Crosby, Stills & Nash
Biography
Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) was a folk-rock supergroup formed in 1968 by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash. Each member came from a prominent 1960s band: Crosby from The Byrds, Stills from Buffalo Springfield, and Nash from The Hollies. The trio was known for their intricate vocal harmonies and lasting influence on American music and culture. Their formation stemmed from an informal jam session where they discovered their unique vocal blend. After being fired from The Byrds and with Buffalo Springfield having recently disbanded, Crosby and Stills began collaborating. Nash, who was unhappy with the musical direction of The Hollies, joined them, and the trio was born.
Debut and Rise to Fame
The group signed with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut album, Crosby, Stills & Nash, in May 1969. The album was an instant success, featuring hit singles "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and "Marrakesh Express". It was a defining album of the era, helping to shape the "California sound" with its blend of folk, country, and rock. Stephen Stills was a dominant force in the studio, contributing lead guitar, bass, and keyboards to most of the tracks. The album's success earned them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1969.
Woodstock and the Addition of Neil Young
To tour in support of their album, the trio needed to expand their lineup. They invited Neil Young, Stills' former bandmate from Buffalo Springfield, to join them, forming Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY). The group, along with touring members Dallas Taylor on drums and Greg Reeves on bass, made their second-ever live appearance at the Woodstock festival in August 1969. Despite their nerves, their performance was a landmark event of the festival.
Déjà Vu and Initial Breakup
With Neil Young now a full member, the quartet released the highly anticipated album Déjà Vu in March 1970. It became their best-selling album, reaching number one on the charts and producing three hit singles: "Woodstock," "Teach Your Children," and "Our House". The album's recording was marked by both creative synergy and internal turmoil, with much of it recorded as individual sessions by each member. Following a summer tour in 1970, the band broke up due to their tumultuous relationships and creative differences. A live album, 4 Way Street, was released in 1971 and also topped the charts.
Reunions and Later Career
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, the members pursued solo careers and various collaborations, including the Crosby & Nash duo. The full quartet reunited for a stadium tour in 1974, which resulted in the chart-topping compilation album So Far. The trio of Crosby, Stills & Nash reformed in 1977 for the successful album CSN and followed it with Daylight Again in 1982. CSNY also reunited for the 1988 album American Dream and 1999's Looking Forward. The trio's final studio album was 1994's After the Storm. The band, in its various configurations, continued to tour until 2015. Crosby, Stills & Nash were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Legacy
Crosby, Stills & Nash, with and without Young, left an indelible mark on music. Their vocal harmonies were unparalleled, and their songwriting addressed both personal and political themes, resonating with a generation. They are the first band to have all members inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—Crosby for The Byrds and CSN, Stills for Buffalo Springfield and CSN, and Nash for The Hollies and CSN; Young was inducted as a solo artist and for his work with Buffalo Springfield. The group's combined album sales, including their various solo and duo projects, exceed 70 million. David Crosby passed away in 2023.