CSN - "Southern Cross" live on The Tonight Show 1987

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (guest Mel Brooks).
June 23, 1987

[@rideinthedark]

My wife and I were driving to the hospital after her water broke before our daughter was born and this song was playing as we drove. I can't hear this song without thinking about the wonderful day my daughter was born.

[@andrewt3417]

Have you played this song for your daughter and told her this story?

[@williambrooks639]

That is legendary 😁✌️

[@rideinthedark]

@@andrewt3417 yes I have. It's a great memory we share. She's now the mom of triplets!

[@joegravino7230]

Favorite song of my 9 year old son to fall asleep to.

[@kcdurkin8498]

Be Blessed

[@fitfogey]

No autotune fluff. Just pure music.

[@rileyhoffman6629]

Musicians make the violence of daily life survivable. Thank you.

[@TheFreddo12]

Such a fabulous song....sung by some legends. RIP David Crosby. You are missed.

[@GPM116]

No auto tune here this is music. These musicians are not posers. No dancers or entourage or loop recorders. No lip synching either. Just pure skill.

[@sludge8506]

Oh, your heroes are so wonderful, fanboi. You sound so bitter and old. Really, champ, you can’t enjoy this wonderful music without being extremely negative about other music?? Crosby actually didn’t look too good. It looks like he actually just got out of jail. But go on with your bitterness. I guess it brings some worth to your fragile being. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@pedropedrocki6317]

Don't forget that these are real musicians. They actually play instruments without any acoustical help.

[@sludge8506]

@@pedropedrocki6317 Unlike *most* of the groups from the sixties, who used studio musicians. That’s the fact, ped.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

I'm not a poser, I just pretend to be one.

[@timmyles314]

Late night is NOT the same without Johnny Carson. He use to have so many GREAT artists, performers, and comedians. Here's a great example : CSN !!!

[@joeconner2231]

Three talented musicians without annoying backup dancers!

[@googoo-gjoob]

Johnny was a great host. 3rd in a line of great hosts.... Jack Paar was wonderful, too. none as zany tho as its creator & 1st host, Mr. Steve Allen. everybody knows Dave loved Johnny. but there is waaay more Steve in Dave than most realize.

[@williamwalterjosephhamilto2905]

It's a book.

[@biglyon123]

Now we have a clown jimmy fallon no talent…

[@badgerguy6099]

Nah. Sorry, I grew up on Johnny, but Jimmie Fallon is arguably the best host the Tonight Show has ever had, narrowly beating even Steve Allen himself

[@williamoverly1617]

Without question, one of the greatest songs ever produced by CSN.

[@thorny6021]

I came out of Vietnam, landed in California and there was CSN. Saved my ass.

[@nickpavona3326]

@Abbot Creekers No doubt your kind and compassionate words made that man feel great ! You just did exactly what you complained about re: your father, Next time think first kid. I'm sure you forgot to thank him for his service , just an oversight due to your rant.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

Thank you for your service!

[@nunyabidnis5407]

Glad your back, thanks. You guys never got a parade.

[@danielwarpaint1963]

@Abbot Creekers you're not supposed to, it's not for little people.

[@ST-xg3gy]

They let you crash on their couch?

[@happycanuck5080]

Never get tired of this incredible song....40 years later!!!!

[@RhiannaBarr]

Happy Canuck 30 years later

[@josephblowenstein3497]

Rhianna Barr 36 years later

[@denisebiely5998]

Happy Canuck I agree...best song...

[@nickoshana2246]

Now 73, STILL play this over & over !!!

[@davetomlin5246]

May your spirit find eternal peace and warmth David.

