Graham Nash tells his story succinctly, focusing candidly on his simple take on his profound love for the music and his lengthy career first with the Hollies and then with Crosby, Stills, Nash and sometimes Young. The Kindle version includes many audio files of his songs in short clips which were an unexpected and delightful listen while reading. His sensitive portrayal of his loves, his band mates and his family give us peak into what it was really like to travel through the years, the song writing, and the ups and downs of a career that spans nearly 5 decades. He seems especially grateful to having been given a platform to promote philanthropy on a variety of political and ecological world issues. He was especially revealing about his coming to America, relationship with Joni Mitchell and his friends, managers, crew members, other musicians and supporters along the way. One can tell he has a deep respect for those that helped him build such a grand career. His unabiding love for his long-time wife, Susan Sennet and his 3 children is an inspiration. He treats the drug culture that he partook in with a matter-of-factness that includes the pain and anguish of watching David Crosby struggle with addiction and recovery and the profound affect it had on him personally, on the music and the band. This was one of my favorite rock and roll biographies that seemed in-tune with, and authentic to the vibe and music that CSN and CSNY produced, that was the backdrop for my teen years! Less gossipy than most books of this nature, Graham Nash is not only a superlative song-writer extraordinaire but we find him to be an artist, painter, sculptor, technology inventor and humanitarian. What a great bio. Well done Mr. Nash!

Clarification: I first heard CSN back in 1968 or 1969 and instantly fell in love with their music. "Old friend" means that CSN (and CSNY) have been a part of my life for 40+ years. That makes Graham Nash and old friend. I remember driving with my friends listening to Déjà Vu on an 8-track tape, trying to figure out Suite Judy Blue Eyes on my guitar in college... Very special music and memories.

Like any old friend, you love them for a lot of reasons and overlook annoyances big and small. It was fun to hear the back story on how Nash got started and how he became part of the band that created part of the soundtrack of my generation. I knew of Stills' and Crosby's problems with drugs and always had a hunch that drugs destroyed their voices and musical skills. This book fills in details, mostly regarding David Crosby.

The book is rather repetitive. But that makes sense. Going to the studio and to concerts was like going to the office for most of us. Nash obviously thinks he's a pretty big deal - which I guess he is. But a little more modesty would have been been better. OK, now we know that not only is he a great musician and artist but a great businessman and philanthropist too. Turns out his wife is beautiful and kids are brilliant as well. But as I said, he's an old friend...

For some reason the book wouldn't download on my iPhone and iPad until just before I finished it. I read it on my Kindle Paperwhite so I wasn't able to listen to the music samples. So I wound up buying some MP3 albums (my vinyl copies were long gone) and I reacquainted myself with many old songs and some newer (the 2013 CSN compilation is a great way to do that). Very nice. I was surprised to learn how many albums they did later in their career. They had gotten so mediocre after the late 70s that I stopped paying attention.

Definitely a good read. Be prepared to skim some of the pages. One thing I wish I had heard about was how he feels about drugs today. Clearly drugs resulted in two people squandering their talents. Luckily both seem to have made it to the other side. Nash mentions he gave up cocaine for good but seems to think that weed, LSD, and even cocaine were part of the creative process. Really? I wonder if it was really necessary. The insights he speaks of that he achieved while being wasted seemed very banal to me. There is no doubt that many of his (and Crosby's and Stills') songs are now part of the American songbook but many are pretty sappy and some are downright hard to listen to (mostly Stills). My guess is that drugs were a net negative, not a net positive. Maybe another author will write a history that is more critical and insightful on this point.

But even if that book is written, I probably won't read it. I enjoyed the book and am very glad it prompted me to listen again to the music. I'll keep listening and stop reading.

Graham Nash's book was very well written... All the dates and times have been recorded with precision. And he doesn't meander aimlessly like Neil Young's book "Waging Heavy Peace" does. Most of it follows in chronological order, which is great. This is a very honest look at the time period showing previously unseen warts and all.

