Hey all, welcome! For quite awhile I've wanted to do a Rock Essentials vid about Stephen Stills who among other things I consider one of the great American guitarists of all time, but needed to get up to San Francisco to finish it and --- oh well, its finally here. Hope you enjoy it and please feel free to share it! Thanks much. Tim.
I grew up in Gainesville, Florida. I'm 74 years old now. I remember Stephen playing guitar at an older sister's house. He also formed a trio at Gainesville High School with Jeff Williams and Nancy Willingham. And he and Don Felder formed a band called The Continentals. I feel blessed having witnessed the very early days. Thank you for keeping Stephen Stills and his amazing talent alive.
That is too cool! I find it absolutely amazing how many world class rock musician talents came out of Gainesville. My sister lives in Florida and I'm hoping that when I get down that way I can spend a day in Gainesville and do a video about it.
The story about Neil Young and Stephen Stills meeting up when Stills saw Neil driving his hearse on Hollywood Boulevard is one of the great rock and roll coincidences
Born and raised in southern california, I have always been fascinated with the sound and vibe. How country and folk merged into electric and awesome harmony. Love watching your video documentary.
Very nice episode! When I was a teenager, in Europe, I volunteered at a radio station and had a show broadcasting mostly West Coast music, and my intro song for the show was "For What is Worth" (Memories...)
Loved this video on Stephen. He is the rock star who's career I would have wanted. Just purchased an album that he did with Judy Collins back in 2017 (?) that is remarkable.
I went to the CSNY concert in Hawaii in 1969. Most memorable was their last song, "Down By The River" with them all on electric guitars passing off the leads. Stills was a phenomenal guitarist, but they all sounded fantastic. They stood shoulder to shoulder singing and playing on that one song. One of my greatest concert memories in a lifetime of seeing most of the rock legends.
First timer here....I will soon be 78 yrs of age and have lived through the music of all those mentioned, I have their catalogue of albums. I lived these bands during my college, military and graduate school years...still listen to them daily. It is such a joy to see the background behind the scenes and to see the dots all connected, which adds immensely to the times we grew up listening to and loving the musical artistry of all said performers...Dana Disabled Vn Era veteran First Army MEDDAC Combat Medic and Surgery Tech Dept, Surgery and CMS Veteran Employment Rep [ Ret ] ... Big pharma rep and Science Teacher....God Bless !
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I happen to be blessed by geography so I live literally around the block from where a lot of this stuff happened. Thanks for watching!
PS: Thanks for your service! BTW: My wife is a retired OR Nurse and many of her co-workers cut their teeth as Military Doctors & Nurses. My nephew is in medical school now and the Navy is paying for everything. He will owe them 6 years but have zero student debt and the pride of having served.
Crazy how inter connected all those musicians were. What a time to be alive and not be overwhelmed by the drug culture to survive and become so successful too. Good video Tim.
I have so very much respect for Stephen Stills. Multi-talented, in so very many disciplines, Stephen's amazing guitar work, incredible lyrics, and unparalleled, unique voice, literary makes Stephen Stills a living legend. ‼️🇺🇸👍👍💯⬆️🌎❤️☝️
Back in the eighties I seen CSN at Wyoming Michigan where The Fabulous Thunderbirds open band. While I watched the show I noticed Steven watching the show,too.He was resting on the speaker and I locked eyes on him and I peace signed him and he did the same thing to me. My brush with greatness. I'll never forget that until I die.☺️
The talent in those days was incredible, real genuine players, even the songs were so much better than todays mumbo jumbo . By the way that's a neat haircut you got !
Not to take away from Crosby or Nash, but I've always felt Stills was the biggest talent in this group. "Love The One You're With" is a great example of his many skills. Thanks for yet another great story, Tim.
Nice Tim! Great that you mentioned Stephen being a great bass player also. Don’t remember the year but Buffalo Springfield was playing the San Jose Civic and Bruce got mad about something and laid his bass down on stage and walked off mid show. Stephen picked up his bass, Neil and Richie covered all the signature Stephen guitar parts and it turned out to be a killer show. Of course Stephen rocked all the bass parts. Great memories and shortly thereafter I had to go out a buy an orange Gretch Nashville. Wish I still had it.😎
You know, I think I read about that show when I was researching for the vid. Its a pretty famous (infamous) show. You are very fortunate to have seen it. And yeah, those Gretsch Basses were something else.
I always felt that Stills was way underrated as a guitar player. I love his acoustic style. CSN&Y gave us our first super group and deservingly so. I can't align myself with their politics, but their music is nothing short of astounding. Stephen (and the others) still remain prominently in my playlists. Great tour and history for Stephen - thank you so much for putting this together and sharing. I love hearing the backstory on music that has occupied decades of my life.
Absolutely a cut above the rest!! Love Stephen Still's Carry On my favorite of his songs. Crosby, Stills, and Nash were the original magic mike. Love the haircut Tim! 💖
Very cool to see this piece on Stills, Tim as I've been listening to a lot of his stuff lately. As much as I was into C,S,N&Y back in the day, I never really appreciated Stills as an individual talent the way I do today. What a singer and as you said great guitarist. There's a clip of C,S&N on RUclips performing Southern Cross on the Tonight Show that really shows off Stills' talent as a lead vocalist.