[@heleneschenbacher8512]

I moved to Hawai’i in 1985. Taught myself to sail and ended up sailing larger sailboats to other islands and down to the Marquesas and Papeete. (Polynesia and Tahiti) I will ALWAYS remember seeing the Southern Cross “for the first time.” Hawaii is in the Northern Hemisphere just above the equator-21degrees latitude. The “Southern Cross” constellation is only visible just above the Southern Horizon from Feb to May. When you are far out at sea you only hear the sounds of the wind in the sails and the creeking of the wooden hull. You get so far away from city lights that you can actually see our galaxy--The “Milky Way!” As we were heading into Molokai for the first time early before sunrise (I had sailed all night--you don’t stop) this guy said “Helen look to 180 degrees on the Compass"--South. There she was! Just “hanging in the sky!” This huge constellation of just four stars--the Cross. This song had just come out. I cried tears of joy. I “realized just why I came this way!” Moving to the Hawai’ian Islands on my own..no job, knowing no one, no place to stay was the BEST thing I ever did! I live aboard a sailboat I renovated myself--off the grid. No electricity, no running water off Honolulu and work in the city--but come home to this boat, this sanctuary.

[@nobodyspecial5982]

I'll see this, one day. Thank you for sharing... 💛

[@spamwagon]

Helen, this is a very special song to me, and I want to thank you for sharing your memory, which makes it that much more so.

[@flowerfetish7995]

Love!

[@tmm9697]

Helen, well done ! A free spirit indeed! What a beautiful story.

[@stephannickson3164]

wow...... what a story

[@JimPaloAlto]

the three of them--just them, and their guitars, acoustic, not over-accompanied--sound so great!

[@LukenUSee]

Pure elite, raw talent

[@martacabrera4016]

y fantasticas armonias

[@rk41gator]

and no auto-tune crap!

[@mackeaveli]

As a singer this is mind blowing live one take acoustic. loved this song since I heard it as a kid

[@larrywhite2574]

No auto tune . That's the way it should be.

[@PumaPete]

Their harmony in the chorus is just amazing.

[@jerryhaynes7335]

Amazing talent. I'm so thankful for the music I grew up with during the late 50's 60'd and 70's

[@Sonnyboy346]

My favorite CSN song. I love these guys.

[@mobonds1]

There is nobody today that compares to these guys.

[@jokeyman2943]

I asked for this to be played at my funeral...knowing that...I am at peace.

[@peteprizzi8508]

There aren't many who can hold a candle to "Stills"! Such an incredible musician + songwriter. But it does take all 3 to make that very special magic!

[@scottcampbell6617]

One of the best songs ever recorded. The ultimate travel song.

[@laurenhaharockon9192]

Scott Campbell it's a really excellent song!

[@stephendollins6948]

One of those songs that didn't chart highly, but had amazing stay power as it's still a regular on oldies rock stations.

[@tsfurlan]

Scott Campbell in just learned it.. simple actually,

[@cshubs]

The ultimate travel song is On the Road Again. :-)

[@RB-tx4mn]

Absolutely the ultimate travel song. I borrowed this CD on a 6 month deployment on a ship while I was in the Marine Corps back in 1995. I instantly fell in love with this song and for the remaining cruise would listen to this song over, and over, and over.

[@Glansful]

Stephen Stills is amazing!

[@dennis4189]

"She's all that I have left and MUSIC is her name!"

[@georgeadcock2347]

Lyrics bring me to tears

[@paulstephenson5913]

Great harmonies from the best

[@soaringvulture]

@@georgeadcock2347 Yeah, that line really does it.

[@dko711661]

That’s what I’ll name my boat when I buy it

[@googoo-gjoob]

but, for clarity... the boat (which was all he got in the divorce) was named *Southern Cross*

[@jordyRob]

Raw talent... You'll see it few times in your life, and you'll never know when you'll see it again. A true rarity!! CSNY, boys to men. Eagles. Those Harmonies are rare

[@paulsimmons5726]

Live, without any technological gadgets behind the curtain! Three guys, three guitars, and a great song… Sheer perfection!

[@golfingfool777]

Just three great musicians and three beautiful Martin guitars!

