Folk icon Richie Havens passed away August 22, Earth Day. However, it was another fateful day for the earth which propelled Havens to heavenly heights over 40 years ago. The day that, by chance, he opened for the Woodstock festival where his message of social change and Freedom redefined a culture torn apart by war, as a new generation of hope. It was here where Havens began his notoriety as the soulful leader for peace, love, and thoughtful critique through music. Inspired by the folk artists of his time, and in turn inspiring them to reach beyond the commercialism of pop music. Fans were enamored for his energetic covers of Bob Dylan’s Just Like A Woman, and the Beatles Here Comes The Sun. Frequently sought after for his ability to capture the relativism of the moment, fans were drawn to the simple honesty of his live performances. Never slowing, Richie kept playing, releasing his last album in 2008 titled Nobody Left To Crown. In March 2012, Havens announced he would stop touring due to health problems. Richie Pierce Havens was 72.
Richie Havens
Stones Tour
The Rolling Stones have announced their tour, and will be hitting the U.S. in May. 50 & Counting, the Glimmer Twins and company once again take their tunes on the road. Fans have been waiting with baited breath, and now all their dreams will come true. The boys have proven they still have the strut and jam to make it happen. The Stones five performances last year demonstrated they’re not done yet. This tour will start out west and head east. Maybe the last time, I don’t know.
Bowie’s Next Day
It’s here! Bowie’s latest work The Next Day, is at the top of the charts. It’s David’s 30th album, his first new album in 10 years. At the age of 66, Bowie shows no sign of slowing. Produced by long time collaborator Tony Visconti, this album is a great return for Bowie. You may remember that in 2004, David had a heart attack while on tour pushing his Reality album. For this latest work, Bowie and his cohorts worked quietly, surprising many with the announcement of the single Where Are We Now on his January 8th birthday. Another cut The Stars(Are Out Tonight), is accompanied with a short film. This latest work is an elegant reminder of the Bowie we know, and invites us to learn more. No mention of a tour,…yet.
