Folk singer and Woodstock star Richie Havens dies

The American folk singer Richie Havens has died at the age of 72 at his home in Jersey City, New Jersey, following a heart attack.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, the singer and guitarist was part of the generation of rising young musicians, along with Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, who rose as part of the late 50s/early 60s folk boom centered in the Greenwich Village coffee shop scene.

He recorded a couple of albums in the mid-1960s before signing to the Verve-Folkways record label who released his defining Mixed Bag LP in 1967. Two years later he famously appeared as the opening act at the Woodstock festival, captured in Michael Wadleigh's film of the event. In what proved to be a turning point in his career, he performed Handsome Johnny and the Freedom/Motherless Child medley in his rasping, soulful voice accompanied by his powerful jackhammer-like guitar style.

That same year, 1969, he created what was perhaps his album masterpiece, Richie P. Havens, 1983. A mix of originals, covers and live material, it captured the essence of Havens' gifts for interpretation (he would often cover artists such as The Beatles and Dylan), and political protest and his own yearning, soulful writing.

He continued to record and tour through the following decades, championing educational and environmental causes, as well as freedom and compassion.

Havens had suffered some ill health and had retired from touring in recent years. He died on Monday (22 April).

His family who have asked for privacy during this time of mourning, will reveal plans for a public memorial in due course.

His talent agency, Roots Agency reported his death, saying: "Richie Havens was gifted with one of the most recognisable voices in popular music. His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since his historic appearance at Woodstock in 1969. For four decades, Havens used his music to convey passionate messages of brotherhood and personal freedom."