Long Time Gone

The Zoo Crew is spinning the timeless track "Long Time Gone" by Crosby, Stills & Nash, from their iconic 1969 self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This song, penned by David Crosby, was born out of grief and anger following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in June 1968. Crosby, as quoted in the 1991 Crosby, Stills & Nash box set liner notes, explained that he wrote it the night Bobby Kennedy was killed, driven by his belief in Kennedy’s vision for positive change in America, untainted by the political deals he felt tainted other leaders like Johnson and Nixon. The song’s defiant lyrics and booming bassline, paired with tasteful organ and blistering guitar, made it a cathartic anthem, famously featured in the opening sequence of the 1970 Woodstock documentary, cementing its place as a voice of the late ‘60s counterculture.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from the recording process. David Crosby initially bristled at not playing rhythm guitar on his own song, as Stephen Stills took charge of most instrumental parts. According to the album’s liner notes, Stills convinced Crosby to step back, and when Crosby returned, he was won over by the powerful track Stills and drummer Dallas Taylor had crafted. The song also got a unique spotlight in 1969 when Crosby, Stills & Nash, joined by Neil Young, performed it on the TV show "This Is Tom Jones," with Jones sharing vocals. A Reddit post from 2024 highlights fans’ reactions, noting how Jones’ soulful voice surprisingly complemented the group, with Crosby appearing amused and Stills seemingly energized by the vocal challenge. This performance, as fans on Reddit remarked, showed Jones as more than just a crooner, adding a fresh dynamic to the song’s legacy.

Crosby, Stills & Nash came together in 1968, a serendipitous collision of three musicians at pivotal moments in their careers. David Crosby, fresh from being ousted from The Byrds due to tensions over his outspoken views and song choices, was searching for a new outlet. Stephen Stills, reeling from the breakup of Buffalo Springfield, was eager to explore new creative avenues. Graham Nash, frustrated with the commercial constraints of The Hollies, left the British band and flew to Los Angeles. As Nash recounted in a GRAMMY.com interview, their harmony was discovered at a 1968 party—possibly at Joni Mitchell’s house or Cass Elliot’s, depending on who’s telling the story—when they sang together and realized their voices created something extraordinary. Within 30 seconds, as Nash later said in a 2014 interview, their signature sound was born. They signed with Atlantic Records in early 1969, and their debut album, featuring "Long Time Gone," became a folk-rock cornerstone, earning them the 1969 Grammy for Best New Artist.

The trio’s journey wasn’t without turbulence, marked by egos, creative rivalries, and personal struggles, yet their harmony and songcraft left an indelible mark. Fans can dive deeper into their world through their official website, though it’s more archival since their 2015 breakup. Social media offers glimpses into their legacy: Stephen Stills’ Facebook and Instagram share updates, while Graham Nash’s Facebook and Instagram keep his solo work in the spotlight. David Crosby’s passing in 2023 closed a chapter, but his Facebook and Instagram remain active with tributes. On X, Stills occasionally posts, as seen in a 2023 anniversary nod to the debut album. Fan communities thrive too, like the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing stories and rare clips of tracks like "Long Time Gone."