And every criticism that I lay upon that time period can be laid upon me. I was no different, just not famous. Although God blessed me (despite myself) with the most wonderful wife that I could ever hope for that helped me steer clear of a lot of the major pitfalls that Nash and company faced.

I must say though, that reading this has made me think differently about the 60's - which I lived through. In fact I spent the latter part of the 60's and early 70's in Rock and Roll bands and had a tiny taste of 'local' fame and 'fans'. I have always looked back on that age with fondness and great love. Now it appears I was wearing "rose colored glasses", with very thick lenses.

For instance, I always thought it was "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" that split the seemingly idyllic relationship between Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash. Now I find that it was Willy that did not want to commit to a long term relationship because of a marriage that he made happen when he was just starting to become successful, which ended - because of the reasons that you can read for yourselves in the book. Hence the painful parting that led him to tell Joni (his self admitted 'love of his life' at the time) that "I feel once again like I gave my heart too soon" and his refusal to commit to marrying her.

This book totally changed my remembrance of that time... Seeing the realities of that age through Nash's eyes has given me a new perspective on that time period that I once loved. I was a hippie amongst many others in my life and I always felt as though "We Can Change The World" was very possible at the time. That "Peace and Love" ideal that led the counter culture at the time was one that I wholly subscribed to.

But after reading the dingy, dirty laundry of Nash, Crosby and Stills and associates... Well "I'M GOING TO CUT MY HAIR" which is still shoulder length - sorry, Croz - and remove My "Freak Flag", the last outward link to the counterculture of that time period...

These people weren't into Peace and Love. They were into EGOS, massive amounts of dope and putting themselves first in all things. That's what I am taking away from his book.

And I have after all of these years come to the realization that the only true, real Peace, Love and Happiness can come from only one source. That is GOD, and his son Jesus who has taken all of my faults and sins and horrible deeds upon Himself, so that I can live free from shame, guilt, madness and rage. It really works, and all I had to do was ASK God for it, and the journey began. And I'm not saying that I'm somehow better than them, I'm not! I just had the scabs removed from my eyes and was suddenly able to see the truth. From this book, written by Graham Nash.

If you want an honest look at this time period and the journey of CSN (and occasionally "& Y"), it's laid out here in spades. The illegal Viet Nam war then is the same as the illegal war that we're fighting in the Middle East now. The suicide rate from vets that have returned is mind boggling and horrific. We have people shooting and bombing innocents and in this country now, and we had Jim Jones and Charlie Manson and many more in the 60's. It's the human condition.

Here's to CSN&Y... I thought I knew ye well through your music. But I didn't know ye at all.

I do recommend this book wholeheartedly.

"I am a simple man." Graham Nash.

"This is how I remember it." Graham Nash.

This (345 page) book covers Nash's musical life from his time in The Hollies (the first 130 pages or so) to his move to SoCal's Laurel Canyon (where the story really begins in earnest), up to the present. The first portion of the book about Nash and The Hollies is the most interesting and informative part of this book. Little has been written about The Hollies by someone who was close to the band, so it's nice to have Nash's perspective on that period. But don't let the three "stars" fool you. This is a well thought out interesting, and (sometimes) informative book from Nash. His stories do bring out those years, but much of it has already been relived by his musical partners and others. But Nash's writing style is very personable and straightforward--which makes reading his book a pleasurable experience--more so than other similar memoirs.

Even if you're familiar with all the stories about CSN&Y, Nash's memories of his early musical life--before and with The Hollies--is well worth reading. His up close and personal description of the early years in England really bring that whole period alive and make the book worthwhile. Reading Nash's memories makes me wish a good writer/editor would interview, in depth, the members of The Hollies and those connected with them, for an in depth book that includes each band member, the band, important people on the scene at that time, and that whole era when music was rapidly changing. The Hollies were there, and witnessed and were a part of that change, from pretty-boy crooners to The Beatles, The Stones, The Hollies, and other bands of the era. It's a piece of English rock'n'roll history that's crying out to be told. Maybe someday.

