5 Surprising Facts About Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Iconic Debut Album
Few albums in rock history have had the seismic impact of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Released in 1969, the debut from the folk-rock supergroup redefined harmonies, songwriting, and the very essence of what a band could be. From the haunting beauty of “Helplessly Hoping” to the anthemic grandeur of “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” this record set the tone for the singer-songwriter movement of the ‘70s and cemented CSN’s place in rock’s pantheon. But beyond the hits and accolades, this album holds fascinating stories that even longtime fans may not know.
1. The Cover Photo Was a Race Against Time—And Lost
The iconic cover of Crosby, Stills & Nash was taken by photographer Henry Diltz before the band had settled on a name. The trio sat on an abandoned house’s porch in West Hollywood—left to right, Nash, Stills, and Crosby—opposite of the album’s title order. Once they had officially named the band, they returned to the house to reshoot the cover in the correct order, only to find it had been demolished. That’s why the album cover remains out of sync with the group’s name.
2. Stephen Stills Played Nearly Everything
While Crosby, Stills & Nash is remembered for its intricate vocal harmonies, much of the instrumentation was the work of just one man—Stephen Stills. Dubbed “Captain Many Hands” by his bandmates, Stills played nearly every instrument on the album, including bass, organ, and lead guitar, layering everything meticulously. The only exceptions? David Crosby and Graham Nash played guitar on their own songs, and Dallas Taylor handled the drums (except on “Marrakesh Express,” where Jim Gordon stepped in).
3. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” Was a Public Breakup Letter
One of the album’s most beloved tracks, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” was written by Stills about his then-girlfriend, singer-songwriter Judy Collins. The song chronicles their impending breakup, with poetic verses referencing Collins’ time in therapy and their emotional distance. Collins herself has recounted the moment Stills first played it for her, admitting, “We both cried… but I still left him.” Despite the heartbreak, the song became a defining anthem for the band and a staple of their live performances.
4. “Wooden Ships” Was Too Dangerous to Credit Fully
The apocalyptic “Wooden Ships” was co-written by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane. However, when the album was released in 1969, Kantner’s name was conspicuously missing from the credits. The reason? Kantner was embroiled in a bitter legal battle with Jefferson Airplane’s manager, who had the power to block releases involving his name. To avoid potential lawsuits, Crosby and Stills left Kantner off the official writing credits at first, though he was later properly credited—and compensated—once the album took off.
5. A Song That the Hollies Rejected Helped Form the Band
Graham Nash originally wrote “Marrakesh Express” while still in The Hollies, but his bandmates dismissed it as not commercial enough. Frustrated, Nash left the group and soon teamed up with Crosby and Stills, bringing “Marrakesh Express” with him. The track became the band’s first single and a Top 40 hit, proving Nash’s instincts right. Without The Hollies’ rejection, Crosby, Stills & Nash might never have come together.
RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles Brings Sgt. Pepper, Abbey Road & More to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles is an electrifying journey through the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour in addition to songs from the early years all the way to Abbey Road. RAIN will play Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre for 8 performances only, from May 13 – 18, 2025.
Tickets will be available at 10AM on Friday February 28, 2025 at mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333
This mind-blowing live performance takes a journey back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” (Associated Press). RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles is an electrifying concert experience celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four with note-for-note precision. From energetic classics to reflective favorites, the band delivers an unforgettable performance that appeals to fans old and new. With vibrant costumes, psychedelic visuals and flawless detail, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes, a nod to the 60’s but in high definition.
Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture, and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live performance as infectious as it is transporting. RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles promises is an extraordinary journey that captivates hearts and inspires all generations.
Pixies Extend 2025 North American Tour With New Dates And Support From Spoon & Fazerdaze
Long revered as one of the most influential and impactful creative forces of the modern musical era, Pixies has announced a 14-date extension of its 2025 North American Tour. The newly announced headline shows will take the band from San Diego’s Gallagher Square on August 27 through to the Pinnacle in Nashville on September 17, with stops along the way including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and more. Support will come from Spoon and Fazerdaze. See below for a full itinerary.
Tickets for these dates will be on sale beginning Friday, February 28 at pixiesmusic.com.
