Richie Havens - Freedom at Woodstock 1969 (HD)

Rest In Peace Richard Pierce "Richie" Havens.. ☮
(January 21, 1941 - April 22, 2013)

More than 3 months ago I decided to take a look into the woodstock history and music. I was interested in peace, freedom and the hippie scene. Then I found this excellent, unique live performance by Richie Havens. At first I thought that he is just a very talented guitar player, but when he began to sing, my whole world stopped. His amazing own voice kinda petrified me. After that I imagined that he just sat there more than 42 years ago in front of more than 400 thousand people and sang into the microphone "YEAH ! FREEDOM ! FREEDOM !" and that was the moment which changed my life. Then I watched other videos where he sang freedom at woodstock and i realized that there is no real version of it. All versions are sort of pitched up (that means his voice is a bit higher than normaly) I downloaded one video, made it HD and made his voice deeper, so now in this video you will hear the real voice version and video of him. By the way, today was richie's 71st birthday. So I wish one of the greatest men alive HAPPY BIRTHDAY and all the best.

I do not own the copyright for this recording. I just improved the audio and video quality, so if it needs to be removed, I will remove it. Recently (15th of August 2016) the official Woodstock Facebook page posted my video on their site, so I don't think there will be any problems in removing this video at all.

[elredlenny]

I remember when I drove a yellow cab in NYC I pick up Mr.Heavens at 43 or 45 street and 7th Ave. he was coming from 123 restaurant and bar and I drove him to his residents, he was about to pay the fare and I said to him your music brings me much happiness, the fare is all ready paid, and I didn't take the fare and his music still brings me happiness. Enternal peace Richie.

[anechoicsoul]

My dad saw this live at 19 years old at Woodstock. Every single time he hears it, he will cry. He said no experience in his life came close to Woodstock.

[sunnybizzle]

I was born in 88 and I can say this is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. It’s 2023 and that statement hasn’t changed.

[nancyhalstead]

I am now 76 years old
This day, under the hot August sun, I was 21.
What a time.
What a wonderful man, an inspiration.

Peace and love to all.✌️❤️

[FirstUsedBooks]

His contribution to Woodstock cannot be overstated. He played longer than intended because other groups had not yet been able to arrive. He improvised to fill in the time. Holy shit, did he ever improvise. He set a standard for the musicians who were to follow him, and he set it high.

[ianharding]

A lot of people don't know that this ENTIRE THING WAS MADE ON THE SPOT. Richie played through his entire set and had to keep playing due to the next act being late because of the insane traffic at the festival. He played 'Freedom' and it was improvised. That is the level this man was on. Rock on in eternal freedom Richie.

[bluesborn]

Almost 51 summers gone and this song has never stopped lifting up the spirits of the world.
A gift to mankind.

[edoardorainone]

This is one of the best musical performances in the history of music worldwide.

[AlOrsini]

I was there, with my cousin home from his first tour of Vietnam. I was fourteen, now I'm sixty eight. Peace!

[bobiesfriendtim]

Im always amazed that this man, exhausted from playing like 6 hours at this point. Had the stamina (And absolutely giant balls) To start a song with this riff and hold it the entire time. What a fucking Legend. RIP

[trevorheldreth]

I don’t know about yall, but this is one of those songs you can’t only listen to once. I have to listen to it multiple times it’s so good. Truly incredible

[mhlengintswane]

When Django took off his coat and surrendered to Candie's goons for the sake of his wife while this song was playing in the background....man, it still gets me

[Missab]

The fact that this song was improvised on the spot is so impressive.

[neildyer]

I think we all feel like motherless children and a long way from home right now
Stay safe every one peace

[pamlunn]

The sweat pouring off of him...he was putting his life and soul into this performance.

[stanferris]

I watched a documentary on Woodstock he said he just got up there and did what felt natural he didn't plan it. Ended up being a Iconic performance

[chisa]

2024 almost 2025.. who is still listening this song !?

[jamesmuhs]

When you'll do your best to improvise and fill time until the other musicians arrive, and subsequently create a joyous thunderclap that shall forever resonate through the heavens.

[qman]

He played every song he knew, but they asked him to keep playing because the next act wasn't yet ready...hence "Freedom." This is music history at its finest moment.

[lord_chardak]

50 years ago from today... Still one of the most simple & impressive performance on stage so far. Peace!