The New York Times has reported that Richie Havens, who for many epitomized the music and spirit of the 1960's, has died of a heart attack at the age of 72.
His voice was unique, and his cover of The Beatles' "Here Comes The Sun" was nearly as popular as the original.
Havens famously opened the Woodstock Music & Arts Festival - the band originally scheduled to open, Sweetwater, was delayed by heavy traffic, so he took the stage in their place. His appearance lasted nearly 3 hours, and his performance of "Freedom," based on the spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," became a national anthem for the growing counterculture movement of the 60's.
