Music is the major form of communication. It's the commonest vibration, the people's news broadcast, especially for kids.

The quote by Richie Havens emphasizes the universal power of music as a form of communication. Havens suggests that music transcends language barriers and speaks directly to people on an emotional and vibrational level. It is the "major form of communication" because it reaches the heart and soul, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. In this sense, music serves as a universal language, understood by everyone regardless of their spoken language or cultural context.

Havens also refers to music as the "commonest vibration," highlighting how music's physical qualities—its sound waves and rhythms—are felt throughout the body. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that music is not just heard but also experienced physically, making it a deeply embodied form of communication. It becomes the "people's news broadcast," in the sense that music expresses emotions, stories, and collective experiences, much like news updates inform and connect people with current events.

The origin of this quote stems from Havens' long career as a musician and performer, where he became known for his ability to communicate powerful messages through his music. A pivotal figure in the 1960s folk music movement, Havens was known for his emotive performances, often using his music to speak on issues of peace, freedom, and social justice. His work, especially in moments like his performance at Woodstock, captured the way music can be a medium for expressing the hopes and struggles of a generation.

Ultimately, Havens' quote speaks to music’s role as a vital and accessible form of expression, especially for younger generations. He points out that for kids, music is often their primary way of receiving and processing messages about the world, both personal and social. Through its rhythm, melody, and lyrics, music serves as an avenue for sharing emotions, experiences, and ideas, making it a deeply integral part of human communication.