Which singer opened the 1969 Woodstock festival?

Richie Havens opened the 1969 Woodstock festival.

Havens was scheduled to begin the festival on August 15, 1969. Traffic delays prevented several other performers from reaching the stage on time, so he continued playing while organizers waited. His extended opening set included “Freedom,” the song most closely linked with his Woodstock appearance.

Havens was a folk singer and guitarist known for his rhythmic guitar style and powerful voice. His performance helped establish the festival’s musical atmosphere before the later rock acts appeared.

Joan Baez performed later that night, which sometimes causes confusion because she is also strongly associated with Woodstock. Havens was the first performer; Hendrix, who played after sunrise on Monday, was the last.