Richie Havens Dies

Richie Havens, who sang and strummed for a sea of people at Woodstock, has died at 72.

Photo: Doug Seymour

His family says in a statement that Havens died Monday of a heart attack.

Havens, a folk singer and guitarist, performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. He returned to the site during the 40th anniversary in 2009.

The performer was born in Brooklyn. He was known for his crafty guitar work and cover songs.

Havens said in a 2009 interview with The Associated Press about Woodstock: “Everything in my life, and so many others’, is attached to that train.”

Photo: AP Photo/Jeff Christensen
Richie Havens plays the opening night ceremony of 2008’s Cannes Film Festival.

A public memorial will be planned for a later date.