Whenever I do a vid I immerse myself in the artist's music. A lot of people here have been commenting on Manassas and its interesting cuz in retrospect I feel they should have been a much bigger group.
I wore through the grooves on my Manassas recordings. Such great tunes. I was just starting to consider getting into playing pedal steel guitar in the early '70s and I was pretty attracted to Al Perkins' playing. Many years later I had a few interactions with Al via the internet Steel Guitar Forum and found him to be cool and easy to talk to . To this day I occasionally crank up "Rock and Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass" and get lost in the vibe. Good stuff! Thanks, Tim!
Funny how some of these Steel players are known as pretty straight-up rockers (even though they weren't) Do you have an opinion on Jerry Garcia's Steel work?
@@RockessentialTim I considered Jerry's contribution to Teach Your Children a seminal piece and learned it note for note by ear as a test of my own chops. Trouble is, there is really no standard for how a pedal steel is set up in terms of which pedals and/or levers do what! It's more standardized now that all the more modern instruments are "all pull' mechanically as opposed to "push-pull" in the older ones. I don't know or have forgotten what make of steel Jerry was playing but I was able to make it work. He really nailed the right vibe in that tune, IMO. Cheers, Tim.
@@RockessentialTim It's all about "that sound" as motivation! I took a few lessons from Mike Auldridge while he was still alive. That really helped me understand how to play fills and comp chords on the PSG. He was mostly known as a resonator ("dobro") guitarist, but he played pedal steel with the band Chesapeake and I got to know him through seeing them play a few times. I'd get a lesson whenever we'd drive up to visit family in DC. Another example of a cool cat who would share without hesitation.
@@Cliffswanson Wow, I haven't heard that name---well in decades! I didn't know much about him but I've heard of him. Once on a session here in LA I hired Greg Leisz to play on something I was doing for some mindless TV show. It was a Christmas song and he knocked it out in like 5 minutes and then we just shot the shit for the rest of the hour. Super chill and cool guy.
...Stephen Stills = Guitar God/Songwriter...Totally Underrated...Thank you for this Overview. Yet you stopped in the early 1970s. Stills is a Master of both Acoustic and Electric Guitars. Often in Alternate Guitar Tunings...After CSNY, not only did Eric Clapton and Jimmy Hendrix play on his first Solo Album...He went on with Manassas, Solo work...And with Jimmy Page, of Led Zeppelin, who played on 3 tracks off the "Right By You" Album...They knew who they were dealing with...A Master...Recently Stills got back to Folk with Judy Collins, and also Blues-Rock with The Rides...
The voice of Stephen Stills will never be silenced. A super talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and rock n roll hero for all of us who watched his career through out the decades. Thanks for sharing some of his history.
I saw Stephen do a solo show in 1971 in MSG, the night before George Harrison's "CONCERT FOR BENGLADESH." Stephen was always my favorite of CSNY. The first half of the concert was acoustic only. Second half was all electric. During the acoustic set, someone yelled from the nosebleed section, "Play Louder." Stephen replied, "Listen Harder!"
@@stillastillsfan I bought it for myself, Derek & Susan Trucks, & an old girlfriend too. Well worth buying it! Just a short set, or pared down to the good parts.....
After playing Woodstock, CSN&Y drove a bus back to a little gated community deep In the redwoods in Pescadero, CA where their manager had a house. They had stolen a motorcycle at Woodstock and as they came through the gate they stopped and gave it to my friend Ken who was watching them. He still has that motorcycle today.
I feel the same way. The world seems to have turned, but I have met a number of young folks that have surprised me! There is hope!! Set an example for them. They are watching!! Love you all...
Great singer, great writer, excellent b3 player, McCartney like bass player, melodic electric guitar player, innovative acoustic player, with alternate tunings! But its still his songwriting and his soulful voice that speaks to me.....true genius.....
Well done, Tim. When I think late 1960s / early 1970s American rock royalty, Stills is right there at the top of the list with Hendrix and Fogerty. If Stills had been born ten years earlier, he could easily have become one of the great Wrecking Crew team members given his superb multi-instrument talents that are showcased on so many classic albums that we all know and love. I still play my original and much beloved 1970 "Stephen Stills" vinyl LP at least monthly and always marvel at the Who's Who collection of contributors on it (Cass, Coolidge, Hendrix, Sebastian, Crosby, Nash, etc.). I spent much of this past Friday afternoon listening to my original vinyl Lovin' Spoonful LPs, so I also appreciated your references to the great John Sebastian as well. Always look forward to your content. No one else on RUclips seems to be able to both convey it and relate to it as you do.
@@RockessentialTim I still have my original Alice vinyl LPs and was addicted to both "Love It To Death" and "Killer" when they were released while I was in my late teens. Haven't played them in at least 20 years so maybe I need to crank them up again and see if they still hold up for me....
The Altamont Speedway is on life support. My guess is they'll be tearing that down to put up housing within the next couple years. Was really happy to see Hyde Street Recording Studio still up and running though.
Stephen's guitar playing on Wooden Ships alone is too over the top to ever forget. Whenever i listen to that track, it's usually twice, and I like to savor it on headphones. If that's all he ever did, that would have been enough to stay on my cream-of-the-crop list. Check it out. Crank it up.
