Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Biography [Paperback]

Dave Zimmer (Author), Henry Diltz (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2008

Crosby, Stills & 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.” This copiously illustrated account of the trio’s personal and musical history tells the story behind the songs. Longtime CSN chronicler Dave Zimmer, with the full cooperation of the band, traces all of the performers from their musical roots to their first song together in L.A.’s storied Laurel Canyon; from their addition of Neil Young to Woodstock; and through their stormy years of creative conflicts, reunions, and reconciliations. This new edition has been fully reconfigured and updated to celebrate the trio’s 40th anniversary and to accommodate over 300 photos, as well as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s controversial Living with War tour.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Augusta Metro Spirit, 10/1/08
“An expansive volume complete with a wonderful collection of photographs…A wonderful companion for fans of the iconic trio…This work opens the doors to the backstage area of the legend of Crosby, Stills and Nash while providing the framework and the excitement of the union of these three with Neil Young…A delightful piece of music history.”

Blogcritics.org, 10/6/08
“Although it is immediately clear in Zimmer's narrative that he is not only a confidant, but a fan as well, none of the details—including many that the band members themselves would probably rather forget—are left out…Still, and to Zimmer's credit, [it] never reads in the sort of lurid fashion which often characterizes other rock bios from the same era…[Zimmer has] an engaging and easy-to-read, matter-of-fact style that literally puts the reader right there. For both CSN&Y fans and students of American music history, [this] is an essential read.”

“Neil Young News” blog on Thrasherswheat.org, 10/10/08
“Mighty fine reading and viewing that any CSN fan—and even Neil Young fans—could appreciate.”

InfoDad.com, 10/30/08
“Amply illustrated…A well-organized book…Fans of this group…will be thrilled by the inside information.”

Bookviews.com, 11/08
“Fans will definitely enjoy this one.”

Dirty Linen, 3/09
“What does this new edition possibly hold for any fan who has read any of the previous editions? Lots.”

Ugly Things Spring 2009
“’Fully’ updated is right…Has a lot of interesting details.”

Elmore, May/June 2009
“A history most worthy of CSN. Full of facts both large and small, easy to read and decorated with photos…This book weaves its often tumultuous story with an eye for detail to which every rock bio should aspire.”

Curledup.com
“Zimmer [is] a knowledgeable and studied writer who brings a wealth of information and insight.”

About the Author

Dave Zimmer edited 4 Way Street, is a former editor of BAM, and works as a communications executive. He lives in West Orange, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 3rd edition (September 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306816156
• ISBN-13: 978-0306816154
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,873 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE MORE THINGS STAY THE SAME,THE MORE THEY CHANGE..., October 13, 2008

By 

Rick Rangel (Clute,TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Biography (Paperback)

This revised and updated edition is the third entry of Crosby,Stills & Nash:The Biography. The first edition was published in 1984 and chronicled the early years of CSNY.The prose by Mr.Zimmer and the photos by Mr.Diltz made for compelling reading.Anyone even remotely familiar
with these men and their music knows their history.It has always amazed me that CSNY became legend on the strength of two albums.CROSBY,STILLS AND NASH was released in 1969 right before the summer of Woodstock.Neil Young climbed aboard just before that historic event and the rest is history.DEJA VU came out in late spring of 1970 and it became a classic for the ages.The first edition follows the group up to 1984.The revised edition was published in 1999 and picks up where the first edition left off.Crosby's problems with drug addiction and his short prison stint are written about but not dwelled upon .The second edition ends in 1999 with the release of LOOKING FORWARD (CSNY'S third studio album in 29 years) and on the eve of the CSNY2K tour (their 2nd in 26 years).The 2008
edition would be a rehashing of previous events one would think,but that one would be wrong.So much has happened to both them AND us.There is new insight on Stephen Stills and Judy "Suite:Judy Blue Eyes" Collins that has never been revealed before.It IS an eye opener.CSNY went out touring right after 9-11 and there are a lot of photos from that tour.Then came 2006's FREEDOM OF SPEECH TOUR and THAT is what finally divides the artist and the audience. It is a fascinating read because of the insights Zimmer provides,not all of them of the same viewpoint as the celebated quartet.This 2008 edition is the keeper because
it lays out not only the lives of David Crosby,Stephen Stills,Graham Nash and Neil Young but the lives of their fellow generation (read baby boomers)as well. All four are well into their sixties but their fire has never dwindled. I can't think of any musicians that have put their entire career on the line like these cats have because they've always lived up to "being real".If this latest edition is the last one,it could not have ended on a higher note.Zimmer concludes in the final chapter that there is "no end in sight".Who knows? There may be MORE music to write,MORE songs to be sung and MORE audiences to be thrilled.A majestic American tale...and it is all true.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read, December 27, 2008

By 

Saki "Saki" (Nevada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Biography (Paperback)

I truly enjoyed this book. Very well written, tons of information and of course, those great Henry Diltz photos. A keeper, and frankly, the best purchase for the money I've made in a long time. Some of the junk on the web (and even published in other books) is simply false, and very annoying. Nice to read something I can trust, which does NOT mean that Zimmer's reporting is always flattering to his subjects.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, February 5, 2010

By 

Kerri Macias - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Biography (Paperback)

Bought this book as my dad's christmas present and he loves it. This book is a compilation of Crosby, Stills, and Nash's life from the very beginning to the present. Includes priceless pictures of the boys and stories every fan will love to learn.