen to him in person.

[@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

[@MrGarruk123]

You can really tell he gave everything in that performance

[@sunnieemerson6814]

and did in every single one of his performances. he could do it no other way! was an intensely, deeply feeling person.

[@charlyannekirby]

I met Richie Haven's at the Jazz Cafe in 1996 & he was so warm and kind to me, my late brother Rene and late mum Christine. God bless their souls in heaven. Moments like this are worth more than gold - hallelujah ❤

[@literallyshaking8019]

Fitting that Richie’s best known song was created completely on the spot, during a seminal concert that defined a generation. The best moments are serendipitous.

[@handsvsfood2781]

No way I didn’t know that. Incredible and fitting...

[@superdinosaurpuppet]

I saw Ritchie, Dolans warehouse Limerick '05 he told a story of not knowing the words to that intil he saw Woodstock movie, a wonderful, gentle funny genius, one of the best I have ever seen, after the gig, he stayed and signed, chatted etc until everyone left. The biggest hands I have ever seen on a guitarist, and the biggest heart I have ever seem in anyone.

[@literallyshaking8019]

@@superdinosaurpuppet I met Richie about 10 years ago at the Mountain Jam festival in the Catskills and also got to shake his hand. It was like shaking hands with someone wearing a catchers mitt.

[@jungleninja8415]

@@superdinosaurpuppet in Ireland ah I needed to see that

[@john-rodgerna5955]

Exactly. True Creativity comes from deep within and its MAJIK. We ALL possess it. Just have to turn off the bs, the garbage, go within, and let it out.

[@lowbridge7070]

Richie was a friend of the family years before woodstock, years before he became famous. Richie used to take part in musical jams in Greenwich Village. My mother attended these jams. She wasnt a musician. She went just to enjoy the music. Richie was going through a rough patch in his life at the time and was seriously considering giving up music for good. But my mother, seeing how talented he was, would talk him out of it. Decades go by and mother is employed in the criminal courts in manhattan. She hasnt seen or been in contact with Richie for many, many years. One day she is walking out of the courthouse and she sees Richie standing there on the courthouse steps. She approached him, wondering if he even remembers her after all the years, decades that has passed. Indeed he did, addressing mother by her first name before she even had a chance to introduce herself.

[@andreamariawicker223]

What a wonderful Story ❤

[@jmalone2941]

What did he say?

[@lowbridge7070]

@jmalone2941 I don't know the exact nature, words of the conversation. All I know is that he addressed her by her first name "hi, *****"

[@marynesfield9138]

❤

[@jenniedevereaux2696]

I love Richie Heavens a voice like an oak tree. Such souls back then. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@tehpiratezorz]

Perfect description of Richie's voice. An old creaky wooden floor always came to mind for me, but I think the majesty of an oak tree is much more fitting.

[@kenmaness1547]

FREEDOM - I saw Richie Havens... it wasn't a song he performed.. he actually became this song.. he didn't just sing it... he felt it and it exploded from within his body and his soul. It was just weeks after Woodstock and I was standing as close to him as this Woodstock video. His Guitar was literally physically smoking from the energy of his music and the hole he was wearing in his guitar, it was like filling a hole in his heart. Even now over 50 years later, Im over 70 years old "Freedom" and watching him play this song sends a shiver down my spine, brings tears to my eyes and fills me with humility, tolerance and a strange mix of sadness and joy.

[@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 😁✌✌

[@RFToob]

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.

[@chrisdevine3511]

Can’t believe how good this guitar sounds just miked!!! And then the vocals come in and you realize that your listening to an alien because no human can sing this powerfully. Nothing can ever approach this. We should’ve sent this on Voyager 1 and 2

[@minimal_Sonntag]

Yes, that would be nice...

[@jackiewilzelman4574]

Saw Richie Live playing in Central Park NYC 1960's, nearby the Tavern on the Green. Then live at Woodstock. Love him.