I saw the Stills/Collins tour at Binghamton University, seated close enough to kick the stage (and center). I’d seen him with CSN at one point, and the main guitar thing he did was some Texas style acoustic solo. When he toured with Judy Collins, his voice wasn’t always in tune, but his guitar playing threw me a complete curve. Old guys would usually tour with a sessions drummer, bass player, keyboard player, guitarist - someone like a GE Smith. Bass/drums/keys, yes, but there were two guitars on stage and the other was Judy’s acoustic, which was there more as a prop than as a real contribution to the band. His was no prop. I had no idea he was that good. He played like a sessions player. Walking out of that concert, that was the surprise that stuck with me.
Very nice. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, me and my buddies used to hitchhike over Laurel Canyon, stop at the Canyon mkt., see if we recognized anybody, and continued on to Sunset. We were 13 years old, mind you. Buffalo Springfield wrote Somethings Happening Here after the riots on the strip. We missed the festivities by 1 day! The Doors were playing at the Whiskey. Those certainly were the days!
Well... thank you SO very much for doing this video. This has gotten me quite overwhelmed. I have fond memories of that era in music & given what we are experiencing today, it is with a heavy heart that I wished we could go back. Not for the negative aspects obviously, but for the getting together & enjoying each other's inspirational talent. I remember meeting Stephen in the early 90's at the "Warehouse", in Toronto Canada. I will cherish that opportunity, for the rest of my life. Stephen is DEFINITELY the most influential musician, I could have hoped for in my life. To THIS day, I believe he is singularly THE BEST "living" acoustic guitar player out there. No slouch with electric, bass, piano, drums & everything else for that matter, but his Martin acoustic to me... is unrivaled. The sounds that he brings out of that guitar (like Sitar) is...WOW. Sadly Stephen won't be around for ever, but wish for him to have the opportunity to get what ever he desires, before he sees his maker. It will be an INCREDIBLY sad day, which I am NOT looking forward to. Thank you, Tim. Much obliged. Sylvia
He is a singularly talented individual but like all of us he's getting old. But it would seem rock & roll is a dangerous business and unlike many of his peers he's had the good fortune to have had an extremely long and fruitful career. Thanks for the cool comment! Tim.
@@RockessentialTim Thank you Tim, for responding. Indeed !! I could not agree with you more. Most don't have that opportunity. I'm just grateful he retired when he felt he had to. I do miss him though. Just playing along on my guitar songs like "Teach Your Children" or "Helplessly Hoping", just don't feel the same. The good 'ol days will be just that... the good 'ol days.
I got to see Stephen play with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and a group called The Ride years ago at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival. I was driving for Uber at the time and I picked up a guy at the concert Friday night. it was a 3-day concert and he told me he couldn't go to the last day because he had to work. I told him that I knew Stephen Stills was playing the last night and I'd sure love to see him. Guy gave me his ticket for the final night. The best tip I ever got.
Many greats have had their following of fans and Players who feel one celebrity guitarist is better than others ..... FEW FRIENDS OF MINE HAD STEVEN STILLS AS THEIR FAVORITE . BEST PLAYER !!! I did. His diverse skills as a GUITARIST, PIANO PLAYER, BASS PLAYER, others ..... singer & songwriter are above the pale. His lead work is wonderful and so different from other guitarists .... all his bands, contributions and direction in music was second to none. GBjj
Great vid as always Tim. Gainesville was loaded with talent. Thanks for mentioning Stephen's session work. That tends to get overlooked. I was certainly unaware of much of it. Loving the midcentury modern architecture of LA.
Thanks much. If you ever get out here you've got to drive up Silverlake Blvd. Richard Nuetra built a bunch of those houses and they are pretty stunning.
What a journey through the past, and so well done. The many bloodlines of different bands, different players, all shared here. Stephen Stills was surely at the center of it all. One of his finest qualities that stands out in this "Badass Story" is that Stephen always pushed to learn more, try more, experiment more, expanding in every conceivable artistic way, yet always doing so inclusively. The cross-fertilization that he himself created--again and again--in itself is the stuff of legends.
I couldn't agree with you more. I've always found it ironic that he is hardly ever mentioned with the great guitarist of his time when he was somewhat of the linchpin between them all.
Your video's are great, because they educate me in things that i never knew (but feel that i should have). I "came of age" in the era of the '60's, and even lived for a time "right around the corner" from all that Laurel Canyon stuff "in the valley" as it was known, but i just never knew so much of the history that was unfolding. AND, you make your video's entertaining because you take the viewer on "guided tours" that are very enjoyable to watch. Thanks and keep up the good work !
I have lived right off Laurel Canyon on the Valley side for years and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in LA. The hiking's good here and the music still sounds good! Thanks for the cool comment.
@@RockessentialTim From what I understand he was maybe dismissive of Bukovac during one of the Jim Irsay guitar collection gigs(I know) and they do not get along. Not sure of all the details but Bukovac mentioned of the subject on his channel that people should learn to age gracefully. Lol
This was a great episode. You provided so much information I didn't know about, and I'm a big Stills fan. Thanks for taking us on another wonderful road trip with you. I always look forward to these and I'm never disappointed.
