Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Authorized Biography

by Dave Zimmer

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306809745
• ISBN13: 9780306809743
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 301 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Better than I expected!!!

I thought this book was great. Although I've been a CSN and CSNY fan my whole life, I'm only 25 so I wasn't around when Woodstock happened. This book gave me a new perspective on CSN and CSNY. This group, to me, is right up there with the Beatles. Great harmony, great chemistry, great songs. And like the Beatles, they've endured their share of arguments and yet still manage to reach out to their fans with simple lyrics and songs. I loved the biographical nature of the book. Sure, there were times I would have liked to have known what they were thinking as they wrote/sang a particular song, but I don't think this book was meant to discuss those details specifically. I loved reading about the bizarre details that few people know about them. There were many times I could not stop reading. The only problem that I saw with the book was that there was not enough material. It can only go so far, but I would like to see an up-to-date version. When I finished, I felt like I could have read 100 more pages. If you're a CSN/Y fan at all, you will not be disappointed. It will only leave you wanting more.

A Great Book for any CSNY fan!

I bought this book when the group did their 2000 Reunion Tour and thoroughly enjoyed both. Looking back, I'd say that I liked the book in the same way that I liked the group....the early days and the early struggles were the best.What we forget about these guys was that their most productive years were from about 1968 to 1974 as a group and as individuals. All the years after this time, they have been only a shadow of themselves. If you like this book and are more of a Stills fan, be sure to read Richie Furay's book, For What It's Worth which is even more personal and detailed about the early days.As a CSN fan, I'll always treasure those first two albums as a couple of my all-time favorites. I would hope that there is a live album from the last tour. I also wish that someone would help Stills write a book, too. I'd love to hear his version of all that happened.

Excellent!

I saw and previewed this book while in Barnes and Noble in Downtown Pittsburgh and I thought WOW! Some of the stuff I never knew about them! I had to go back and buy it for my mother for mothers day who is a HUGE CSNY fan! great job!Also recommended: Classic Rock Stories - Tim Morse .. Stories behind the greatest songs of all time .. did you know the first 2 lines to Wooden Ships were taken from a church sign that Graham saw in Florida?

Excellent!

I saw and previewed this book while in Downtown Pittsburgh and I thought WOW! Some of the stuff I never knew about them! I had to go back and buy it for my mother for mothers day who is a HUGE CSNY fan! great job!Also recommended: Classic Rock Stories - Tim Morse .. Stories behind the greatest songs of all time .. did you know the first 2 lines to Wooden Ships were taken from a church sign that Graham saw in Florida?

Crosby Stills & Nash: The Authorized Biography

Dave Z. is a meticulous, lucid and utterly welcome credit to his profession. Unaffectedly poised above the silly sensationalism, spin and wordiness other writers employ for whatever reasons, DEZ offers a lovely, descriptive and respectful visit with the minds and hearts of the Fellas. Refreshingly, he lets CSN tell much of their story--I feel like I'm getting the goods in a cozy, firsthand manner; and Dave, like any artist occupying the upper crust of his/her form, makes the writing seem easy. Sharp and generous, though never starstruck, DEZ is the consummate biographer. Obviously, CSN feel safe with Dave--an opportunity as unwasted by him as any words he employs. This work makes me eager for more Zimmer, and I'd especially love to someday get a read of any fiction he might choose to create, as I'm ripe for a deeper peek into his heartful imagination.Henry Diltz also scores with some always fresh-looking work. Among other impeccable photos new to me, in Chapter 17 there's a gorgeous shot of Stills holding his daughter Eleanor, and another perfectly homey, happy picture of Nash and his family in what I guess is their kitchen. Again and making HD a natural partner to Dave Z., warmth and realness set an appealing and friendly tone.One soulful, irresistible thing about work like that of Dave Z. and Henry D.--and of CSN--you experience it again and again, but it remains new.