The newly confirmed shows represent the latest installment of Pixies’ extensive North American trek supporting its latest studio album, The Night The Zombies Came. Released October 25 via BMG, Pixies ninth studio album (or tenth if you count 1986 debut mini-LP Come On Pilgrim) moved the likes of AllMusic to rave “Songs like these uphold Pixies’ brash, eccentric, oddly moving legacy brilliantly, and as a whole, The Night the Zombies Came ranks among their finest post-reunion music.” Prior to this newly unveiled run, Pixies — Charles “Black Francis” Thompson (vocals, guitar), Joey Santiago (guitar), David Lovering (drums) and Emma Richardson (bass, vocals) — will embark on a June 13—August 1 series of two-night engagements in 14 North American cities, playing classic albums Bossanova and Trompe Le Monde in their entirety the first night, followed on night two by sets featuring staples from the band’s bottomless catalog alongside newer material including songs from The Night The Zombies Came.2025 promises to be yet another banner year for Pixies. One year shy of the 40th anniversary of the band’s 1986 formation, Pixies continues to mark milestones such as “Where Is My Mind?” from 1988’s immortal Surfer Rosa recently surpassing one billion plays on Spotify. The band’s peerless catalog — which spans from 1989’s platinum-certified breakthrough Doolittle to 21st century outings including Indie Cindy (2014), Head Carrier (2016), Beneath the Eyrie (2019), Doggerel (2022) and more — continues to grow in stature across successive generations. Drawing passionate throngs of fans new and longtime alike, 2025’s continuation of Pixies’ global touring agenda is sure to keep this multi-generational following enthralled with performances as incendiary as they are unique.
Pixies 2025 North American Tour
JUNE 2025
13-14 Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas
16-17 The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ
20-21 Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA
23-24 Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
26-27 Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, BC
JULY 2025
8-9 MTELUS, Montreal, QC
12 Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa, ONT
15-16 Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY
18-19 MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston, MA
22-23 The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
25-26 The Anthem, Washington, DC
28-29 The Fillmore, Detroit, MI
31 Palace Theatre, St. Paul, MN
AUGUST 2025
1 Palace Theatre, St. Paul, MN
22 Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (with My Chemical Romance)
27 Gallagher Square, San Diego, CA
28 The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA
30 McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale, OR
31 Kettlehouse Amphitheater, Bonner, MT
SEPTEMBER 2025
2 Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
4 Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK
5 ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Austin, TX
6 White Oak Music Hall, Houston, TX
8 Avondale Brewing Company, Birmingham, AL
9 Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
10 Asheville Yards Amphitheater, Asheville, NC
12 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
13 Bourbon & Beyond Festival, Louisville, KY
15 The Salt Shed – Fairgrounds, Chicago, IL
17 The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN
19 Shaky Knees Festival, Atlanta, GA
Kurt Vile supports June 13 through August 1
Spoon and Fazerdaze support August 27 through September 17
Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, & More Join Light Up The Blues 7 at The Greek Theatre
Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, and Christina Applegate will join Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Chris Stills, Oliver Stills, and more, along with many special guests, in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025 at the Greek Theatre for the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 7 Concert.
Hosted once again by Kristen and Stephen Stills, and promoted by Nederlander Concerts, the event will feature performances by autistic musical artists and will begin at 7:00 PM PST. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 28th @ 10 am PST.
The Light Up the Blues Concert returns for its seventh year and will celebrate Autism Speaks’ 20th anniversary and the autism community, while helping to fuel Autism Speaks’ work to provide resources and services for all autistic individuals, across the spectrum and throughout their lifespan.
Proceeds from the Light Up The Blues 7 Concert will support Autism Speaks’ efforts, which include funding life-enhancing research, increasing early childhood screening and interventions, and improving the transition to adulthood for people with autism.
Kristen and Stephen Stills said, “We are once again feeling grateful that we can play a part in helping Autism Speaks to fulfill their mission of creating such meaningful progress for autistic people and their families. There are a multitude of existing challenges and now, here in Los Angeles, we face a new reality of added need for our autism community. The trajectory of getting back to a sense of normalcy is very complex. We know that our support of Autism Speaks will help to ensure that the path will be smoother and approached with sensitivity and care. All the amazing artists joining us to celebrate autistic people will give our audience a night to remember for many years to come and we can’t wait to be with them once again!”
