Album Information:
Album ID: 9483
About Richie Havens:
Richard Pierce Havens, better known as Richie Havens, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who was born on January 21, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. His music is a combination of folk, soul, and rock, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest folk musicians of all time.
Havens's musical journey began in Greenwich Village, where he moved in the early 60s and started performing in clubs and cafes. In the mid-60s, he caught the attention of legendary record executive John Hammond, who signed him to Verve Records. His first album, 'Mixed Bag,' was released in 1967 and featured his signature song 'Handsome Johnny,' which was written by Havens and political activist Lou Gossett Jr.
Havens's career took off after his performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969, where he became one of the breakout stars of the event. His performance of 'Freedom' became an instant classic and marked the highlight of his career. Following Woodstock, Havens went on to release a series of highly acclaimed albums, including 'Alarm Clock' (1971), 'Portfolio' (1973), and 'The End of the Beginning' (1976).
Throughout his career, Havens remained politically active and was a vocal advocate for civil rights and environmental causes. He toured extensively and performed at numerous benefit concerts for various causes, including the anti-nuclear movement and the No Nukes campaign.
Havens continued to record and perform until his death on April 22, 2013, from a heart attack at the age of 72. He left behind a legacy of great music, social activism, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
About the album Alarm Clock:
Alarm Clock is the seventh studio album by American folk singer-songwriter Richie Havens, released in 1971. It features a mix of original songs and cover versions, showcasing Havens' signature soulful voice and intricate guitar playing.
The album opens with the upbeat and energetic 'Here Comes the Sun', a cover of the Beatles classic. Havens' version adds a bit of his own flair, with frenzied strumming and his distinctive vocal style. The next track, 'Younger Men Grow Older', is an original song that touches on themes of aging and regret, with hauntingly beautiful guitar melodies.
The title track, 'Alarm Clock', is a bluesy number that features Havens' gritty vocals and soulful guitar riffs. It tells the story of a man who has been awakened to the injustices of the world and is ready to take action.
Other standout tracks on the album include 'Open Our Eyes', a cover of a song by the gospel group Earth, Wind & Fire that showcases Havens' powerful vocals; 'Minstrel from Gault', a beautiful and melancholic original ballad; and 'Cornerstone', a cover of a song by the band America that features lush vocal harmonies and intricate guitar work.
Overall, Alarm Clock is a diverse and powerful album that showcases Richie Havens' unique blend of folk, rock, and soul music. It is a testament to his talent as a musician and songwriter and remains a beloved classic in the world of folk music.
Members:
I'm sorry, but Richie Havens was a solo artist and did not have any key members or bandmates. He performed as a solo acoustic guitarist and singer throughout his career.
Track List for Alarm Clock:
Sorry, as an AI language model, I don't have access to the specific play time of the tracks, but here's the list of all the tracks on the album Alarm Clock by Richie Havens in order:
1. 'Here Comes the Sun' - This is a cover of the popular Beatles song, which Havens infuses with his own unique folk rock style. It's a bright and optimistic track that sets the tone for the album.
2. 'To Give All Your Love Away' - A soulful track with a smooth groove and poetic lyrics about the importance of giving and receiving love.
3. 'Younger Men Grow Older' - This song is a slower ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Havens' vocals are achingly heartfelt.
4. 'Girls Don't Run Away' - A catchy folk rock tune with a memorable chorus and a tongue-in-cheek message about female independence.
5. 'End of the Seasons' - Another slower ballad that reflects on the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. The acoustic guitar accompaniment is simple and beautiful.
6. 'Some Will Wait' - This track has a more rock-oriented sound, with electric guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics speak to the importance of persistence and perseverance.
7. 'Patient Lady' - A laid-back and jazzy track with smooth saxophone lines and poetic lyrics about waiting for true love.
8. 'Mississippi Fred McDowell' - This song is a tribute to the blues musician of the same name. Havens' gritty vocals and acoustic guitar work capture the spirit of the blues.
9. 'What More Can I Say Joan' - A gentle folk ballad with poetic lyrics about longing for a loved one. Havens' vocals are tender and vulnerable.
10. 'Sylvia's Mother' - Another cover song, this time of the classic country hit by Dr. Hook. Havens' version has a folk rock flavor and showcases his unique vocal style.
Overall, Alarm Clock is a well-crafted and diverse album that showcases Richie Havens' talents as a vocalist and songwriter. It blends elements of folk, rock, soul, and jazz into a cohesive and compelling musical statement.
Discography for Richie Havens:
Here is the complete discography for Richie Havens in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Mixed Bag - 1967
2. Something Else Again - 1968
3. Richard P. Havens, 1983 - 1969
4. Stonehenge - 1970
5. Alarm Clock - 1971
6. Richie Havens on Stage - 1972
7. Portfolio - 1973
8. Mixed Bag II - 1974
9. The End of the Beginning - 1976
10. Mirage - 1977
11. Connections - 1980
12. Common Ground - 1983
13. Simple Things - 1987
14. Sings Beatles and Dylan - 1993
15. Cuts to the Chase - 1994
16. Nobody Left to Crown - 2008
Singles:
1. 'High Flyin' Bird' - 1967
2. 'Morning, Morning' - 1968
3. 'Follow' - 1969
4. 'Here Comes the Sun' - 1971
5. 'On the Road to Calvary' - 1974
6. 'Do It Again' - 1976
7. 'Going Back to My Roots' - 1980
8. 'I'm Not in Love' - 1987
Other Releases:
1. Richie Havens' Record - 1965
2. Electric Havens - 1968
3. Richard P. Havens, 1969 - 1969
4. The Great Blind Degree - 1994
5. Wishing Well - 2002
Note: This is a complete discography, but some of these releases may be out of print or unavailable in certain regions.