Folk singer Richie Havens, whose rousing opening set kicked off the Woodstock festival and film, died Monday at his home in Jersey City, N.J., from a heart attack.
He was 72.
Known for his intense and rhythmic guitar style and soulful covers of pop and folk songs, Havens toured and recorded music for more than 40 years before retiring from the road three years ago for health reasons.
Also read: Notable Celebrity Deaths of 2013
“His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since his historic appearance at Woodstock in 1969," his longtime management company the Roots Agency said in a statement.