The majority of the book is taken up with stories fans have already read about in several other books--including Neil Young's recent book and David Crosby's two books from a few years ago--plus books about the Laurel Canyon era ("Fire And Rain" is a good example) of the late 1960's. Nash writes in a straightforward style that makes for easy reading, and it's nice to read his slant on things, but too much of the information on CSN&Y--which is a good portion of the book--has been told before. And like other similar memoirs Nash has told a number of stories, but has had to leave out many more ("a thousand more")--which is understandable. But as Nash says--"I don't give a s--t about stuff 30 years ago". Included are many b&w photographs (including a great shot of Nash's father singing, a great picture of The Hollies performing at the Cavern Club in 1963, a beautiful photo of Crosby's late lady Christine Hinton, and a shot of Nash chipping away part of the Communist East Berlin wall in 1989), some throughout the book, but the majority are in three groups spaced throughout the book.

But for those who have read little about CSN&Y this is an informative look from someone who was (and is) still there and making music. The Hollies is where Nash learned his songwriting/singing craft, but finding his music was growing away from the group, Nash ups sticks and moves to Laurel Canyon and immerses himself in his new chosen lifestyle like a moth to a flame. He also describes the now well known scene during that period, with his meeting up with Crosby and Stills, and overlaying his voice over their two-part harmonies to make something incredible sounding.

He also talks about Joni Mitchell and his almost instant affection for her and his feelings about the wife (and everything else) he left behind in England. And there's the meeting with Cass Elliot and how important that was. The parties at Peter Tork's (The Monkees) house and all the drugs and available women. Nash also talks about the group's appearance at Woodstock ("scary") and other important festivals of the period. Of course a good deal of the book is given over to Nash's dealings (both good and bad) with the other three members of the group. He talks about Stills' massive ego, Crosby's massive, crippling intake of illicit substances ("he always had the best pot") which altered his personality and Crosby's appetite for women ("they were always around"--worse than Nash or Stills), and Young's using of bands he was in to further his own solo career. Throughout Nash is seen as "the peacemaker" among the four and he talks at length about his longtime friendship with Crosby and the many ups and downs they went through together. He also describes the intense rivalry between Stills and Young which added even more pressure on the group. He recounts what Woodstock was like for the group, along with other experiences over the years (like Altamont) that does bring out the flavor of those times.

Nash also shares his feelings on the other members of the group through the years--they're still concerned with the craft of music-making--as a group, in a duo setting, or solo. They have never really split up--reuniting for concerts or social causes. And as Nash sees things, each of the four still maintain their musical integrity and their personalities--perhaps mellowing a bit. But they're still together--if not as friends (Young's loner tendencies) certainly as performers (Crosby-Nash) who still perform today.

In the end Nash sees CSN&Y as "the four of us against the world." And even with all the problems and hassles over the years the most important thing--the music--is still most important. As Nash says--"Did it enrich people's lives, or was it a waste of time?". But he answers his own question--"I don't believe that any of this was a waste of time". And as I said earlier, if you've read little about CSN&Y you'll come away thinking that Nash's book wasn't a waste of time either. Other fans who know much of the story of CSN&Y won't find much new here except for the portion of the book concerning Nash and The Hollies. All in all, Nash's stories are told a little to late for most fans of both himself and CSN&Y, but it's nice to finally read Nash's perspective on his life with his three "brothers". "It always comes down to the music". Graham Nash.

Graham Nash’s book reveals his interesting perspective on the life and times of an evolving rock and roll artist during the last six decades. He is perhaps the only true representative of the English Invasion (Beatles, Stone, Who, Animals, Hermits, Clapton, etc.) and Woodstock hippy culture. Those of us who grew up during this time period will attest to the fact that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young was America’s first super group. And to the larger audience, they were bigger than the Eagles, Who, Led Zeppelin, and others in the day.

(Note: I didn’t know that he was so close to the members of the Beatles.)

