David Crosby Talks “Ohio”, CSNY and Creativity

“Ohio”

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit + David Crosby

Newport Folk Festival, August 3, 2018

This past summer, David Crosby joined Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at the Newport Folk Festival to perform Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's song “Ohio”.

At the time, we posted on The power of Neil Young’s “Ohio” in 2018: Why the Kent State protest anthem remains so relevant. That was then (1970). This is still now (2018).

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit + David Crosby

From Rock Legend David Crosby Sounds Off On Why He’s More Creative Than Ever | UPROXX by Steven Hyden:

UPROXX: How did you and Jason meet?

DAVID CROSBY: Pretty simple thing. I heard that he was doing “Ohio.” Somebody played me a Youtube thing, and it was just very sincere and very straightforward, and I liked it.

He’s on Twitter, so I messaged him. I said, ‘Hey, good on you for doing “Ohio,” it’s the song we should be singing right now, unless we can write a better one.’ And he said, ‘Hey, I’d love you to sing it with me.’ And I said, ‘I’d love to, what time’s the bus leave?’ And he said, ‘No, I’m serious. I’m gonna do Newport Folk Festival, would you come sing with me? I’ll buy your ticket.’ And I said, ‘Sure.’

I liked the guy. He said, ‘Let’s do “Wooden Ships” and “Ohio,”‘ and I said, ‘Joy. Absolutely fine.’ So we went there, and he’s a great guy, with a great band, and a great wife, and he’s writing really good music. So, we hit it off. Frankly, he’s one of the people that may drag country music kicking and screaming into this century. He’s terrific.

Read “Elephant, read “Vampires,” he’s got a bunch of songs that are good.

UPROXX: Apologies if you’re sick of hearing this question, but have you had any recent contact with the other CSNY guys?

DAVID CROSBY: No.

UPROXX: Do you expect to ever to play with them again?

DAVID CROSBY: You know, it’s been so virulent and unpleasant, with Nash in particular.

I would do it if Neil called and said he wanted to do it. I wouldn’t do Crosby, Stills, and Nash, but I would do Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, if he wanted to. But I don’t think he does, man. Why would he? He doesn’t need to. He’s doing just fine. And I’m doing just fine. I’m not making any money, but I’m doing what I think I should be doing, which is making the best music I can make as fast as I can do it.

UPROXX: I want to circle back to something you said earlier: You said making music is the only way you can help. How does making music help?

DAVID CROSBY: I look at this way, man: Music is a lifting force.

The same way that war is a downward force, that drags us downward, brings out the worst in the human race. Music is a lifting force. It makes things better. And it’s what I do. And right now, we need that. We need that really badly.

Truthfully, we need a marching song, too. We need an “Ohio,” or a “We Shall Overcome.” We don’t have that. We’ll have to use “Ohio” for the time being.

But we need the lift that music can give us.

Full interview Rock Legend David Crosby Sounds Off On Why He’s More Creative Than Ever | UPROXX by Steven Hyden.

Also, see "David Crosby isn't interested in celebrating Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 50th anniversary sans Neil Young":

David Crosby isn't interested in celebrating Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 50th anniversary sans Neil Young: https://t.co/w33tu6nzU0 pic.twitter.com/46j4eQuTfH

— Consequence of Sound (@consequence) October 23, 2018

More on The power of Neil Young’s “Ohio” in 2018: Why the Kent State protest anthem remains so relevant.

"Ohio" (White Falcon)
Neil Young

Auditorium Theater, Chicago, Illinois - 2018-07-01

Photo by thrasher

(Click photo to enlarge)

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▶ Jason Isbell covers Neil Young on Fresh Air

Jason Isbell
This is what happened when Terry Gross asked Jason Isbell to play a song that influenced him. From ▶ Jason Isbell covers Neil Young on Fresh Air by Fresh Air From WHYY.



Look for more of Jason Isbell's performance & interview online at www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/.

Also, preview more tracks Jason Isbell's new album Southeastern.

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