Richie Havens passes away on Earth Day

As sad as the news is to those who've loved his music for many years, it seems fitting that if Richie Havens were to pass away that news of it would come on Earth Day.

Richie Havens

According to Billboard.com, Havens -- a leading voice in the folk rock movement who gained his greatest fame as the opening act at the Woodstock festival in 1969 -- died today at age 72 of a heart attack.

Havens had a powerful voice that identified not only him but an era as well.  It rang out with the opening tunes of Woodstock, and in venues ranging in size from Max Yasgur's farm to concert halls to coffeehouses, he performed music with the edge of protest, wanting wrongs to be righted.  His music was punctuated by the way he'd play an acoustic guitar.  His rhythmic style was as powerful on guitar as the force that came through in his voice.

See Richie Havens' biography at Wikipedia

He cracked the charts with covers of Beatles tunes such as "Here Comes The Sun," but his impact on the music world will be felt for a very long time beyond those charts.  It was timeless music, reaching beyond any "hits."  His impact will come from the emotion he poured out behind a microphone, a guitar propped on his lap, giving everyone who watched him performing on a stage or listened to him through a stereo a strong taste of ... freedom.

Getting into the "flow" of "Hey Jude"

I'm so preoccupied with watching election results tonight, I'm just going to do something different and whip out something quick and easy.

If you're into following flowcharts, this is for you.  If you're into following flowcharts and you're a Beatles fan, this is definitely for you.  If you're not so much into flowcharts but you still like The Beatles, well, you might still enjoy this.

Check out the flowchart as you listen to the song, "Hey Jude."

 

 

When the rain comes ...

Don't take this as trying to be "cute" in a very serious situation.  I'm sending out best wishes today to the people on America's East Coast, who are now being or are about to be affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Millions of Americans over a huge path -- even far inland -- are expected to feel the impact of this historic storm in one way or another.  Here's a Crossover Music Channel wish that our friends over there stay safe, as dry as possible, and that the effects aren't too devastating.

Beach goers watch waves generated by Hurricane Sandy.  (Photo Credit ABC News)

Guessing what's special coming up next week (Part 5 of 5)

Let's finish up a little game here.  I've got something pretty special coming up next week here at The Crossroads Music Channel, and I'd like to see if anyone can pick up on any clues that I've been providing here in leading up to a fun week next week.

I've been featuring videos here this week -- ending it with a bang today, not with just one -- that all have something in common between them, but they feature different musicians performing the songs.  Can anyone guess what's in common that provides a clue as to a special feature I'll have here next week?

Let's find out.  Pay attention, now, and maybe do a bit of "digging."

The next clue comes from the "quiet Beatle," George Harrison, and songs from his solo album "All Things Must Pass."  Is the surprise any clearer yet?  It'll all be explained starting next Monday.

Remembering The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show

It's interesting, the kinds of things we can remember going back to the early days of our childhood.  I remember sitting on our couch on a February evening in 1964, when I was all of 3 years old, with my older sister sitting beside me as she taught me how to read.

The television was on, tuned to The Ed Sullivan Show.  The next thing I remember was Ed Sullivan shouting, "The Beatles!"  The screaming that came from the crowd was deafening, unlike anything I'd ever heard.  The music itself was unlike anything I'd ever heard.

For me, it was the beginning of a lifelong passion for music.  It was born that night, and it's only grown since then.

Some memories just stay with you.  Even those dating back to the age of 3.  I can still envision it in my mind, just like it'd happened yesterday.  The album collection started in the years to come, and many of the most memorable ones -- and the most memorable album covers --  had to do with The Beatles.  I was certainly not alone.