Crosby, Stills & Nash

Crosby, Stills & Nash

Crosby, Stills & Nash is a folk rock supergroup from Los Angeles, formed by David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. The group brings together three musicians who each come from major 1960s acts: The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies.

Style and significance

The trio is best known for its three-part vocal harmonies, which become one of its defining features. Its sound fits within folk pop, folk rock, pop rock, rock, singer-songwriter and soft rock.

Early success

The band’s first self-titled album appears in 1969 and becomes an immediate hit. It produces two Top 40 singles and receives strong airplay on the emerging FM radio format. The group also becomes closely associated with the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

Name changes and later activity

In late summer 1969, Neil Young joins the trio, and the group performs and records as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, usually shortened to CSNY. Over the following years, the original trio reforms for several albums and tours as Crosby, Stills & Nash. The group remains active from 1968 to 2016.