@@RockessentialTim I know what you mean. I lived about 20 minutes from there back then. I love the rolling golden hills, the cradled landscape of the coast range on one side and the Sierras on the other and have fond memories of swimming the canals as a kid. But yeah, if the Peace and Love era was going to come crashing down in one fell swoop, that was the place and the time it was going to happen. Some wonderful people but also some funky mojo. I got a visceral feeling of it all when you got to that part.
Been waiting for this one for a good while, another great episode of music history with the wonderful back drop of California. Thanks for this Tim, another classic!
Great detail as always! Tim, you made my recent trip to LA a surreal trip of a lifetime through my research and your episodes. I walked every square inch of Laurel Cyn. Stephen was also right behind me at the Hollywood Bowl for Dylan on July 31st. Thank You! Best Regards
I've said it before but you deserve 1 million subs! Always a great story, I learned so much about SS that I never knew before your show! Keep it up Tim -Great vid man, really!
Hey all, welcome! For quite awhile I've wanted to do a Rock Essentials vid about Stephen Stills who among other things I consider one of the great American guitarists of all time, but needed to get up to San Francisco to finish it and --- oh well, its finally here. Hope you enjoy it and please feel free to share it! Thanks much. Tim.
Awesome job as always!!!! Keep them coming!!!
Great job Tim! I've never been happier to subscribe to a channel. Time to see the archive! 😅
@@traviesoarcefan3063 I'm glad you here. Thanks for the sub AND the cool comment!
Tim just a massive thank you again for making these musical gems. Cheers mate.
SIMPLY GREAT. NARRATION,PRESENTATION,SUPERB. MADE MY DAY. A HUGE THANK YOU.. HAPPY DAYS.
I grew up in Gainesville, Florida. I'm 74 years old now. I remember Stephen playing guitar at an older sister's house. He also formed a trio
at Gainesville High School with Jeff Williams and Nancy Willingham. And he and Don Felder formed a band called The Continentals. I feel blessed having witnessed the very early days. Thank you for keeping Stephen Stills and his amazing talent alive.
That is too cool! I find it absolutely amazing how many world class rock musician talents came out of Gainesville. My sister lives in Florida and I'm hoping that when I get down that way I can spend a day in Gainesville and do a video about it.
@@drdbailey was Stephen self taught,or did he take lessons?
Where does Tom petty fit into this? He was a better songwriter than stills, which is a high bar.
Finally ,a video of Stephen Stills. Thankyou.
Yer welcome!
Poco and Crosby stills and Nash were some of my favorites back then.
The story about Neil Young and Stephen Stills meeting up when Stills saw Neil driving his hearse on Hollywood Boulevard is one of the great rock and roll coincidences
It is a great story, it was actually Sunset and they pulled over in the parking lot of Ben Franks.
I just LOVE all of Stephen’s work!!! He is amazing. He has also been aptly named “Captain Manyhands” for his diverse talent.
Stephen Stills Manassas is one of the coolest albums ever. Like that photo of Hendrix looking up at him.
Man, I don’t know how you do it. Video after video, all gold brother!!
Thanks, man. I'm running out of real estate here in LA and might have to do a road trip soon!
Manassas with Chris Hillman was my favorite time frame of Stephen’s music period.
Hands down on that!!! Amazing work they did - wish I could have seen it live.
Welcome back Tim!
Thanks!
another great show, Tim! Keep up the good work :-)
Top 10 song ever!!!
Another great video, Tim! And the soundtrack: Wow, just wow!
Born and raised in southern california, I have always been fascinated with the sound and vibe. How country and folk merged into electric and awesome harmony. Love watching your video documentary.
Right on, thank you!
Stephen is one of the most prolific songwriters.
Very nice episode! When I was a teenager, in Europe, I volunteered at a radio station and had a show broadcasting mostly West Coast music, and my intro song for the show was "For What is Worth" (Memories...)
Well done. So much information in your videos. Well produced.
Much appreciated!
Loved this video on Stephen. He is the rock star who's career I would have wanted. Just purchased an album that he did with Judy Collins back in 2017 (?) that is remarkable.
You need to hear Judy's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" I think that was from 1968 or '69.
Stills is awesome. Love his singing and guitar playing. Great songwriter as well.
I'm a Big CSN fan, especially Stephen Stills. ❤ Awesome video thanks. Ooh Southern ➕ Cross is one of my favorite songs they did.
I went to the CSNY concert in Hawaii in 1969. Most memorable was their last song, "Down By The River" with them all on electric guitars passing off the leads. Stills was a phenomenal guitarist, but they all sounded fantastic. They stood shoulder to shoulder singing and playing on that one song. One of my greatest concert memories in a lifetime of seeing most of the rock legends.
First timer here....I will soon be 78 yrs of age and have lived through the music of all those mentioned, I have their catalogue of albums. I lived these bands during my college, military and graduate school years...still listen to them daily. It is such a joy to see the background behind the scenes and to see the dots all connected, which adds immensely to the times we grew up listening to and loving the musical artistry of all said performers...Dana Disabled Vn Era veteran First Army MEDDAC Combat Medic and Surgery Tech Dept, Surgery and CMS
Veteran Employment Rep [ Ret ] ... Big pharma rep and Science Teacher....God Bless !
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I happen to be blessed by geography so I live literally around the block from where a lot of this stuff happened. Thanks for watching!
