The musical partnership of David Crosby (born August 14, 1941), Stephen Stills
(born January 3, 1945), and Graham Nash (born February 2, 1942), with and without
Neil Young (born November 12, 1945), was not only one of the most successful touring and recording acts of the late 60s, 70s, and early 80s – with the colourful, contrasting nature of the members’ characters and their connection to the political and cultural upheavals of the time – but was arguably the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles.
CSNY was a second marriage for all when they came together in 1968: Crosby had been a member of the Byrds, Nash was in the Hollies, and Stills had been part of Buffalo Springfield. The resulting trio were characterised by a unique vocal blend and a musical approach that ranged from acoustic folk to melodic pop to hard rock. CSN’s debut album released in 1969, was perfectly in tune with the times, and the group was an instant hit. By the time of their first tour (which included the Woodstock festival), they had added Young, also a veteran of Buffalo Springfield, who maintained a solo career.