“Kristen and Stephen Stills are once again using the power of music to amplify the voices of the autism community, and we’re grateful for their dedication to making this event a force for change,” said Keith Wargo, Autism Speaks President and Chief Executive Officer. “As Autism Speaks marks its 20th anniversary, we’re not just reflecting on how far we’ve come-we’re pushing forward, driven by the voices of autistic people, to tear down barriers and create a world where disability inclusion is a reality. Over the next two decades, we’re redefining what’s possible-fearlessly fighting for access to health and wellness services, employment, and community support so that every autistic person has the opportunities they deserve.”
Taking place during World Autism Month, The Light Up The Blues 7 Concert reinforces Autism Speaks’ commitment to standing with the autistic community by encouraging everyone to celebrate differences and include people with autism in all aspects of society. Supporters can help make a world of difference for autistic individuals this April and year-round by visiting AutismSpeaks.org.
In addition, Autism Speaks is stepping up to support communities affected by the LA fires by offering tailored virtual resources and partnering with local providers to assist frontline response efforts-maximizing existing resources to make an immediate impact.
Over the years, the Light Up the Blues Concert has featured artists and guests including Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Jack Black, Patti Smith, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Burt Bacharach, Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, The War On Drugs, and more, and has raised millions of dollars in support of Autism Speaks, helping to drive the organization’s mission.
Good Terms Joins Youth Fountain on North American Headline Tour This Spring
Alternative band Good Terms has announced that they will on the road this spring, supporting Youth Fountain on their North American headline tour. The shows kick off on May 28th in Sacramento, with stops to follow in Anaheim, Atlanta, Baltimore, Hartford, Milwaukee, Denver, and more. Tickets for the upcoming tour go on sale this Friday, February 28th at 10am local time.
Vocalist / guitarist Brian McShea shares: “We’re so pumped to hit the road with Youth Fountain! We’re hitting a bunch of cities we’ve always wanted to hit, playing for friends haven’t seen for a long time. Our new songs are so much fun to play; I’m excited to get the Youth Fountain crowd circling pitting! I also have a birthday landing on this tour, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. Gonna be a Hell Yeah Brother way to kick off the summer.”
Tour Dates:
5/28 – Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
5/29 – Fresno, CA @ Strummer’s
5/31 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
6/1 – Mesa, AZ @ The Underground
6/3 – Fort Worth, TX @ Tulips
6/4 – San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Underground
6/6 – Atlanta, GA @ Altar
6/7 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings
6/8 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
6/10 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
6/12 – Amityville, NY @ Amityville Music Hall
6/13 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground
6/14 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
6/15 – Asbury Park, NJ @ House Of Independents
6/17 – Columbus, OH @ Ace Of Cups
6/18 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
6/19 – Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade
6/21 – Denver, CO @ HQ
6/22 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby
Rilo Kiley Expands Reunion Tour And Announces First-Ever Greatest Hits Album
Rilo Kiley has today announced the expansion of their Sometimes When You’re On You’re Really F**king On Tour. Due to popular demand, Rilo Kiley has confirmed an extended run of September headline dates across the east coast and midwest including Philadelphia, Boston, New York’s SummerStage in Central Park, St. Paul, Nashville, a Raleigh date featuring special guests the Mountain Goats, and more. The band will also kick off opening weekend at Seattle’s historic Chateau Ste. Michelle in May.
“Planning this reunion over these past months has been like reconnecting with family. We haven’t missed a beat,” says Pierre de Reeder. “The stakes are only to have a good time, to revel in this nostalgia. Getting to revisit and celebrate the music from that special time of our lives while experiencing it alongside a lot of people that lived it with us back when, and new folks alike.”
“It couldn’t have happened any sooner,” says Jenny Lewis. “It feels like now is the time to share that joy and love with each other and with everyone else.”
In celebration of the band’s surprise return, Rilo Kiley has unveiled plans to release their first ever greatest hits album. The band-curated career-spanning collection, That’s How We Choose To Remember It, will be released via Saddle Creek on Friday, May 9th.
“For some people, Rilo Kiley evokes a formative, emotional time in life, when you were maybe grasping for your place in the universe. We were too,” says Blake Sennett.