[@thelonelyghosts9004]

My best friend has a 24 pocket cruiser and i'm telling ya - when you're 60 miles out with nothing around for as far as you can see, this song takes on an entirely different meaning. One of my favorites ever!

[@randallkomisarek2875]

The best sailing song ever. They get the offshore sailing terminology and weave it into a magical song. Such a classic.

[@markraciborski4289]

You do know it's a metaphor for their love of music, don't you?

[@stevensnyder1133]

Sloop John B?

[@densocling1235]

KZbin can keep me up all night by offering videos like this.

[@nickajk1]

Pure talent and complete genius

[@d.michaelpratt5987]

One of the most gorgeous harmonies in rock history! Just excellent!

[@dlyonsish]

one of the best songs ever written and performed

[@carlorachel]

Thank you, CSN, for yet another reminder that harmony and freedom know no age.

[@iansmith3593]

Man. These guys were younger than I am now. Today they’re ancient. Time flies.

[@vwilson7651]

These men could all teach a class on harmonizing. Beautiful.

[@billbeliakoff5589]

They taught the Grateful Dead. In return Jerry Garcia played the steel slide guitar on "Teach Your Children"

[@toddholland6848]

They have talent beyond us I love the voices

[@debbieburke3162]

Teach the MASTERCLASS.

[@salozmen29]

Pure magic when these 3 are brought together

[@bubbafringman1864]

RIP David. You guys brought a whole new sound and real lyric's to go with it, for whole generations. The choir in heaven is gonna be excited to have you back.

[@sheilaharris3589]

Oh, this is terrific! One of my favorites from CS&N. RIP Mr. Crosby, one of the sweetest voices ever!

[@lauradewey5748]

And a really decent human being. I met him briefly four times, and he was lovely each time.

[@drforjc]

I mostly hear Stills and Nash on this one though.

[@mikeward7565]

This is real music children. No auto tune, no studio magic, no lip syncing. IN ONE TAKE. Amazing.

[@donwarnick1089]

Problem is they’re listening to that horrible excuse for music right now instead of watching this video

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

Ditto !!!!! Amazing song and guys from Woodstock !!!!! Nothing but respect !!!!!

[@madjack3956]

Good gawd! This shit doesn't sound like rap, '90s-angstified SoundGarden, or standard Katie Perry rant-singing! WTF?! ... OMG, this is like, REAL singing and REAL music! Awesome dudes right there.

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

A frickin' men!!!

[@williamwalterjosephhamilto2905]

These freeging guys are sooooooo into it...even amidst their little feud family artist syndrome or whatever......they are unmatched

[@silasfatchett7380]

Stills and Nash are close to perfection. Add Crosby and perfection is achieved.

[@jane-mariegifford1156]

I've been singing David Crosby's part for decades, but Steven Stills has my heart! I was 4 when they sang Suite:Judy Blue Eyes for the first time at Woodstock and I'll cherish the harmonies forever

[@duaneverde9879]

I miss those days. CSN was great. Johnny was the G.O A.T.

[@deniseproctor7190]

❤️ CSN!! Miss Johnny Carson also....

[@banjoist123]

Incredibly high harmonies. Even Nash is at the top of his range.

[@allenfiddler2765]

Nash sings sharp.

[@michaelfrazia4569]

so good

[@MrWahooknows]

@@allenfiddler2765 Indeed. As well as being a jerk.

[@longsnapper5381]

@@MrWahooknowsAgreed . Nash is so into himself. Experienced him live solo a couple times in very small venues. He thinks he's very special and will tell you over and over. Do love CSN, though. Mainly for the "S"...

[@RubyBandUSA]

Good observation Jim

[@eganeshseshadri6441]

Thank you for all your music sir. RIP David Crosby.

[@d.g.n9392]

I’ve got this on a LP in my cabinet, along with about 600 LP’s from the early 70’s, 80’s. I’m 67 years old now.

