Richie Havens' ashes scattered across 1969 Woodstock site

The ashes of Richie Havens have been scattered across the site of the 1969 Woodstock concert.

Havens was the first act at Woodstock and his performance of "Freedom" was a highlight of the event. He died in April of a heart attack at age 72.

The Times Herald-Record of Middletown reports that Havens' ashes were scattered from a plane as it flew over the upstate New York field during a ceremony on Sunday. About 30 family members attended the event, which drew more than a thousand fans. Actors Danny Glover and Louis Gossett Jr. were among the speakers.

"Though he traveled throughout the world for decades visiting and returning to countless locations, Max Yasgur's field in the Town of Bethel, Sullivan County, New York always remained the location where Richie felt his deepest connection," noted a statement from his family.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the venue built on the Woodstock site, hosted the tribute on the 44th anniversary of the final day of the famous three-day concert.