Growing up since the age of 10, listening to the most powerful bands of the 70’s to-date, CSN&Y being one of them. Relaxing in my dad’s garden on a cold winter afternoon warmed by a bright sun, with my “freak flag flying,” listening to “Almost Cut My Hair” is a memory as fresh as the morning springtime breeze. Whenever I listened to music, it was a mental escape and a source of pleasure and contentment. It relaxed my mind, energized the body in a way, and at times, even helped better manage pain. I was always a fan of Rhythm & Blues, and listening to that style of music, always had a very positive effect on me. It did not bring me down as I felt that the artists were expressing their life experiences which could have been similar to mine. So yes, music did influence my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Till today I feel pumped up while listening to music by Santana or moved to tears by some songs as they just took me down memory lane.
All the music I hear today is related to my childhood and early youth years. They are connected to friends when we used to sit together and listen to newly released albums by groups like Santana, Allman Brothers Band, Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, The DOORS, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Shakti, Rolling Stones, Beatles, CCR, Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Cocker, BB King, Muddy Waters, Gary Moore, and so many others. Musicians related to all those moments in life that have gone past, never to return, but the songs remain. How awesome is that?
The recent passing of David Crosby was a great loss to the music world and it brought back many such memories. CSNY as a Group was so much part of my life journey that losing David Crosby feels like losing someone who has been with me throughout my many years of growing up. Like him, there are so many other musicians who will never fade from our lives, and that is thanks to the songs they have left behind. Every generation has its own set of musicians. However, there will never be a period where music was created, like the late 60s, 70s & early 80s. Musicians from this era were born to make great music, and so they did. Some are still going strong, and God willing, will play for a long time, keeping those memories fresh in our hearts and minds. RIP, Mr. Crosby. CSNY will not be the only ones missing you, but millions of us, faithful listeners for your powerful songs, will cherish each and every one.
Contributed by Akbar Iqbal Khan