Members David Crosby (guitar), Stephen Stills (guitar, keyboards, bass), Graham Nash (guitar). Crosby had been with "The Byrds", Stills with "Buffalo Springfield" and Nash with "The Hollies".
Neil Young (guitar - formerly of Buffalo Springfield) joined the group in 1969. Won Best New Artist Grammy Award in 1969.
Formed
In Southern California in 1968. As far as I know they met at Joni Mitchell's house in Laurel Canyon, after a Hollies concert. The singing they did there, sounded so wonderful that a new group was formed that same evening. Together they travelled to London to write songs and rehearse. In december 1968 - when Graham Nash had left the Hollies after a performance in a charity concert at the London Palladium on December 8 - they go back to Los Angelos. One month later they started recording the first album.
Succesful
The musical partnership of the three members of the group (and later with Neil Young), led to one of the most successful acts of the late 60's, 70's, and early 80's. With the colourful, contrasting nature of the members' characters and their connection to the political and cultural upheavals of the time (the 'Woodstock Generation'), it was the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles.
The participants of the group had all been quite succesful when it came together in1968: Crosby had been a member of the Byrds, Nash was in the Hollies, and Stills bad been part of Buffalo Springfield. The resulting trio, however, sounded like none of its predecessors and was characterized 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.
Woodstock
By the time of their first tour (which included the Woodstock festival), Neil Young joined the group. Young was also a former member of Buffalo Springfield, who maintained a solo career. The first CSN&Y album, 'Deja-vu', was a much more 'electric' album than the first CSN-record. It was also an album that had taken a very long time to produce. Longer than any act used to stay in the recording-studios in those days. The album was a chart-topping hit in 1970, but the group split acrimoniousiy after a summer tour. The live double album '4 Way Street' issued after the breakup, was anotber number1 hit. Thanks to the wonderful acoustic music and the on the other side the heavy guitar-duels between Steven Stills and Neil Young. (Southern Man e.g.) When it finally was released on CD in 1992, it was lengthened with more live material.
Summer Stadium Tour
In 1974 CSN&Y reformed for a summer stadium tour without releasing a new record. Nevertheless, the compilation 'So Far' became their third straight number 1.
Crosby, Stills and Nash reformed without Young in 1977 for the album 'CSN', another giant hit. In 1982 followed by 'Daylight Again'. By then Crosby was in the throes of drug addiction and increasing legal problems. He was in jail in 1985-1986, but cleaned up and returned to action, with the result that CSN&Y reunited on Neil Young's instigation for their second studio album, 'American Dream', in 1988.
Without Neil Young CSN followed with 'Live It Up' in 1990. Though the album was a commercial disappointment, the trio remains a popular live act. They embarked on a 25th anniversary tour in the summer of 1994 (toured Europe) and released a new album, 'After The Storm.'
Birthdays David Crosby August 14, 1941 Los Angelos, Ca. Stephen Stills January 3, 1945 Dallas, Tx. Graham Nash February 2, 1942 Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom. Neil Young November 12, 1945
