not Richie Havens

[jeff of pa]

I always Thought Havens Wrote this .
The song dates back to the era of slavery in the United States when it was common practice to sell children of slaves away from their parents. An early performance of the song dates back to the 1870s

here is Bobby Breen, in the movie "Way Down South" (1939)

 

[gunsil]

Richie Havens wrote very little music if any. He was a performer, but not a singer/songwiter. There are many versions of "Motherless Child" it is a wonderful blues piece and has been covered by many. Thanks for posting this great version.