The most interesting parts to me are the early days of the Hollies and the forming of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. And while I’ve read other versions of the story, it is great to read Graham’s take as one of the founding members. Of all the members of CSNY, Nash is perhaps the most articulate, emotionally-balanced, and mentally sharp. He gives Stills a generously kind perspective, ignoring the former’s lost voice and obnoxious qualities. Graham’s take on Crosby is nothing short of friendly and honest. But his view on Young is perhaps the most interesting read of all the other members. (“the strangest of my friends. He remains true to his himself, his family, and his music.)

(Note: My favorite line, when Crosby was going in to have his life-threatening operation, “Hey, if you leave me here with Stills, I’ll fuching kill you.”)

For fans of CSNY, this will be a book that you won’t want to miss. I now have a better appreciation of his contribution to the band and to music in general. I also have a fuller understanding of the characters of his music generation (folk rock and English Invasion). And while I didn’t share his political views at the time, I now know how important it was for him to speak out against war, nuclear waste, and political oppression. He was simply a messenger of more enlightened consciousness to younger audiences.

I loved this book and I think that fellow Baby Boomers may feel the same.

I've long been a fan of Nash, the Hollies, and CSN, so perhaps my objectivity can be questioned, but I truly enjoyed this book. I wouldn't say that Nash is a great author, but his recounting of his life and career is thorough, coherent and cohesive. I've always admired his devotion to social justice, and the book explains how that evolved. Although I loved the Hollies sections of the book, one episode was not adequately addressed, namely, the backstage scene at Nash's last concert with the Hollies, with his band mates on one side, and Crosby and Stills beckoning on behalf of the future on the other. Some say it nearly came to blows, but it wasn't fully addressed here. I know his primary readership are fans of the CSNY era, and the book serves that up very well, from the initial epiphany of their harmonies, through the roller coaster of fights, break ups and reunions. He is very frank about his friends, but he shunned the vindictiveness that would have made this just another tell-all book. One of the highlights here is his depiction of David Crosby's descent into the maelstrom of addiction and abuse of his friends. Chilling. His later, non-musical, endeavors are mentioned, but not given sufficient weight. OK, this book is chiefly a rock 'n roll tale, but it is also at times a soul-baring character study of an interesting man, and so a little more insight into the older Graham Nash would have been interesting. So, a good read. Recommended. I'll close by saying I am now reading Neil Young's "Waging Heavy Peace." This book is a different animal, which shouldn't come as a surprise. Interesting, amusing and insightful, Young's non-linear structure can seem at times like a stream of consciousness from an adult sufferer of HD-ADD. Judge for yourself.

I read a lot of these memoirs, but so many of them are embarassing (for the subject) and/or insulting (to the reader).

Yet I continue---and books like this one make it worthwhile. Nash has the knack of retaining his own voice and personality, while still telling an immensely readable and enjoyable story. It's sophisticated without putting on airs, personally insightful without being egotistical, and fun without being simple-minded.

His writing ability is especially noteworthy when you consider it comes on top of the musical and art talent. Add in the social activism and involvement, and it's truly remarkable. Yet Nash still sounds like someone who'd be fun to hang out with and listen to, without bringing along a lot of stressful drama.

Interestingly enough, all CSN members now have such a book out, and Crosby's book(s) are also excellent, especially if you're really into Croz, undeniably one of the world's most interesting men.

But I've recommended Nash's book to more people because it seems to take a broader view and has more about the times and other stars of the music scene. You don't have to be a total hardcore CSN fan to enjoy this book. There's amazing detail here and a million stories, not just about the Hollies and CSN, but about many others as well.

(I'm working toward yet another try at the other guy's book after some earlier attempts).

Maybe I'm prejudiced because "Cathedral" is one of my favorite songs ever, or by the shallow, yet inescapable, fact that Nash looks better now than at any time in his life (which is pretty darn good :). And I'm still recalling their super concert this spring. Whatever; the book is still a great read.

Good reviews are hard---how many different ways are there to say you really, really like it? But this is just an excellent book.

From starting The Hollies with Alan Clarke to moving to the States and hooking up with David Crosby this is a first hand account of a rock life.

There are lots of details and its all very honest, Nash takes the blame where he has erred in personal and business relationships and apportions it to others where he thinks they are at fault. Lots of women and drugs, huge amounts, vast quantities of both it is rock and roll so its to be expected.

