R.I.P. Richie Havens

[John Etherington]

Very sad news. Richie Havens died today from a heart attack (aged 72). I saw him live at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, and also on the same bill as the Beach Boys at the Crystal Palace Bowl in 1972. He did of course record a fine version of Leonard's "Priests" (currently not available on youtube). Here's my favourite track by Richie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUJe7udkUos

[UrPal]

I posted this elsewhere on the internet back in February of this year:

I was listening to an interview by Mary Ann Hobbs on 6Music with Richard Hawley whilst shaving this morning. He was asked to choose his favourite song, and, with qualifications about fluctuations in the planetary system etc, selected Richie Havens' "Follow". I can't say I was familiar, and I can't find the version played on the radio to link here from YouTube, but its one of the most lovely things I've heard in a while. ......You can tell its of the Dylan/Ochs/Rose era, but it stands apart all the same. The day could really only go downhill from there.......so it did.

Still can't find the version of the song Richard Hawley used to provide a hyperlink to, but here are the lyrics of the song:

Let the river rock you like a cradle
Climb to the treetops, child, if you’re able
Let your hands tie a knot across the table.
Come and touch the things you cannot feel.
And close your fingertips and fly where I can’t hold you
Let the sun-rain fall and let the dewy clouds enfold you
And maybe you can sing to me the words I just told you,
If all the things you feel ain’t what they seem.
And don’t mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream.

The mocking bird sings each different song
Each song has wings - they won’t stay long.
Do those who hear think he's doing wrong?
While the church bell tolls its one-note song
And the school bell is tinkling to the throng.
Come here where your ears cannot hear.
And close your eyes, child, and listen to what I’ll tell you
Follow in the darkest night the sounds that may impel you
And the song that I am singing may disturb or serve to quell you
If all the sounds you hear ain’t what they seem,
Then don’t mind me ‘cos I ain’t nothin’ but a dream.

The rising smell of fresh-cut grass,
Smothered cities choke and yell with fuming gas;
I hold some grapes up to the sun
And their flavour breaks upon my tongue.
With eager tongues we taste our strife
And fill our lungs with seas of life.
Come taste and smell the waters of our time.
And close your lips, child, so softly I might kiss you,
Let your flower perfume out and let the winds caress you.
As I walk on through the garden, I am hoping I don’t miss you
If all the things you taste ain’t what they seem,
Then don’t mind me ‘cos I ain’t nothin’ but a dream.

The sun and moon both are right,
And we’ll see them soon through days of night
But now silver leaves on mirrors bring delight.
And the colours of your eyes are fiery bright,
While darkness blinds the skies with all its light.
Come see where your eyes cannot see.
And close your eyes, child, and look at what I’ll show you;
Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you,
Then maybe, when we meet, suddenly I will know you.
If all the things you see ain't what they seem,
Then don’t mind me ‘cos I ain’t nothin’ but a dream .
And you can follow; And you can follow; follow…

[mutti]

I saw Richie Havens a couple years ago while my friend Harry Manx was on tour with him. Harry was the first act and why I went but I was so struck by how powerful Richie Haven's voice was and what a beautiful looking man he was in person. I had seen him in the Woodstock movie and always loved his song great song Freedom.
Leslie

[Junk]

Still can't find the version of the song Richard Hawley used to provide a hyperlink to, but here are the lyrics of the song:

This version's pretty good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmJM99baLaA

[Steven]

This is sad news. Humanity was blessed by his artistry and presence.