PS: Thanks for your service! BTW: My wife is a retired OR Nurse and many of her co-workers cut their teeth as Military Doctors & Nurses. My nephew is in medical school now and the Navy is paying for everything. He will owe them 6 years but have zero student debt and the pride of having served.
THX, 😊🌺 Love it!! Santa Barbara,1971.Crosby,Still,Nash,and Young. My Lady like her music so much,Joni Mitchell.❤
UCSB football stadium concert. Was there. Incredible!
This was an amazing video. Stephen is one of my favorite artists. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and the history.
I loved doing this one. Altamont was a frickin' trip!
Stills’ Black Queen is out of this world.
@jessedraeger8496 - oh Yes! I was going to mention Black Queen, it is so Good
@@jessedraeger8496 My favorite versions of it - at Supershow and on Just Roll Tape
Excellent work as always Tim. Absolutely love Stills. Wife's upstairs with covid, so it's just you and me tonight.
Best offer I've had all day!
Crazy how inter connected all those musicians were. What a time to be alive and not be overwhelmed by the drug culture to survive and become so successful too. Good video Tim.
Couldn't agree with you more.
They knew when it was time to put out the J and get back to work. The kids and the labels were counting on them.
Another great video Tim. I am a big fan of Stephen's, Neil, David and Gram. Their music shaped my journey into guitar playing.
I would have to say that guitarwise, Stephen was the Ying to Neil's Yang. They just knew how to mesh. Incredible.
I have so very much respect for Stephen Stills. Multi-talented, in so very many disciplines, Stephen's amazing guitar work, incredible lyrics, and unparalleled, unique voice, literary makes Stephen Stills a living legend. ‼️🇺🇸👍👍💯⬆️🌎❤️☝️
Anybody notice Tom Petty in that yearbook photo at 1:04?
I did!
Immediately!
Petty used to get guitar lessons from Felder
Man I miss the 60's so much. The music had a message unlike some of the "new" stuff.
Back in the eighties I seen CSN at Wyoming Michigan where The Fabulous Thunderbirds open band.
While I watched the show I noticed Steven watching the show,too.He was resting on the speaker and I locked eyes on him and I peace signed him and he did the same thing to me.
My brush with greatness.
I'll never forget that until I die.☺️
The talent in those days was incredible, real genuine players, even the songs were so much better than todays mumbo jumbo . By the way that's a neat haircut you got !
You are right on. BTW: Supercuts thanks you for your kind comment!
@@RockessentialTim🤣
@@levistubbs8949 mumbo jumbo? That’s way too kind. It’s called crap mainly Rap
Not to take away from Crosby or Nash, but I've always felt Stills was the biggest talent in this group. "Love The One You're With" is a great example of his many skills. Thanks for yet another great story, Tim.
Nash wrote the big hits.
Nice Tim! Great that you mentioned Stephen being a great bass player also. Don’t remember the year but Buffalo Springfield was playing the San Jose Civic and Bruce got mad about something and laid his bass down on stage and walked off mid show. Stephen picked up his bass, Neil and Richie covered all the signature Stephen guitar parts and it turned out to be a killer show. Of course Stephen rocked all the bass parts. Great memories and shortly thereafter I had to go out a buy an orange Gretch Nashville. Wish I still had it.😎
You know, I think I read about that show when I was researching for the vid. Its a pretty famous (infamous) show. You are very fortunate to have seen it. And yeah, those Gretsch Basses were something else.
I always felt that Stills was way underrated as a guitar player. I love his acoustic style. CSN&Y gave us our first super group and deservingly so. I can't align myself with their politics, but their music is nothing short of astounding. Stephen (and the others) still remain prominently in my playlists.
Great tour and history for Stephen - thank you so much for putting this together and sharing. I love hearing the backstory on music that has occupied decades of my life.
You gotta wonder how much of his and Neil's playing was spurred on by the friendly rivalry they had in the band.
@@rangerrecon His acoustic playing was truly unique.
Absolutely a cut above the rest!! Love Stephen Still's Carry On my favorite of his songs. Crosby, Stills, and Nash were the original magic mike. Love the haircut Tim! 💖
Its all grown back and I need another one. My kids think I look like the professor from Back To The Future.
Love Carry On. So good
Very cool to see this piece on Stills, Tim as I've been listening to a lot of his stuff lately. As much as I was into C,S,N&Y back in the day, I never really appreciated Stills as an individual talent the way I do today. What a singer and as you said great guitarist. There's a clip of C,S&N on RUclips performing Southern Cross on the Tonight Show that really shows off Stills' talent as a lead vocalist.
Whenever I do a vid I immerse myself in the artist's music. A lot of people here have been commenting on Manassas and its interesting cuz in retrospect I feel they should have been a much bigger group.
Another fascinating and informative video. Thanks Tim.
@@adriancork Thanks!
I wore through the grooves on my Manassas recordings. Such great tunes. I was just starting to consider getting into playing pedal steel guitar in the early '70s and I was pretty attracted to Al Perkins' playing. Many years later I had a few interactions with Al via the internet Steel Guitar Forum and found him to be cool and easy to talk to . To this day I occasionally crank up "Rock and Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass" and get lost in the vibe. Good stuff! Thanks, Tim!
