Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Authorized Biography (The Definitive Inside Story of the Supergroup

by Dave Zimmer

Crosby, Stills, and Nash created some of the most indelible songs and beautiful harmonies of the late 1960s and early 1970s: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," "Woodstock," "Teach Your Children." Now the story behind the songs has been told in this engrossing account of the trio's personal and musical history. Zimmer, with the full cooperation of the band, traces each of the performers from their early musical roots to their first song together in L.A.'s storied Laurel Canyon, from their addition of Neil Young to Woodstock, from their stormy years of creative conflicts through their reunions and reconciliations. A new chapter delves into Crosby's recovery from drug addiction, CSN's ongoing solo and group projects, and the making of the new CSNY album.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Rock N Roll

328 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 1984

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenally detailed read this is. Dave Zimmer meticulously describes the early years of these three legends, gently leading us through the years of sixties rock until the three paths finally converged in CSN. The incredible photography of Henry Diltz is a perfect complement to Zimmer's text. In a time when musicians are blacklisted for speaking out about political issues, it is refreshing to be reminded that at one time musicians who protested through their music were heroes to many of us.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm currently on a weird CSN / CSNY kick. Hope it's over soon.

[Mlg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been a CSN fan so this book of photos and discussion of their music was a treat. It could have used a bit more biographical details to flesh out the reasons why things happened to the group, and it ends in the mid 80’s. The one who emerges as the most talented and grown up is Stills. Crosby seems like he was always a hot mess with his freebasing addiction, he had the self destruct button down for long periods of his life. Nash flits around from group to group, music to art, women to girls. A 70 plus year old guy leaves his wife of over 30 years to go off with a woman half his age. Please.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read with some really wonderful insights from the band members themselves. Some details about touring/studio work etc. I feel a little as though this is the G-Rated version of the autobiography and much was left out - but overall, still very interesting.

[Michael Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive biography from an author who personally know the band members. Well illustrated by the phenomenal photographer Henry Diltz. A must read for fans of the band.

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glosses over drug use and band drama

[Brenda Kemp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off really great. Loved learning about the beginning years. But after the group got together it was one breakup after another and simply began to bore me. I will say that it was interesting to know the meanings behind the songs. But the author could have used a good editor about halfway to three fourths of the way through.

[Daniel Callister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a complete joy to read. I found all the history so intriguing. The first 200 pages are all that I bothered with, after that it got really stale and I wasn't interested. Some great stories in this book, though.

[Daniel Callister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a complete joy to read. I found all the history so intriguing. The first 200 pages are all that I bothered with, after that it got really stale and I wasn't interested. Some great stories in this book, though.

[Marysa Stenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the group, then you will love the detailed history in this book!

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good about these four guys. I have loved them and when they were all together I saw them in concert.

[Matt J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is actually 408 pages