It's the 'language' of music

 

“Language is an inadequate form of communication. If you've ever picked up an instrument, it's because you don't feel you are communicating sufficiently.” – Stephen Stills

Best known as part of two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame groups – Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Stills was born on Jan. 3, 1945 a literal “rolling stone.”  The son of military parents, he traveled the world in his growing up years and didn’t quite know where to call home as he and his family moved from place to place.

Those experiences combined with his amazing musical talent led him into professional performance before he was out of his teen years.  Both his musicianship on multiple instruments and his writing - most of the songs of the two groups noted above plus a longstanding solo list and writing for a third group Manassas - have made him an American musical icon.

      Ranked as one of the Rolling Stone magazine’s All Time Greatest guitarists, Stills’ songs address everything from the American scene to politics to love.  His “Love The One You’re With” is ranked one of the 100 all-time greatest songs.   

 

 He also has written many, many songs for other singers and about other singers, including Judy Collins, with whom he had a longstanding on-again, off-again relationship and calling her a great influence on his writing.   

 

“There are three things men can do with women,” he said.  “Love them, suffer for them, or turn them into literature.  I’ve had my share of success and failure at all three.”