Funny how some of these Steel players are known as pretty straight-up rockers (even though they weren't) Do you have an opinion on Jerry Garcia's Steel work?
@@RockessentialTim I considered Jerry's contribution to Teach Your Children a seminal piece and learned it note for note by ear as a test of my own chops. Trouble is, there is really no standard for how a pedal steel is set up in terms of which pedals and/or levers do what! It's more standardized now that all the more modern instruments are "all pull' mechanically as opposed to "push-pull" in the older ones. I don't know or have forgotten what make of steel Jerry was playing but I was able to make it work. He really nailed the right vibe in that tune, IMO. Cheers, Tim.
@@Cliffswanson I think I've probably mentioned this to you before but hats off to anybody that can figure out one of those things!
@@RockessentialTim It's all about "that sound" as motivation! I took a few lessons from Mike Auldridge while he was still alive. That really helped me understand how to play fills and comp chords on the PSG. He was mostly known as a resonator ("dobro") guitarist, but he played pedal steel with the band Chesapeake and I got to know him through seeing them play a few times. I'd get a lesson whenever we'd drive up to visit family in DC. Another example of a cool cat who would share without hesitation.
@@Cliffswanson Wow, I haven't heard that name---well in decades! I didn't know much about him but I've heard of him. Once on a session here in LA I hired Greg Leisz to play on something I was doing for some mindless TV show. It was a Christmas song and he knocked it out in like 5 minutes and then we just shot the shit for the rest of the hour. Super chill and cool guy.
...Stephen Stills = Guitar God/Songwriter...Totally Underrated...Thank you for this Overview. Yet you stopped in the early 1970s. Stills is a Master of both Acoustic and Electric Guitars. Often in Alternate Guitar Tunings...After CSNY, not only did Eric Clapton and Jimmy Hendrix play on his first Solo Album...He went on with Manassas, Solo work...And with Jimmy Page, of Led Zeppelin, who played on 3 tracks off the "Right By You" Album...They knew who they were dealing with...A Master...Recently Stills got back to Folk with Judy Collins, and also Blues-Rock with The Rides...
The voice of Stephen Stills will never be silenced. A super talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and rock n roll hero for all of us who watched his career through out the decades. Thanks for sharing some of his history.
That voice....
I saw Stephen do a solo show in 1971 in MSG, the night before George Harrison's "CONCERT FOR BENGLADESH." Stephen was always my favorite of CSNY. The first half of the concert was acoustic only. Second half was all electric. During the acoustic set, someone yelled from the nosebleed section, "Play Louder." Stephen replied, "Listen Harder!"
@@ChildPsychologist-m3r He has a Recording out now of live show from that era. Live at Berkeley. Released about 1.5 years ago.
@@stillastillsfan I bought it for myself, Derek & Susan Trucks, & an old girlfriend too. Well worth buying it! Just a short set, or pared down to the good parts.....
After playing Woodstock, CSN&Y drove a bus back to a little gated community deep
In the redwoods in Pescadero, CA where their manager had a house. They had stolen a motorcycle at Woodstock and as they came through the gate they stopped and gave it to my friend Ken who was watching them. He still has that motorcycle today.
Great time from an era gone by to be a young long-haired hippie.
Would love if young people would get back at least a little to that way of thinking.
I feel the same way. The world seems to have turned, but I have met a number of young folks that have surprised me! There is hope!! Set an example for them. They are watching!! Love you all...
Great singer, great writer, excellent b3 player, McCartney like bass player, melodic electric guitar player, innovative acoustic player, with alternate tunings! But its still his songwriting and his soulful voice that speaks to me.....true genius.....
Well done, Tim. When I think late 1960s / early 1970s American rock royalty, Stills is right there at the top of the list with Hendrix and Fogerty. If Stills had been born ten years earlier, he could easily have become one of the great Wrecking Crew team members given his superb multi-instrument talents that are showcased on so many classic albums that we all know and love. I still play my original and much beloved 1970 "Stephen Stills" vinyl LP at least monthly and always marvel at the Who's Who collection of contributors on it (Cass, Coolidge, Hendrix, Sebastian, Crosby, Nash, etc.). I spent much of this past Friday afternoon listening to my original vinyl Lovin' Spoonful LPs, so I also appreciated your references to the great John Sebastian as well. Always look forward to your content. No one else on RUclips seems to be able to both convey it and relate to it as you do.
Thanks much. Speaking of listening to old albums I've been on an Alice Cooper jag for the past week. Insanely good stuff!
@@RockessentialTim I still have my original Alice vinyl LPs and was addicted to both "Love It To Death" and "Killer" when they were released while I was in my late teens. Haven't played them in at least 20 years so maybe I need to crank them up again and see if they still hold up for me....
@@jongibson2205 Killer is in heavy rotation here. Halo of Flies is a masterpiece.
right on
back at ya. thanks.
Another awesome video. Its great knowing many of these places are still there in the golden California sun.
The Altamont Speedway is on life support. My guess is they'll be tearing that down to put up housing within the next couple years. Was really happy to see Hyde Street Recording Studio still up and running though.
Stephen's guitar playing on Wooden Ships alone is too over the top to ever forget. Whenever i listen to that track, it's usually twice, and I like to savor it on headphones. If that's all he ever did, that would have been enough to stay on my cream-of-the-crop list. Check it out. Crank it up.
