The legendary American musician, creator and guitarist David Crosby died tonight at the age of 81. Along with a wild and scandalous life, Crosby was signed, as a member of the bands “The Byrds” and “Crosby, Stills and Nash” (with and without Young) to some of the greatest songs in the history of American rock.
Eight Miles High
Crosby was a founding member of the band “The Byrds”, one of the most important bands in American rock of the 1960s, and one of those who managed to fight back against the English bands that conquered the world with the “British Invasion”. The Byrds’ most important song was Eight Miles High, a real milestone in the history of psychedelic rock, and Crosby was signed on as a writer.
Deja vu
In 1969, they were joined by Crosby, after he retired from the Birds, Graham Nash, the leader of the English “Hollys” who also retired from his band, and Steven Stills, from Buffalo Springfield, and formed one of the first and most important supergroups of all time. A year later Neil Young joined them and they became a wonderful quartet. Crosby’s notable contribution to the band is the theme song of the band’s second album.
Almost Cut My Hair
Another important song contributed by Crosby in the days of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and also appeared on the “Deja Vu” album. Crosby defined it as the most important political song he wrote, and it deals with the hippie movement and the bearded and long-haired look as a symbol of rebellion and opposition to the war in Vietnam.
Hero
Crosby’s solo career was long and fruitful, but produced fewer hits and memorable songs than the two legendary groups in which he worked. The most commercially successful song he released was Hero from 1993, in which he collaborated with Phil Collins.
Another Day In Paradise
A little earlier, the collaboration of Crosby and Collins began with work on Collins’ big hit from 1989. In the studio version Crosby contributes background vocals, but later the two performed the song in a beautiful live version in which Crosby is more prominent and present.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7zfxxLXoeM