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Quote by Richie Havens

“I must have played every college and university at least three times, and that goes for most of the clubs. I'd be on the road six days a week, go home and change bags, and then be gone for another six days.”

Author

Richie Havens

Richie Havens was an American singer-songwriter known for his unique musical style and live performances. Born on January 21, 1941, he passed away on April 22, 2013. Havens is best known for his iconic performance at the Woodstock Music Festival, where he was invited to take the stage without prior notice, performing for thousands of attendees. more

“I remember the first time I was booked into a jazz club. I was scared to death. I'm not a jazz artist. So I got to the club and spotted this big poster saying, 'Richie Havens, folk jazz artist.' Then I'd go to a rock club and I'm billed as a 'folk rock performer' and in the blues clubs I'd be a 'folk blues entertainer.'”

Firsts Bigs Remember Artist Rocks Havens First Time Jazz Folks Scared Clubs Performers Entertainers Posters

Author:Richie Havens

“I saw the Village as a place you could escape to, to express yourself. When I first went there, I wrote and performed poetry. Then I drew portraits for a couple of years. It took a while before I thought about picking up a guitar.”

Years Firsts Saws Havens Couple Guitar Village Portraits Express Yourself

Author:Richie Havens

“I started out by myself, but it eventually turned into a trio by the mid-'60s - a conga drum and another guitarist. And that's been mostly what I've worked with most of the time.”

Havens Guitarist Trios Congas

Author:Richie Havens

“I opened the Woodstock Festival even though I was supposed to be fifth. I said, 'What am I doing here? No, no, not me, not first!' I had to go on stage because there was no one else to go on first - the concert was already two-and-a-half hours late.”

Firsts Said Two Hours Half Stage Havens Goes On Late Supposed To Be Concerts Fifth Festivals Half Hours Woodstock

Author:Richie Havens