[@brielmavjaager7270]

WOW!!! PRAISE GOD!!!! Mr. Havens' song and talent still bring tears and a well of pride for Freedom. However, today our Freedom is threatened and we all know Freedom comes at a cost. All of Richie's amazing, God-given talent will never be lost to us. With much appreciation for sharing!!!

[@parttime9070]

The most moving part for me is the crowd standing up, I shed a tear every time I see that for the last 50 years..

[@carolynzaremba5469]

Same here. I just did just now. Again.

[@bernhardlohr4662]

Wow!! With my 61 years-I have tears in my eyes !!! Soo Goood!! (He was the first musican who played at woodstock- the others came all by helicopter !!) I collect LP`s since beginning 70`s and the two Atlantic "Woodstock-" record Sets (2LP/ 3 LP) I bought as a young kid around 12-14 years....and this music is still with me !! Timeless ! Wunderbar ! B.L.,Germany

[@alanmartin5119]

He’s there!!! At Coopers Beach Long Island New York. ( the Hamptons), I blasted this song with a longggg towel over my head last summer, the Beach ERUPTED into dance!!!!!

[@unclebrizz1053]

I can see his soul. It is pouring out of him.

[@davidokeefe8807]

Uncle Brizz that's sweat lol

[@annsmith6900]

Uncle Brizz @ G

[@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!

[@mybile7464]

In a way, many of us are like "a motherless child", because we often seem to lose the contact to our mother, the earth and the nature. Songs like this one should be taught in schools around the world. High spiritual impact.

[@Adrian-vd4te]

Absolutely

[@ximenatajesgonzalez4434]

🙏🏽❤️

[@sdjohns777]

What and incredibly powerful performance. I first saw this video over a decade ago and i remember being hypnotized by the passion in his guitar and voice. I remember thinking that this song was for my Grandmother, Grandfather, and their mom and dads . He sang this song and it was a voice for us all that has went through and still are going through the struggle. Rest easy

[@RapidRevolver420]

I can only imagine how amazing it must have been to be at woodstock. I'd give anything to have been able to experience it.

[@saxonsteve]

I feel the same way. I was only 9 years old. Planning a trip to Woodstock( 2022) to see were this all began. Can hardly wait!

[@tomkohlman8110]

I'm 70 yrs old. I missed Woodstock by the skin of my teeth. What an experience that would have been. A half a million people and no one got shot or stabbed. Imagine that. ☮️

[@jacktwist5907]

As my friend and I were moving down into the crowd Mr. Havens was just walking across the stage to the microphone. We found an empty space We dumped our sleeping bags on the ground..As a we flopped down on them Mr. Havens began to sing. I can't recall the first song, this is the last, if I remember correctly. It's 50 years ago and as I write this it could be yesterday-because it was. As I get older I hope I never forget Woodstock. It was a magical and wonderful time to be young, and to take risks.

[@kencrowne9695]

Thats so wonderful. Ive seen a few hack attempts at woodstock documentaries; last fall a PBS station in Atlanta played one on the 50th anniversary day that was absolutely outstanding. 2 hours long, it covered the evolution, the business deals that led to it, the music and artists, the crowd, and left me more stunned and amazed than I already was at how thousands and thousands ascended into peaceful euphoria during that festival.

[@donfette5301]

I'm too young for Woodstock, but I've always loved Richie and so does one of my best buds. Richie was in town about 7 years ago (maybe it was 10, I can't recall anymore, but obviously before he died) at a small venue and after the show my buddy was close enough to shake his hand and gave him his own music CD, with, no doubt, some small Havens influence in there, and Richie accepted it and graciously bowed in gratitude. My buddy said he'll never forget that moment. I thought that was pretty awesome. What a great person!!

[@davidrs7085]

Passsionate description, thanks

[@WilliamHunterII]

One of the most memorable performances ever in life. This is etched into my mind.

[@vickygerstmannmeyers6377]

Yeah brings tears to my eyes because it’s so beautiful. It’s the way the world should be. I was in utero when my mom was sitting on top of a Volkswagen bus hanging out with Jimi Hendrix backstage my dad was a musician. He was the best in the shower Pizza Hut, everyone love always an iPhone I am a soul world blind.

