Dear Mr. Fantasy

Hey, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning the cosmic vibes of Dear Mr. Fantasy by Crosby, Stills & Nash from their CSN (Box Set), and we’ve got some groovy trivia to share! This track, originally by Traffic in 1967, was covered by CSN in 1980 but stayed unreleased until 1991, when it dropped on the CSN box set and Carry On compilation. Stephen Stills takes the lead with his soulful vocals and blistering guitar, while Graham Nash weaves in harmony. David Crosby, though, is notably absent from this session. Stills added two original verses, giving the song a heavier, more introspective edge than Traffic’s trippy original. A 2010 blog post from Reading between the Grooves notes the organ player could be one of several credited musicians—Stills, Nash, Joe Vitale, Mike Finnegan, or Paul Harris—since liner notes don’t clarify. On Reddit, a 2021 post by u/xsnut1 in the r/FuckImOld community sparked buzz, with fans praising Stills’ underrated guitar chops and guessing the track’s ‘80s production vibe. One user shared how the song’s nostalgic pull reminded them of late ‘70s summers, though another clarified it’s a Traffic cover, not a CSN original.

The song’s lyrics, penned by Traffic’s Jim Capaldi with music by Steve Winwood and Chris Wood, carry a haunting plea for escape through music. CSN’s version, as noted on AllMusic, amplifies this with Stills’ emotive delivery and those extra verses reflecting on the toll of a rockstar’s life: “Each time you choose to sing the rock & roll blues, You take everybody’s loneliness with you.” The track’s inclusion in the 1991 box set tied it to CSN’s legacy of raw, heartfelt performances. Fans on YouTube, in comments on a 2015 upload, call it a standout for its gritty energy, with some preferring it to Traffic’s lighter take. The song’s history also includes nods from big names—Dave Matthews cited it in his speech inducting Traffic into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, per Wikipedia.

Now, let’s rewind to how Crosby, Stills & Nash came to be. Formed in 1968, this folk-rock supergroup brought together David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash after their stints in iconic bands. Crosby, fresh from being ousted by The Byrds in 1967, was a vocal harmony wizard with a knack for counterculture anthems. Stills, a guitar virtuoso, had just seen Buffalo Springfield dissolve in early 1968 after hits like For What It’s Worth. Nash, the English piece of the puzzle, left The Hollies, craving more creative freedom beyond pop hits like Bus Stop. The trio’s magic sparked during an impromptu jam in July 1968, possibly at Joni Mitchell’s Laurel Canyon home or Cass Elliot’s place—stories vary. Their voices blended so seamlessly that they knew they had something special. By 1969, they dropped their self-titled debut, featuring Marrakesh Express and Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, which went four times platinum, as Eric Alper posted on X in 2024.

CSN’s intricate harmonies and politically charged lyrics defined an era, though their interpersonal drama—fueled by egos and personal struggles—kept things turbulent. When Neil Young, another Buffalo Springfield alum, joined for 1969’s Déjà Vu, they became Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, cementing their legend with a Woodstock performance that, as an AP post on X noted, rivaled The Beatles’ popularity. Their influence on American music, blending folk, rock, and activism, endures. Check out their official site at crosbystillsnash.com for tour updates and merch. Connect with fans on their Facebook, Instagram, and Stephen Stills’ active X account. For deeper dives, join the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Fans Facebook group or explore fan sites like csny.org, packed with discographies and rare photos.