Crosby, Stills & Nash Share Insights on Prioritizing Social Politics Over Chart Success

In a recent interview, Graham Nash and David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash revealed how they made the decision to put social politics above their chart success. The duo shared their experiences and insights on prioritizing what was important over commercial gain.

According to Nash, 'We put out 'Ohio' in 12 days with a 45 picture sleeve cover of the Constitution with four bullet holes in it, and we killed our own single.' This bold move came after the group's response to the Kent State massacre, which took place on May 4th, 1970. The song 'Ohio' was an immediate answer to the tragedy, and its release marked a turning point for the band.

Crosby shared his thoughts on how their decision affected their management team and record company. He stated, 'I don't think they were happy about it.' Nash added, 'We had 'Teach Your Children' halfway up the charts going for Number One, but Nash pulled it.'

The song 'Ohio' was a powerful statement against the Vietnam War and government brutality. It's no surprise that it resonated with listeners worldwide. The band's decision to prioritize social politics over chart success sent a clear message about their values and commitment to speaking out against injustice.

In another aspect of their music, the band members shared personal experiences that inspired their songs. Nash revealed that 'Tuesdays and Saturdays' was based on his own relationship struggles with therapists who didn't believe in monogamy. Crosby added, 'I mean, he hated New York and therapy, and I was in both – and you can hear it in the song.'

The band's music has stood the test of time, and their songs continue to inspire and resonate with listeners today. One such song is 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,' a masterpiece written by Stephen Stills about his relationship with Judy Collins. In an interview, Collins revealed that the song remains a snapshot of their relationship at that exact moment.

The editors of Classic Rock magazine have listed 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' as the best song in the extended Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young catalogue. This testament to the band's enduring legacy is a tribute to their commitment to creating music that transcends commercial success and speaks to the hearts of listeners worldwide.

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