8. Richie Havens: Freedom

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

Jim Morrison may have very well been the frontman of The Doors, but it was keyboardist Ray Manzarek who ignited their worldwide success with his inimitable ability to play a Vox Continental organ with his right hand for the melodies while simultaneously playing a Fender keyboard with his left for the bass chords. Arguably no song better displayed his remarkable talent than the 1967 hit …

9. George Duke: Reach Out

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

Sweating and strumming the guitar with artistic force, folk singer Richie Havens opened up Woodstock in ’69 with a three-hour-long, 11-song set that culminated with “Freedom.” A star on the rise, the Brooklyn artist set the tone then at Woodstock and continued to do so throughout his extensive career, which not only included several chart-topping tunes, but also the founding of the Northwind Undersea Institute—an …

10. Factory Floor: Turn It Up

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

Famed jazz funk keyboardist George Duke passed away on 5 August 2013 at the age of 67 and his memorial service included performances from Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. When Duke passed away, the ripple through Twitter showed just how many of today’s musicians were inspired and influenced by him—with condolences from Justin Timberlake, ?uestlove, Bootsy Collins and many more. We’re remembering Duke with the …