Its written in the first person with the dictated and typed feel, which isn't a bad thing , my only complaint is that there are several portions of the book where a journalist may have gone a bit deeper and given the readership more detail. For me the influence unions had on life in the UK in the 1950's was one area I would have liked some more written, but it covers 70 years of a life so I suppose something had to give.

The forming of CSN and eventually Y and then not Y is pivotal to his life and has had a bearing on everything since. The song creation process is explained, explained in a ridiculously simple fashion which makes it seem ridiculously easy which of course it is not.

Tales of performing at Woodstock, Crosby's crack addiction, falling outs and falling in's with Stills and Young, its all here but when the dust settles these people are artists and to perform is why they exist.

Toward the end there are interesting things like the forming of Nash Editions, a company using ink jet printers to produce photographic works, it was pioneering work and still operates 25 years later with the original printer used in the Smithsonian Institute.

A very good rock autobiography showing that nothing comes easy and you only have true success with hard work.

Real behind the scenes stuff re the formation of the Hollies & CSN. Mostly very interesting except the excessive drug use got very boring. Mr Nash lives for music to the exclusion of everything else and has certainly achieved a lot.

From childhood through to the Hollies, CSNY and beyond, this book walks us through GN's life story, with some memorable moments (eg first meeting with 15-yo Graham Gouldman) in an illustrious career, written with great honesty and flair.

A very enjoyable read, particularly for those with an interest in contemporary music (late 50's, 60's and beyond).

Graham Nash's story moves along at a rapid pace. He's got a lot to tell and he does it well. As you might expect, there's a great deal in here about Crosby, Stills and Nash (CSN) and Young and their ups and downs but it's also very interesting to read about Nash's early experience as a member of the Hollies and his more recent activities as a solo artist and a political activist.

Moving to the US in the late sixties, Nash rapidly became part of the Laurel Canyon scene setting up home with Joni Mitchell and making contact with other creative spirits. His description of his first meeting with David Crosby and Steve Stills and the way they began singing together is quite fascinating. He and Crosby became very close friends and Nash tells a harrowing story of Crosby's decline into dependence on drugs and drink which almost ended fatally. Fortunately Crosby survived and CSN continue to perform now and again most recently in 2013.

Highly recommended.

Nonostante non sia il mio artista preferito tra i componenti di CSN&Y, ho sempre pensato che fosse il più semplice e il più diretto, comunque una persona intellettualmente onesta, con una mentalità aperta e molto vitale. Ovviamente, come tutte le autobiografie, il libro va preso in senso molto "pirandelliano". Chi può sapere se quel che scrive è tutto "vero"? Quel che credo è che questa sia dvvero la sua verità, scritta onestamente e apertamente, molto corrispondente all'idea che mi sono fatto di lui e ricca di aneddoti interessanti relativi ad uno dei periodi più ricchi di fervore e di entusiasmo della nostra storia, non solo in senso musicale. Niente a che vedere coi ricordi di Neil Young, i cui libri mi sono piaciuti anche di più (specie il 2°), perchè Nash - anzichè comunicare quasi solo la sensazione/emozione di determinati momenti - racconta la sua storia con un taglio più da resoconto di cronaca, più (appunto) da autobiografia. Una digressione: non ho capito perchè Crosby si sia così arrabbiato per la pubblicazione di questo libro. La sua figura non ne esce minimamente scalfita. Chi lo conosce sapeva già di quasi tutte le peggiori cose di cui si è reso protagonista anche grazie (ma non solo) alla sua fortunatamente passata dipendenza dalle droghe pesanti. Chi ha conosciuto persone tossicodipendenti sa di cosa diventano capaci, e poche davvero sono state fortunate come lui da uscirne bene. La sua musica e la sua voce resteranno comunque nella storia della musica, così come le sue esagerazioni in positivo e in negativo. In ogni caso, consiglio assolutamente la lettura di questo libro.

Graham Nash est né à Manchester.