I saw the Stills/Collins tour at Binghamton University, seated close enough to kick the stage (and center). I’d seen him with CSN at one point, and the main guitar thing he did was some Texas style acoustic solo. When he toured with Judy Collins, his voice wasn’t always in tune, but his guitar playing threw me a complete curve. Old guys would usually tour with a sessions drummer, bass player, keyboard player, guitarist - someone like a GE Smith. Bass/drums/keys, yes, but there were two guitars on stage and the other was Judy’s acoustic, which was there more as a prop than as a real contribution to the band. His was no prop. I had no idea he was that good. He played like a sessions player. Walking out of that concert, that was the surprise that stuck with me.
Manassas was Talent on Steroids , Super group, Thx Tim another fantastic vid, Love seeing all those locations
They were somewhat the forgotten Supergroup, right?
@@RockessentialTimAmen to That
Very nice. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, me and my buddies used to hitchhike over Laurel Canyon, stop at the Canyon mkt., see if we recognized anybody, and continued on to Sunset. We were 13 years old, mind you.
Buffalo Springfield wrote Somethings Happening Here after the riots on the strip. We missed the festivities by 1 day!
The Doors were playing at the Whiskey. Those certainly were the days!
I have a car but once a week I still do the same thing. I stop at the Country Store for a coffee and hang out for a bit. Its still kinda fun!
Well... thank you SO very much for doing this video. This has gotten me quite overwhelmed. I have fond memories of that era in music & given what we are experiencing today, it is with a heavy heart that I wished we could go back. Not for the negative aspects obviously, but for the getting together & enjoying each other's inspirational talent.
I remember meeting Stephen in the early 90's at the "Warehouse", in Toronto Canada. I will cherish that opportunity, for the rest of my life.
Stephen is DEFINITELY the most influential musician, I could have hoped for in my life. To THIS day, I believe he is singularly THE BEST "living" acoustic guitar player out there. No slouch with electric, bass, piano, drums & everything else for that matter, but his Martin acoustic to me... is unrivaled. The sounds that he brings out of that guitar (like Sitar) is...WOW.
Sadly Stephen won't be around for ever, but wish for him to have the opportunity to get what ever he desires, before he sees his maker. It will be an INCREDIBLY sad day, which I am NOT looking forward to.
Thank you, Tim. Much obliged.
Sylvia
He is a singularly talented individual but like all of us he's getting old. But it would seem rock & roll is a dangerous business and unlike many of his peers he's had the good fortune to have had an extremely long and fruitful career. Thanks for the cool comment! Tim.
@@RockessentialTim Thank you Tim, for responding. Indeed !! I could not agree with you more. Most don't have that opportunity. I'm just grateful he retired when he felt he had to. I do miss him though.
Just playing along on my guitar songs like "Teach Your Children" or "Helplessly Hoping", just don't feel the same.
The good 'ol days will be just that... the good 'ol days.
Saw CSN in the 80's, Stills can shred with the best of them
Yup, saw him burn up a blonde Tele in summer '89.
I got to see Stephen play with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and a group called The Ride years ago at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival. I was driving for Uber at the time and I picked up a guy at the concert Friday night. it was a 3-day concert and he told me he couldn't go to the last day because he had to work. I told him that I knew Stephen Stills was playing the last night and I'd sure love to see him. Guy gave me his ticket for the final night. The best tip I ever got.
Absolutely love it!
Very cool. Saw him at tje Hollywood bowl YEARS ago.
Love that Manassas album, amazing songs and so well produced! His band backing him up on that are soooo good!!
Chris Hillman....
Great musician. I love all his work. Should have been an even greater star
Many greats have had their following of fans and Players who feel one celebrity guitarist is better than others ..... FEW FRIENDS OF MINE HAD STEVEN STILLS AS THEIR FAVORITE . BEST PLAYER !!! I did. His diverse skills as a GUITARIST, PIANO PLAYER, BASS PLAYER, others ..... singer & songwriter are above the pale. His lead work is wonderful and so different from other guitarists .... all his bands, contributions and direction in music was second to none. GBjj
Stills is simply fantabulous on all fronts: writer, singer, player, producer. Mr. Many-hands fer sure!
Great vid as always Tim. Gainesville was loaded with talent. Thanks for mentioning Stephen's session work. That tends to get overlooked. I was certainly unaware of much of it. Loving the midcentury modern architecture of LA.
Thanks much. If you ever get out here you've got to drive up Silverlake Blvd. Richard Nuetra built a bunch of those houses and they are pretty stunning.
What a journey through the past, and so well done. The many bloodlines of different bands, different players, all shared here. Stephen Stills was surely at the center of it all. One of his finest qualities that stands out in this "Badass Story" is that Stephen always pushed to learn more, try more, experiment more, expanding in every conceivable artistic way, yet always doing so inclusively. The cross-fertilization that he himself created--again and again--in itself is the stuff of legends.
I couldn't agree with you more. I've always found it ironic that he is hardly ever mentioned with the great guitarist of his time when he was somewhat of the linchpin between them all.
Another entertaining rock 'roll history lesson! Thanks Tim!
Thanks!
