Question: Who was the first performer on stage at 1969’s Woodstock Festival?
Show answer
Richie Havens.
The Woodstock Festival of 1969 is remembered as one of the most iconic events in music history. It symbolized a generation’s desire for peace, love, and artistic expression. Situated on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, the festival drew hundreds of thousands of attendees, far exceeding initial expectations. Over three days, some of the biggest names in rock and folk music took to the stage, yet the very first performer was a relatively lesser-known folk singer named Richie Havens.
Richie Havens wasn’t initially slated to be the opening act, but due to the traffic jams caused by the unexpectedly massive turnout and the resulting logistical problems, many artists were delayed. Havens and his band were among the few who had arrived on time, transported to the venue by helicopter. Hence, they were asked to kick-start the event.
Armed with his distinctively rhythmic guitar style and passionate vocals, Havens took the stage and delivered a stirring performance. He played longer than anticipated because of the continuing delays of other acts. As he played through his setlist, he was asked to perform additional songs to keep the audience engaged. Eventually running out of songs, he improvised a version of the old spiritual “Motherless Child,” incorporating a repeated chant of “Freedom.” This improvised piece, later known as “Freedom,” became one of the most memorable performances of the entire festival and a defining moment in Havens’ career.
Richie Havens’ performance set the tone for the rest of the festival – one of spontaneity, peace, and raw musical energy. Though he may not have been as internationally renowned as some of the other performers that weekend, his opening act is etched in the annals of music history, capturing the spirit and essence of Woodstock. Havens’ impromptu “Freedom” became emblematic of a generation’s aspirations and struggles in the face of societal upheaval and war.
