Meta Description: Discover Glenn Frey’s opinion on the Great American Supergroup, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and their influence on the California rock scene.
Glenn Frey’s Opinion on the Great American Supergroup: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
By the end of the 1960s, the California rock scene was evolving. While still influenced by the Woodstock generation, bands like The Byrds were moving away from the psychedelic movement, rediscovering the fusion of country and rock. Glenn Frey, with the Eagles, was eager to represent American music but acknowledged that Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young were considered untouchable by their peers.
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young: The Pinnacle of Americana
Despite the fact that Neil Young was Canadian and Graham Nash had his roots in The Hollies, their early releases epitomized pure Americana. Albums like Deja Vu felt as though they were recorded on a rustic ranch, focusing on melody over heavy guitars or standout riffs. Songs like “Teach Your Children” and “Our House” showcased their simplified yet impactful arrangements.
Harmonies That Defined a Generation
Before Frey teamed up with Don Henley after leaving Linda Ronstadt’s backing band, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young were the unofficial choir of California. Frey admired their vocal blend and saw them as the benchmark for success. He told Cameron Crowe, “Hey, man, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young were the standard that everyone should aspire to.”
Glenn Frey’s Admiration for Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
Frey’s admiration was evident when he said, “Fundamentally, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young constitute ‘The Great American Supergroup.'” Even Stephen Stills recognized the Eagles’ aspiration, once commenting that “They just wanted to be us.” However, while CSNY was a cornerstone of the California rock scene, the Eagles were crafting music for a global audience.
The Eagles’ Unique Contribution to Rock
The Eagles resonated with broader themes, from escaping the law in “Desperado” to ending relationships in “Already Gone.” Their versatility was showcased in songs like “Wasted Time,” which blended soul influences, and “Life in the Fast Lane,” which demonstrated their hard rock capabilities.
Legacy and Influence
Neil Young eventually left CSNY to pursue solo projects like After the Gold Rush, while Crosby, Stills, and Nash continued to perform and score hits. The Eagles, however, dominated the charts, releasing numerous records and contributing significantly to the rustic rock sound legacy.
Glenn Frey’s opinion on the Great American Supergroup highlights the profound influence Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young had on him and the broader music landscape, setting a standard that the Eagles aspired to and built upon.