[@Kruzifünferl]

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....

[@derekneville8175]

Easily what every child should witness. I regularly come back to this song/vibe when I'm seriously depressed.. gives me those fighting feels of defiance and love.

[@MichaelLantz]

Did you know that it was Ritchie Haven's who told Jimi Hendrix to go down to the Village (Greenwich Village) in 1966.He saw Jimi Hendrix playing in a nightclub in Harlem.Richie Haven's said "That Jimi Hendrix sounded like two guitar players at one time (He was shocked to find out that Jimi could play lead and rhythm at the same time).He told Jimi that if you wanted to stand out and get noticed the Village would be the best place for him.If he did not take Richie Haven's advice, Chas Chandler would have never discovered him.

[@noiui]

It would have happened eventually!!

[@quogir1]

That is O. K.

[@lorenzosteelejr.5282]

Thanks for the information.great post

[@SPTAH]

Linda Keith (Keith Richards' then girlfriend) discovered Jimi playing in a bar. She invited the Rolling Stones manager Andrew Oldham (who had signed Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Clapton, et al) to see Jimi perform. He watched the set...but he didn't get it. As luck would have it she later bumped into Chandler on the streets of NYC and convinced him to see this guitar player. He saw Jimi...and he got it straight away.

[@Lord_Hillcrest01]

That is simply not true . Richie Havens great that he was never had a bearing on what Hendrix did , why would you make up something like that .Paul Macartney asked him to go , Hendrix was staying at ringo starrs apartment at the time . Your story is outrageous.

[@GusvanDyke]

I wish I had a time machine to take me back to the unforgettable days at Woodstock.

[@pammylunn]

This is when real musicianship and talent mattered. Thank God I was from this generation.

[@philcasogonzo14]

The most powerful performance possibly ever

[@LizbethPlenty]

Remembering as young college student starting college at 17 and half in 1972, I heard him at the SJSU student union. The building is a modern multilevel concrete building, solid like a parking garage. His music made the building bounce the entire time. It was like levitating. That concert is imprinted on my heart and soul. What a good force for freedom, still! Thank you so very much God bless your soul!

[@christopherrussell2611]

Richie gave a 1 million per cent performance at Woodstock live and that came over ‘big time’ on screening this marvellous event. It must have been ‘heavenly’ watching this as a live performance at Woodstock. Freedom, let’s s not forget the sentiment in society at that time - it’s certainly relevant today and keep these freedoms and hold onto them with both hands. JaneR

[@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.”

[@hundreddollarhome]

Richie Havens' Freedom and Santana's Soul Sacrifice are the best of Woodstock... IMO.

[@frankhoward4485]

+David Spelts I agree with this assessment. I would, however, have included Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends". Funny how three solid days of music and the cream that rises to the top is a somewhat thin film. Such is life, I suppose.

[@cbanks1980]

Oh yeah I agree! Don't forget 10 yrs after!

[@MsPrincesspaulina]

And add to that list, Mr. Jimi playing the Star Spangled Banner.

[@420gma]

Yes

[@ecwwce7]

Country Joe McDonald better

[@BuildingLegends_]

Legend has it, his soul is still performing at that stage till this day.

[@PaulBratton]

I was 18 and drove up with friends from Virginia. Richie Havens was a perfect opening act as Jimi Hendrix was the perfect closing act on Sunday morning.

[@reeselayton3031]

​@@PaulBratton Me too, drove from Delaware. Never met up with Boston friends.

[@phillipnarte2553]

Saw him perform this song 27 years later in Seattle. He opened the yearly Folklife festival. He played it with the same energy. 1969 at Bethel woods. What a concert!!! Wonder how many that attended are listening to Ritchie, Jimi, Janis, and Jerry in the big Woodstock in the sky. May they all RIP

[@mikemichaelp2068]

When I was 13 I went on my first date - it was actually a double-date with my sister Peggy and her boyfriend, and his younger sister Kathy was my date. We went to see the movie 'Woodstock' in a jam-packed theater in the summer of 1970 when this movie came out - almost 4 hours long! What a first date - I was overwhelmed on so many aspects. I would say that of all of the footage, this one by Richie Havens stayed with me - I've never seen anyone strum a guitar faster than him. He was amazing. Those were some interesting times - I have some wonderful memories of the late 60's.

