Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Biography

by Dave Zimmer, Henry Diltz (Photographer)

Crosby, Stills & Nash created some of the most indelible songs and beautiful harmonies of the late 1960s and early 1970 " Judy Blue Eyes," "Woodstock," "Teach Your Children."This copiously illustrated account of the trio's personal and musical history tells the story behind the songs. Longtime CSN chronicler Dave Zimmer, with the full cooperation of the band, traces all of the performers from their musical roots to their first song together in L.A.'s storied Laurel Canyon; from their addition of Neil Young to Woodstock; and through their stormy years of creative conflicts, reunions, and reconciliations.This edition celebrates the trio's 40th anniversary and includes over 300 photos.

Genres: Music

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2008

Reviews

[Ed Eleazer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Almost as boring as CSN's post '70s music.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 of 130 books pledged to read during 2020

[floyd moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you love csn/y then u will love reading about them. it's as simple as that!

[Dave Schwensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s a confession. As a dedicated classic rocker I was never that much ‘into’ CSN&Y. During the late 60’s acoustic folk-rock troubadours were the rage, but John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” and Bob Dylan’s “John Wesley Harding” covered those bases for some of us. When we listened to the “Woodstock” album the needle touched the vinyl most during tracks by The Who, Sly and The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix and Ten Years After.
*
This book changed all that. Before reading, my CSN&Y digital playlist had zero songs. It now includes a complete look at their careers together and separately. That says a lot.
*
The details and insights by the author with the cooperation of CSN&Y makes it seem there were no stones left unturned in exploring their individual and joint musical histories, creative processes, political beliefs and personal lives. It is also very clear David Crosby, Steven Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young have very different and distinct personalities that didn’t always mesh. The author doesn’t shy away from dealing with the many conflicts both in and out of the public eye, but mainly covers the music and impact they’ve had on generations when working in harmony.
*
The original 1984 biography has been updated twice: in 1999 and again for the group’s 40th anniversary in 2008. The beginning takes us through their musical influences and pre-CSN&Y classic rock bands, The Hollies, The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, followed by the excitement of first blending their voices together and massive success in the late 60’s and 1970’s that went beyond what any of them had experienced before. But there is a lot more to their story and I found the added revisions taking us through 2008 just as interesting and enlightening.
*
The amount of research and photos makes this a must read for CSN&Y fans. For the rest of us that may not have fit into that category prior to reading, this will change your mind.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable reading

Grew up with this music and this book provided more insight into four very talented individuals. Early years more detailed than later years, but that is when I remember them. Their albums would grace any collection.

[Pranay Dharmale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes your thru their musical journey for last 4+ decades and focuses on the story behind every record.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

for fanboys only. easy to see why critics said their first album should be called "music from big ego" . and I love the first three studio albums.