We’re kicking off a new series of weekly playlists. For the first installment, I thought we’d take time to honor the late Richie Havens, while also noting the opening the new George W. Bush Presidential Center. Those two events offer the perfect excuse to take a trip back in time with some protest music — both of Havens’ own era and some of the more contemporary incantations that popped up during the hot and heavy late aughts.
I wanted to start the playlist, of course, with Richie Havens’ memorable Woodstock-opening performance of “Freedom.” I mean, how else to start? But alas, that track is not available on Spotify, so I included a video below the playlist. Enjoy:
