In a heartfelt interview with NPR’s World Cafe, Graham Nash opened up about his feelings of sadness following the passing of his former bandmate, David Crosby, earlier this year. Despite not expecting Crosby to reach the age of 81, Nash expressed his sorrow and acknowledged the significance of his longevity, referring to it as an “enormous accomplishment” in his life.
Expressing his condolences, Nash specifically mentioned his sympathy for Crosby’s wife, Jan, and their son, Django. He recognized that while they had anticipated Crosby’s passing sooner, his ability to reach such an age was a testament to his resilience and tenacity.
“I’m very sorry, also particularly sorry for his wife Jan and his son Django. Even though we expected David to pass a lot sooner than he did, he actually made it to 81, which is an enormous accomplishment in his life.”
Nash also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Crosby’s remarkable musical talent and reflect on their enduring friendship. He described Crosby as an incredible musician and emphasized the deep bond they had shared for over five decades. Nash expressed his gratitude for their friendship, stating that he would carry the memories of their time together for the rest of his life.
“He was an incredible musician, he was my best friend for over fifty years, and I will remember him for the rest of my life.”
Interestingly, Nash revealed that he and Crosby had been on the verge of reconciling their differences as friends shortly before Crosby’s untimely death. They had planned a FaceTime call that sadly never took place. However, Nash did receive a voicemail from Crosby, which he cherished deeply. In the voicemail, Crosby expressed his desire to have a conversation and apologize for his outspokenness on various matters.
“I was enjoying a performance David and I did on YouTube of ‘Guinnevere’ on the BBC in 1971. He did leave me a voicemail I’ll never erase, saying he wanted to talk. He wanted to apologize for shooting off his mouth about many things.”
Graham Nash’s interview with NPR’s World Cafe provides a glimpse into the complex and enduring relationship between two iconic musicians. Despite the challenges they faced throughout their journey, Nash’s words convey a sense of respect, love, and the desire for reconciliation.
The passing of David Crosby marked the end of an era for music lovers worldwide, as his contributions as a singer, songwriter, and founding member of Crosby, Stills & Nash (and later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) have left an indelible mark on the music industry. As fans and friends continue to mourn his loss, the legacy of David Crosby’s talent and the bond he shared with Graham Nash will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.