Another superb video ! I can’t get enough of these. Thanks Tim !
Thanks. Much appreciated!
Liked and shared with several of the like minded! 👍
I REALLY appreciate that!
Have always loved Stephen Stills his time with Manassas is incredible, you should listen to those albums.
Totally agree. I've worn out several copies of the Manassas double album!
Love your story telling ! Stills is one of my favorite guitarist and singer
This was so informative and entertaining. I really enjoyed watching and learning about this great musician.
Thank you for video on my all time favorite musician 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Love him too. Thanks!
The first Manassas double album has got to be one of his best recordings.
His solo Stephen Stills is Great!
The one where he's playing out in the snow. Great record.
Great video, story and presentation as always 👏🏻
Right on.
I saw Steven solo at the HOB on the Sunset Strip. I was blown away by what he could do all alone on that stage!! Just an all-time great!!
What year was that, do you know?
Always loved Stephens work.I hope I get the opportunity to see him play again.👏👏👏👏👏
Your video's are great, because they educate me in things that i never knew (but feel that i should have). I "came of age" in the era of the '60's, and even lived for a time "right around the corner" from all that Laurel Canyon stuff "in the valley" as it was known, but i just never knew so much of the history that was unfolding. AND, you make your video's entertaining because you take the viewer on "guided tours" that are very enjoyable to watch. Thanks and keep up the good work !
I have lived right off Laurel Canyon on the Valley side for years and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in LA. The hiking's good here and the music still sounds good! Thanks for the cool comment.
C S N & Y
Stephen Stills was always the most popular and well liked
Stills' first album was great all star album
Woo HOOOOO!!!!! Thank you, Tim!!!!! Adore Steve Stills!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Candy.
Love Stephen Stills. One of the reasons I picked up a guitar! Apparently, not a favorite person of one of my other favorite players, Tom Bukovac.
Is there some kind of thang between them? Enlighten me.
@@RockessentialTim From what I understand he was maybe dismissive of Bukovac during one of the Jim Irsay guitar collection gigs(I know) and they do not get along. Not sure of all the details but Bukovac mentioned of the subject on his channel that people should learn to age gracefully. Lol
This was a great episode. You provided so much information I didn't know about, and I'm a big Stills fan. Thanks for taking us on another wonderful road trip with you. I always look forward to these and I'm never disappointed.
Thanks much. I have to say, the highlight for me was visiting Altamont. Strange vibe indeed.
@@RockessentialTim I know what you mean. I lived about 20 minutes from there back then. I love the rolling golden hills, the cradled landscape of the coast range on one side and the Sierras on the other and have fond memories of swimming the canals as a kid. But yeah, if the Peace and Love era was going to come crashing down in one fell swoop, that was the place and the time it was going to happen. Some wonderful people but also some funky mojo. I got a visceral feeling of it all when you got to that part.
Cool video! I love Stills's music. His group, Manassas was great!
Lots of comments on them. I had no idea they were still so popular!
Been waiting for this one for a good while, another great episode of music history with the wonderful back drop of California. Thanks for this Tim, another classic!
Tanks, Brian.
Thank you, Tim! I have always thought Stephen Stills never got the recognition he so greatly deserves! He's Stills one of my favorites!!!😊
Couldn't agree with you more.
Always one of my Favorites 😊
I really like the way you told this story. I learned a lot...and I am a Stephen Stills fan. Thanks and well done!
Much appreciated, thanks!
Great detail as always! Tim, you made my recent trip to LA a surreal trip of a lifetime through my research and your episodes. I walked every square inch of Laurel Cyn. Stephen was also right behind me at the Hollywood Bowl for Dylan on July 31st. Thank You! Best Regards
That is so cool! Even with all the gentrification Laurel Canyon is still a pretty cool place. Were you able to say hi to Stephen?
Steve met Peter Tork back in the village. They were known as the twins because they looked alike.
The Super Sessions album is killer. A cousin of mine gave it to me and l was blown away.
I've been a huge fan forever, it's classic still current. Big Al Kooper fan, have seen him live 3x. 👍❤️
The only time I've ever seen Al live was years ago her in LA eating at Duke's. I waved and he said hi!
Another great musical history lesson!
thanks!
Always worth watching his content if your a avid music fan.
Really interesting how you "connect the dots" with the "Real Estate" and "Geography" and "people and places" of how these iconic songs originated !
Stephen Stills is one the most prolific songwriters ever.
I've said it before but you deserve 1 million subs! Always a great story, I learned so much about SS that I never knew before your show! Keep it up Tim -Great vid man, really!
Thanks!
¡ thanks, STILLS is one of my lifetime HEROS !
Thanks for producing this video!
Thanks!
Stills first LP……one of my favorites.
Thanks so much for this !!!! Excellent work !!! It really took me back to those days !!! A fun trip !!!
Right on. thanks.
Well done! 👏👏👏👍👊
An absolute fantastic video. A great watch. Thank you very much!
Glad you liked it, Tanks!
And another epic video…Top shelf!
Thanks!
He also wailed on the B3 on his first solo album.
'Old Times, Good Times'...what a fantastic track!
I heard that this was Jimi's last recorded performance.
I have Stephen's 1st solo album, self titled Album framed in my music room. This, I believe, was Stephen's Masterpiece!