[@DianeRybicki-jw8iy]

❤One of the most excellent songs by CSN - I have loved this band for well over 50 years! My brother got me hooked on this band. (Love Neil, too!) Truly talented musicians - RIP, David 💔. We love & miss you. 💔

[@jannislayman606]

Still one of my fave songs even at age 69 ~ here's your woman girl !!!

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

You rock girl 👧

[@jannislayman606]

@@lawncuttingplusdelta Dig it LOL, thank you!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Viva la differànce!!! Can I say that in 2022 and not be ostracized, fined or imprisoned? I certainly hope so. I'm glad you're one of the women girls just like my beautiful wife! Long live CSN

[@williamneece8312]

I have seen Stephen Stills perform by himself three times in the last 10 years. His guitar playing is still superb

[@spikespa5208]

Always liked Still's songs over the others.

[@owenladner6496]

he’s so underrated as a player. Amazing bandleader and soloist

[@altongrimes]

Black Queen !

[@dabneyoffermein595]

Yes, he's great and I don't think he liked Graham Nash doing that extra stupid strumming at the end of the song. Stills is traditional and he doesn't like stupid stuff. Stills has such a great voice. It's almost haunting with songs like this.

[@thomasbrown3206]

Why did Crosby get so much credit for things when Stills mostly rewrote this song and sang most of it? I don’t understand why Crosby, rest his soul, received so much notoriety and Stills so little, when Stills seemed to be much more all around talented and, as reported by many, to be a much better person personally.

[@jamesnelson6980]

I saw them in the '80's in Wisconsin. Absolutely the real thing! God bless you and long life to the best, C,S &N!

[@7alexify]

When a musician was a musician and not the extension of some digital Equipment 🙂

[@sludge4125]

smh 🤦‍♂️

[@catmom1322]

Their harmony is still incredible!

[@martacabrera4016]

Ssiiiii

[@kenwentworth623]

The harmonies are absolutely amazing

[@martacabrera4016]

Siiiiii, te saludo desde Argentina, febrero 2022

[@Tigrebleau1]

Goosebumps every time I hear this.

[@robertlyon8876]

I used to fly a lot into the South Pacific on down to Australia, as a captain with one of the majors . This song would be in my head every night we would see the southern cross. One of the best memories of a 44 year career.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

This is a gospel song disguised as a folkrock song wrapped up in a travelogue but truly a love song of yearning for a lost youth ... with great harmonies, intriguing lyrics and music is her name. Wow I still get chills 37 years after I first heard it. A good companion piece to WOODEN SHIPS

[@jeannemacaluso162]

Nailed it.

[@nickoshana2246]

At 72, so do I.

[@dsmith9964]

@@jeannemacaluso162 The wooden ships didn't have nails because of the radiation... 😉

[@jeannemacaluso162]

@@dsmith9964 (smile!)

[@dsmith9964]

@@jeannemacaluso162 Thank you! 😁

[@rotarychainsaw]

Kind of amazing to get this kind of loudness and energy out of just 3 guitars and 3 dudes.

[@blakegregory969]

Real musicians. Real Singers.

[@PilotPyatt]

Three Martin guitars! Beautiful!

[@wangson]

Oh Yeah!! I didn't realize until I took another gander after reading your comment! The BEST acoustic guitar around!

[@roo7227]

Without question, one of the finest efforts in writing in RnR history.. A truly poetic masterpiece..

[@ncpond11]

roo7227 amen

[@soaringvulture]

@Niel Thomas Come back when you start to make sense.

[@soaringvulture]

@Niel Thomas ESAD

[@dougniday8081]

Those were the days when real music was created. Nothing but acoustic guitars and harmony. Real lyrics. Real talent. Miss those days.

[@Bruce-1956]

That was way back in the 50s/60s.

[@HeatherDMorris]

Songs like this are not written today . No comparison

[@ladyspookums]

I really hate people like you....