[@lendrury2771]

My mother and aunt and uncle drove to Woodstock from Bridgeport Connecticut and stayed the entire concert. It was a surreal experience for them

[@hilaryapril7043]

Did they attend the university of Bridgeport? I was going to hunter college in the Bronx and working at Trans World Airlines in Manhattan during Woodstock. I wasn't into acid...enjoyed weed and the music performed there...wallowing in mud wasn't my thing.

[@brianmucha6426]

Man, such a great artist. This is one of the best jams from Woodstock in my humble opinion.(among many great performances). Bless you Richie Havens!

[@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 😮

[@rstarguitar5350]

Here’s a man with his voice and an acoustic guitar makes magic I love this performance I always have

[@malachimains1346]

My mom was thirteen and just started dating my dad (15) a few days before and they hitchhiked from Montreal to go. When I was thirteen my dad made me watch this cause he was sick of all the NWA and Slayer I was blaring around the house. I instantly fell in love with this performance and the man. No one touches this mans passion and intensity.

[@rankoss3437]

Malachi Mains nwa is dope also

[@charmer399]

Absolutely brother,Preach!!! What a passionate song to kick off the greatest hippy festival of all time..

[@donttrip1]

Slayer and NWA are dope but this is also dope too. Don't limit what you listen too because music of all forms is good.

[@charmer399]

@@donttrip1 Absolutely brother!!! People should never limit their music genre, but should be open-minded and see the art and creativity in other forms,I'm a 41 yr old black guy born and raised in Vegas I like Hip Hop,soul, old R&B like Marvin Gaye's "come home angel Curtis Mayfield's"pusherman" Freddy's dead,Deniece Williams"silly of me" Bill Withers Top 3 Male songwriter of all-time, too many classics to name..and Michael The most famous star to ever walk the planet behind our Lord and savior Jesus Christ,classic rock like The Doors "5 to 1",midnight rider, and Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams " all classics as well..

[@simonfrederiksen104]

This might come close Funkadelic - Maggot Brain kzbin.info/www/bejne/gICun2ZpYtZnd9E

[@williamratcliffe7833]

Absolute chills......I’m watching this on an iPhone and this man’s spirit is shining through.....If the world had more people like Richie Havens, it would be a better place.

[@JamesMcCarty-z1o]

He sang this on the fly in front of five hundred thousand super inspirational

[@jungleninja8415]

No one has or will ever walk off stage with sweat dropping off they're back still playing the tune to the very end on a amped acoustic in exhaustion with such grace and humility and power for a very long time Edit : and freestyle the whole thing basically I just learned

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

Hare Kṛṣṇa... I was 14 & on the West coast the beautiful festival happened in Golden Gate Park July 1969... It was my Woodstock. This is beautiful music. 🤓🔥😍🎉

[@corilily0619]

I was lucky enough to hear this growing up. I'm 36. Still one of my absolute favorites!!!!!

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

Im 89 and i still fucking love it.

[@A_Pa-Plainjane]

I was there, I saw and heard Richie, and will always love this song, and what Richie gave us that evening.

[@mickyrodgers7995]

Amazing feeling behind the music!!!

[@NimaRazavi]

When was the first time you heard this?

[@mickyrodgers7995]

@NimaRazavi My dad bought me the vhs probably between 88 or 90. He watched it with me and told me certain moments he enjoyed. This was one of his highlights of Woodstock.

[@NimaRazavi]

@@mickyrodgers7995 Thank you for sharing it buddy. I live in Iran 🇮🇷 and it's always cool to hear from native Americans about different things. 🙏🏻