Crosby, Stills, and Nash: The Biography

Really enjoyed this book!I bought this book since CSNY are my third favorite musical act after the Beatles and the Stones and I was not disappointed. The author had a difficult job trying to chronicle each of these musicians and their solo work as well as when they came together, with or without Neil Young. There is a great amount of detail involving names and instruments of other musicians who worked with them, drummers, keyboards, etc which did not interest me. One vivid detail in the book that really bothered me was Crosby promptly leaving and disappearing after an early girlfriend announced to him that she was pregnant with his child. He later married someone else, fathered a child in that marriage and raved about how special it was to have a child, how wonderful it was, how his legacy was being passed down. This really really bothered me and I spent a lot of time fuming and feeling this was so grossly unfair and unjust to that first child he'd so cavalierly abandoned. However! Much to my delight, late in the book I finally read how that first child tracked him down, got in contact with him and turned out to be a musically talented son AND Crosby and this son formed their own little band . They played together for a few years apparently and released a record. I agree with another review I read that Crosby is lucky to be alive . He owes no small debt of gratitude for his bandmates having helped him become sober and drug free. It was a good book, made me promptly go watch YouTube to watch more of these guys. It is somewhat disheartening to realize that almost nobody was ever drug-free or sober back then and all that brilliant music came from that background. It was confusing to me how the four men, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young would play as a foursome but then other times two individuals would pair up for a record, or three or a different two, or each one doing individual solo work. I love their music and have no end of respect for their talents and their amazing harmonies. Admirable too, that their quarrels were few and far between and quickly mended. Somone once said how "insular and incestuous" the world of rock and roll can be and this book is no exception. Cass Elliot seemed to know everyone and introduced key people to one another. Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Hollies, Manassas, Yardbirds, Crazy Horse, all seemed to swim in the same circles. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has honored each member of CSN&Y and justly so. Excellent book,don't hesitate to add it to your collection.

This book is a fast read that's for the highly dedicated CSN fan. The author spins a fascinating tale about the formation of the band, weaving a story that delivers the impression of bodies circling ever nearer before finally coming in to contact. The detail and specificity here is impressive.However, from that point forward the author loses focus on the bigger picture, opting instead for fine details such as the minutia of which personnel played what gigs on specific dates. I'm a liner notes junkie and absorbed this without hesitation. But the bigger picture issues are glossed over with only brief mention, leaving the reader expected to accept this.CSN has always been a band that faced big picture issues - big success, perhaps big egos, big triumphs and equally big losses. This book would benefit from delving in to these issues that defined the history of the band.For example, there is a brief and passing mention of Crosby having trouble with the IRS before CSN even formed. No reason or elaboration is given despite the way this type of trouble would continue to hound the man for years to come. The ongoing tensions between members of the band are plainly stated but supported by no real depth of analysis or even simple reasons. At one point Neil Young splits on Stills in the middle of a tour and we get little comment on the reasons or the impact. We do get a list of the cities they played, however.Despite this lack of detail on the important things the book is still a very enjoyable read. The author is clearly friendly with the band and I don't necessarily agree with other reviewers' suggestions that it's entirely objective. But the book clips along at a good pace, never grows dull or tedious, and serves as a constant reminder of why CSN is one of the best bands in rock and roll history.

Crosby, Stills, & Nash: The Biography is the definitive work on this legendary musical trio. This is an excellent read providing great insight into the behind-the-scenes lives of three iconic musicians of the early and modern era of rock and roll. I like the way Zimmer maintains a cohesive timeline by tracing the individual member's personal activities and influences within a short time frame, then moving on to corresponding events in the next time frame. Its a bit complicated but makes great sense. After reading this book one gains a much greater appreciation for the unique and masterful contributions David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash have made to the vast world of Rock, blues, and related musical genre.No story of CSN would be complete without including the various encounters and contributions made by Neil Young. Zimmer does a most impressive job of including Young's story and the way he changed the complexion of the overall musical tone of the group yet without compromising the integrity of his partners.David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash were individually masterful musicians in their own right. Seldom do three such talented and creative personalities succeed in working together for any length of time. Zimmer reveals how this combination worked, how their philosophy of sharing the stage and granting enough strokes for everyone's ego, and the challenges inherent with such an undertaking manages to play out over the course of more than four decades. It wasn't easy, as Zimmer is quick to show. And at times the union failed. But ultimately, Crosby, Stills, and Nash had enough respect for each other and sufficient wisdom to realize that they were even greater together than they would ever be on their own. Those who have been inspired by their music and their message remain grateful for their vision.

Found this to be a bit disappointing - very much an in-house biography. It seems to avoid going into depth about controversial or negative periods in CSN history. Anyone interested in a better picture would be well advised to search out the Neil Young biography 'Shakey' or Graham Nash's recent auto biography. Having said all that, it is a decent starter for anyone wanting to know about CSN.

Dave Zimmer has done a fantastic job here with great insights into their machinations. Pity more was not said about their bust up in July 1970 (as in Cowboy Movie David Crosby) - although it is covered in some detail I feel that punches were pulled.Altogether an excellent book - worth every penny and essential.

Like any fragile grouping I was curious as to who the power holders were in this group. I always had sympathy for Stills. I have less after reading this. I always had disdain for Crosby. I have even more now!!

Everything you've ever wanted to read and know about Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, together and solo, in chronological order and in detail. A Great book.

A really well researched and written book. It's one of those that can take another reading ( rare for me to do). So a well deserved 5 Star rating. If you dig CSN(Y) then this is a must!