RILO KILEY 2025 LIVE DATES
5/05/25 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theatre
5/07/25 – Ojai, CA – Libbey Bowl
5/10/25 – Pasadena, CA – Just Like Heaven
5/12/25 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
5/14/25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre * w/ Julien Baker & TORRES
5/16/25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Block Party
5/17/25 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest
5/19/25 – Jackson, WY – Center for the Arts
5/21/25 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
5/23/25 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Grand Lodge
5/24/25 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle
9/03/25 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
9/04/25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
9/07/25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
9/08/25 – New York, NY – SummerStage @ Central Park
9/10/25 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
9/11/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
9/13/25 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond
9/16/25 – Saint Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
9/17/25 – La Vista, NE – The Astro
9/21/25 – St. Augustine, FL – Sing Out Loud Festival
9/23/25 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
9/24/25 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater* w/ special guest The Mountain Goats
9/26/25 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
Dan Wilson Announces ‘good night, los angeles’ 18-Song Instrumental Piano Album Inspired by Late-Night Improvisations
Today, The GRAMMY-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Dan Wilson announced his new album good night, los angeles, an 18-song collection of piano recordings born out of a regular series of Sunday evening recordings he would post to social media. Recorded entirely on a 1918 Vose & Sons upright piano that was found on the streets of Hollywood, the record marks Wilson’s first instrumental release and offers a rare glimpse into the award-winning songwriter’s raw, unvarnished creative process.
Today, Wilson released the first selections from the forthcoming album, accompanied by an animated video for the three-song medley “deervale / moorpark / tujunga.” Each of the album’s 18 tracks are accompanied by videos from art director Yazz Alali and illustrator/animator Sarah Nelson, who paired the music with hypnotic animations of mushrooms growing and interacting, their mycelium spreading out through the soil and entangling together to create increasingly complex neural networks.
About the album, Wilson explains: “Last month, I was scheduled to announce my first instrumental album, good night, los angeles. The album was born out of a weekly artistic practice: late Sunday nights I would sit down at the piano and improvise a simple, peaceful instrumental piece on the spot. Then I’d share it on Instagram with the caption #goodnightlosangeles. It was a calming and meditative practice for me, and I hoped the songs would have the same calming and meditative effect on listeners. I ended up making nearly 200 of them. Late last year, I compiled my favorites into an album for a January release. But then the wildfires hit my town, and I hesitated. I didn’t want to appear tone-deaf – especially given the album’s title. But now I can’t help wanting to move forward and share this music with the world. I’m from Minneapolis, but I’ve lived here since 2010 and good night, los angeles is a love letter to my adopted city. These are late-night improvised lullabies, and I hope they can help someone put down their worries for a moment and feel the peace of those quiet nights here in LA.”
About the video, he adds: “I loved the idea of these songs soundtracking the amazing, hidden life of the forest floor at night. Sarah is a brilliant wildlife artist, and she did such a beautiful job of tapping into the emotional core of these songs and translating that into the natural world.”
An instrumental piano album may seem like an unlikely project for an artist so known for his way with words, who last year alone received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (“It Never Went Away”), won his first CMA Award for Song of the Year (“White Horse”) and took home the GRAMMY for Country Song of the Year (“White Horse). But in the end, the result is classic Wilson: an evocative work of deep emotion and thoughtful beauty, one crafted purely for the love of the creation and shared in the hopes of forging meaningful connection.
About the forthcoming album, Wilson adds: “The past 12 months have been packed with incredible honors and recognition for my songwriting. Even if these are things I never think about when I’m making the music, it’s sweet to get respect for it afterwards. Mainly though, I’m in it for the inspiration, the process, the moment of creation, the laughs and the seriousness of a recording session, the joy of sharing what we make. I feel luckiest when I’m living the life of an artist. The thing I’m most excited about this year is the release of my improvised piano lullaby album, good night, los angeles. These songs all happened as part of a weekly artistic practice of sitting down at the piano and making up a new instrumental piece on the spot. Sunday night, family is asleep, house is dark, city is quiet; go to the piano and improvise into my phone for just a few minutes; if it’s good, post it online with the hashtag #goodnightlosangeles. Seems like people have found them just as calming and meditative to listen to as they were for me to record. That is its own kind of honor, and one that I deeply appreciate.”
good night, los angeles tracklist:
1) mulholland
2) deervale
3) moorpark
4) tujunga
5) rhinestone
6) volledam
7) beverly glen
8) ambrose
9) van nuys
10) round valley
11) avon
12) alexandria
13) ventura
14) fairway
15) coldwater
16) normandie
17) laurel
18) hillhurst

