Davis Crosby Still Sailing In Song

The American singer, songwriter and musician, David Crosby, turns 80 years old today. He may be a social and political bad boy in the eyes of many, but he remains an iconic figure in the performance and evolution of popular music beginning in the 1960s. His talents, notably his songwriting and beautiful high harmony, helped propel The Byrds, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young to the top of the charts. Crosby is still on the circuit adding his signature sound --and rather strong it remains--after all these years. Furthermore he released his eighth studio album earlier this year. Considering the toll from years of unhealthy life choices both emotional and physical, we're fortunate to have him around for another generation of admirers. For me, Crosby ranks among the best of the singer songwriters.

Here is a sample of the poet's work performed in its golden age, first with Graham Nash, and second, with Nash, Stephen Stills, and Neil Young:

Deja Vu

If I had ever been here before

I would probably know just what to do

Don't you?

If I had ever been here before

On another time around the wheel

I would probably know just how to deal

With all of you

And I feel like I've been here before

I feel like I've been here before

And you know it makes me wonder

What's going on under the ground

Do you know? Don't you wonder

What's going on down under you?

I rarely post links to long videos but here is an exception, a one hour interview with Crosby recorded in 2015 at the Aspen Institute. If you have an interest in pop music history this will be an hour well-spent with an amazingly talented and entertaining man who lived that history most of us can only talk about.

For even more music and storytelling featuring Crosby,  many of his bandmates, and other from the Laurel Canyon scene of the late 1960's watch Echo In the Canyon. It's a two-hour documentary produced in 2018 and available on Netflix. 

Happy birthday, David! Sail on.

Sources

Photo:
miaminewtimes.com, photo by Django Crosby

Text:
miaminewtimes.com
wikipedia.com
davidcrosby.com