[@sludge4125]

Nostalgia is one of the greatest enemies of the truth.

[@sludge8506]

For all the ancient armchair warriors out there doing 12 ounce curls; *Most* of the groups from the sixties used studio musicians. That’s the fact.

[@bonzo1928]

So glad that I lived in these years, real music, real musicians, real lyrics.

[@tomgardner9257]

I remember watching this very performance on The Tonight Show back in 1987. I just remembered it, googled it and voila. When they sit with Carson, he seems genuinely excited about that performance and comments enthusiastically about the three of them just coming out with those three guitars, how simple and compelling it was, just banging on those guitars and making those harmonies. They were appreciative and agreed.

[@silversprings62]

Voices straight outta heaven.........💞💞💞

[@rockit6553]

Some of the greatest harmonies from these three guys. Awesome!!!!!

[@milliewilliams3422]

My favorite group! They are magical!

[@jamesstrange7981]

Love how they all have those Martins hangin’ high. Very 60’s and 70’s....

[@adriennekulcsar7734]

...........D-45 s ??............

[@maryjanemiles2469]

No better song than this! A timeless classic.

[@davidm.wardLTC]

I actually remember seeing this the night it was broadcasted. I was blown away by it, and I went and saw the tour later that year.

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

One of my FAVORITE CSN songs. I remember when I first heard it on the radio, I immediately knew that this was a hit and they would be touring. I had just moved to Tampa, FL. and sure enough! I was exactly right and they did go on tour. I finally got to see them live in Lakeland, FL. It was the first time I had seen CSN together, live, in concert. My fiance bought the tickets for my wedding present. We got married the next day, but divorced 5 yrs later. But I'll never forget that concert. I could barely breathe when I saw the three microphone stands waiting on the stage for my 3 idols to take their places in front of. And when the boys came out, it was as if time and space stopped! That moment is frozen forever in my memory. I was in HEAVEN thru out that entire 2 hour concert. I saw them many more times during the next 15 yrs I lived in Florida and even got to meet CSN a few yrs later. I went to every show they did in Florida during those 15 yrs, but I'll always remember that first one with those 3 mic stands, and then seeing the guys come out and start singing. And of course they did Southern Cross. It was the Daylight Again tour. And now, whenever I hear Southern Cross, I relive those first moments. It always makes me shiver as I remember seeing my guys and hearing them live for the first time. Heaven. Just pure, unadulterated, HEAVEN on EARTH!!!

[@Omar_52]

@StevieB1362: That "high pitched guy" is Graham William Nash (born 2 February 1942) a British-American singer-songwriter and musician. Nash is known for his light tenor voice and for his songwriting contributions as a member of the English pop/rock group the HOLLIES and the folk-rock supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash.

[@judd1157]

This song brings tears to my eyes every time. The harmonies, the lyrics, the do wop quality CSN brings...so awesome. ..

[@philmullins136]

Me to. Best wishes to you.

[@debbieburke3162]

Do wop?

[@geneobrien8907]

Do Wop is a melodic line to a simple beat with little or no instrumentation, this has nothing to do with Do Wop!

[@maryjanemiles3525]

The three best story-tellers ever. Crosby, Stills & Nash.

[@kitspics526]

This is flippin' live!! Brilliant

[@tageast148]

My dad played this song he had great taste

[@BarryHawk]

They killed it. Wicked performance.

[@robertgoff4528]

It was 1968 I think. I was 17, my older brother was going to USC and somehow got tickets to see CSN at UCLA. He took me and just before the concert started the clowns at UCLA dropped a curtain down in front of all the USC invitees so we couldnt see the band. CSN refused to play until they lifted that curtain. They were a class act all the way around. My favorite band to this day.

[@ericgarrett9155]

They didn't start playing together till 69, the year their first album came out. When they played at Woodstock in August of 69, they said it was only the second time they had played to an audience.

[@johnsambo9379]

I saw them in 1992. They sounded fantastic.

