Richie Havens, the folk icon and activist, has died. Havens suffered a sudden heart attack at home this morning, according to a press release. He was 72.

Born in Brooklyn, and active in the 1960s Greenwich Village scene, Havens was perhaps most famous for his nearly three-hour performance opening the 1969 Woodstock Festival. His career spanned over four decades and included over 25 albums. He retired from full-on touring only three years ago after suffering complications from kidney surgery.

Havens' best known songs included "Freedom" and "Here Comes the Sun". He started his label, Stormy Forest, in 1970, and began acting soon after, appearing on stage in The Who's Tommy in 1972. He performed at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993. His autobiography, They Can't Hide Us Anymore, was published in 2000. In 2007, he appeared in Todd Haynes' Dylan biopic, I'm Not There. (Havens' version of "Tombstone Blues" was on the film's soundtrack.)

Havens was also known for his environmental activism and charity work. He established a children's museum in the Bronx, the North Wind Undersea Institute, and created the Natural Guard organization to teach children about the environment. He was awarded the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award in 1991.

A public memorial will be announced at a later date, according to a press release.

"Freedom":

"Here Comes the Sun":

"I Can't Make It Anymore":