Non, il n'est pas américain. C'est un pur British qui a grandi dans l'Angleterre des Beatles (des amis), alors que lui-même chantait au sein des Hollies, un des groupes de pop mélodique majeurs des sixties.

Et puis un jour, il est tombé amoureux d'une Américaine. Une grande artiste blonde nommée Joni Mitchell, qui lui a permis de retrouver chez elle deux de ses copains musiciens: David Crosby (ex Byrds) et Stephen Stills (ex Buffalo Springfield). Un soir, après le repas, les deux gaillards lui jouèrent une chanson qu'ils venaient d'écrire et Nash eut l'idée d'ajouter sa voix à leur duo.

L'histoire de la musique anglo-saxonne allait en être bouleversée à jamais...

Graham Nash est un homme sensible et attachant qui écrit très bien. Il sait merveilleusement raconter ses souvenirs d'une époque où la jeunesse croyait qu'elle pouvait changer le monde avec quelques chansons.

Dans son autobiographie, il nous dépeint l'Angleterre grisâtre des années 60, la Californie hédoniste du début des années 70, la culture superficielle des années 80 ... et l'inexorable faillite des utopies libertaires qui découla de l'embourgeoisement des baby-boomers.

Cette histoire, il l'a vécue au travers d'une brume toxique de drogues diverses, mais il est parvenu à garder - relativement - les pieds sur terre. Ce qui ne fut pas toujours le cas pour ses compagnons musiciens. Nash consacre d'ailleurs une bonne partie de son livre à l'effroyable déchéance qui conduisit David Crosby à passer 8 moins en prison pour possession de poudre blanche et port d'arme prohibée.

Mais, Graham Nash parle aussi beaucoup d'amour, d'amitié et - surtout - de musique.

Il lui arrive même d'être un peu sévère, particulièrement avec lui-même... et avec cette tête de mule de Neil Young qui est toujours resté à ses yeux une sorte d'énigme. Il l'accuse d'ailleurs, à mots couverts, d'être plus ou moins responsable de certains échecs de CSN&Y.

Quoi qu'il en soit, son livre, lui, est une réussite. Il est passionnant de bout en bout, et son anglais n'est pas trop compliqué. C'est un précieux témoignage sur un temps porteur de grands rêves, malheureusement oublié par beaucoup aujourd'hui.

Il faut toutefois rester lucide. Graham Nash est, petit à petit, sans s'en rendre vraiment compte, devenu au fil de sa carrière de rockstar une sorte de "hippie riche", presque caricatural. Dans son livre, on réalise souvent à quel point il n'est pas forcément conscient de la distance qui s'est établie progressivement entre son mode de vie et celui de la plupart de ses fans. Néanmoins, on peut lui reconnaître d'avoir toujours essayé de rester un "homme simple", comme il s'est lui-même décrit dans une fameuse chanson. On pourrait juste lui reprocher la fin un peu bâclée de son autobiographie, qui s'embrouille dans les dates et les anecdotes à partir des 90s. Néanmoins, il faut bien être lucide: si la musique de CSN&Y a souvent frôlé le génie à ses tout débuts, l'aisance matérielle des musiciens et leurs abus de toutes sortes ont entraîné assez vite un incontestable déclin sur le plan de la qualité. Graham Nash est d'ailleurs le premier à le regretter, bien conscient qu'il est que son groupe n'a pas tenu toutes les promesses dont il était porteur à l'origine.

Ça n'est pas grave, l'heure n'est plus aux regrets. Il nous restera toujours quelques morceaux de légende capables de rappeler aux jeunes générations qu'il fut un temps où quelques musiciens armés juste de leurs guitares et de leurs voix ont incarné les rêves d'une Amérique qui se rêvait pure et heureuse.

Note: si vous en avez le choix, optez pour la version Kindle. Non seulement elle coûte nettement moins cher que la version papier, mais elle vous permet d'écouter - sur votre iPad ou votre liseuse - quelques unes des plus belles chansons de Nash. Il y aussi quelques clips et animations, pas désagréables.

Un livre qui fait de la musique?

Que demande le peuple?