Richie Havens, by Emily Rodgers on 1/23/2010
Richie Havens passed away yesterday at 72. What’s a good Richie Havens song, you ask? Admittedly, covers were Havens’ bread and butter. On my way into work, the local radio station played him covering the Who. After, they called him “the great interpreter.” I agree.
Back in high school, I came upon a Bob Dylan tribute album. It included “Masters of War” covered by Pearl Jam; “Times Are a Changin'” by Tracy Champan; and “I Shall be Released” by Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. But the most memorable, evocative tribute? Richie Havens’ version of “Just Like A Woman.”
I have always considered Bob Dylan a poet first, a songwriter second, and a vocalist last–dead last. Honestly, listening to stuff like his new “Duquesne Whistle” is painful for me. Dylan gets a bad wrap from people who can’t overlook (or perhaps overhear) his vocals, but it definitely takes effort and tolerance. Luckily, Richie Havens illuminated the true beauty of Dylan for me in a single song.
Havens’ smokey rasp and frenzied guitar playing is undeniably soulful. His ability to tap into a deep place when performing elevates mere listening to an experience.
Here are some tracks to remember his legacy by:
iTunes: Richie Havens
A Piece In the Air 