[@kimbarnett4113]

I think about all the times I have fallen, and music picked me up. I love this song.

[@Tigerfan50]

Will sorely miss their marvelous sound.

[@pam0626]

Listen to the audience applauding at the beginning. They knew they were in for a treat.

[@sludge4125]

And they knew the “applause” sign was on. You didn’t get tickets for “csn on the tonight show.” You got tickets for “the tonight show.” I bet half the audience didn’t even know who they were.

[@pam0626]

@@sludge4125You are far too young to be so cynical. CSN (and Neil Young) was one of the first folk bands, played at a Woodstock and were referred to as “The American Beatles.” Their harmonies will never be duplicated and they were considered national treasures by the time of this Carson appearance in 1987. They didn’t need an applause sign.

[@jeffweber8244]

Best live performance I've seen from CSN.

[@ethelip5239]

Seriously- even better than in their ’69 heyday!

[@zyxmyk]

god, youtube is amazing. i remembered seeing this and had no idea what year it was. so i entered it and...THERE IT WAS. freaking beyond amazing.

[@sapelesteve]

Totally off the musical charts amazing! A time when music was real and the people performing it were incredibly talented! Man I miss those days.

[@JosephDungee]

They sounded GREAT!!

[@corvairkid63]

This was the first "Super Group". A live performance, no enhancement, fabulous music.

[@DonTSmith]

No, that would be Cream.

[@corvairkid63]

@@DonTSmith you are correct.

[@seisner710]

That’s one hell of a performance.

[@Flips420]

Close enough to perfect for me. Awesomeness

[@markmortham4967]

Back when all you had was a guitar and your talent to wonderfully entertain. No bells and whistles just talent!

[@sludge4125]

Nostalgia is one of the greatest enemies of the truth. smh 🤦‍♂️

[@uncledavesfrontier6846]

Love this song. Pure music

[@josephvaters2947]

Stephen Stills can''t be touched yesterday or today

[@garydevonport8101324]

Joseph Vaters stills, for all his success it MASSIVELY under rated!

[@corvairkid63]

One of the top guitarist of any era.

[@flatonia]

As much of a musical genius Stills is, Neil seems to have eclipsed him. I'm just sayin'.

[@drumgold23]

That's what the court order says anyways

[@sandrabennett8189]

Now 75 & still goin', Lord Bless him - always ADORED him live!! xxxooo

[@huntermartin4281]

Think about this for a second. Actually think about it. Somewhere, there are 46 people who watched this unbelievable performance and thought to themselves, “I’m not that impressed”. Then they hit the dislike button. Mind blowing.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

I never understood down voting a video that didn't lie or egregiously offend. Seems kind of rude other wise.

[@Craig2760]

Hunter Martin likely they have no idea, nor care what the “Southern Cross” is referring to either.

[@smith23031966]

@Abbot Creekers ....so people aren't allowed to have their own opinions? Why is your opinion of this video the only "correct" opinion?

[@G-BONE]

I'll keep it simple,they're complet total idiots.

[@G-BONE]

Go get em Hunter!

[@wabbitwit]

My God I miss Johnny Carson

[@hanklogsdon8390]

wabbitwit Me too Johnny was the king of late night.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

I miss him on the show for sure. Sadly when he was gone from earth, lots of skeletons came out about him, but on his little chair he was a great entertainer.

[@fredwerza3478]

Carson and Letterman were the two of the best to ever do late night

[@deniseculton]

Graham is having such a blast. So cute. All three are amazing here.

[@kenpetroski7443]

amazing is the only word i can think of

[@edfulginiti8798]

now THAT is called music!!!!!

[@williamyehle2137]

Pure talent! Their voices are perfect

[@danp4175]

Love Johnny's comment about the compact disc. They had only been selling in the mainstream for a year or two at that point and most people were still using cassettes.

[@sulatlalaki]

HOLY CRAP, the TALENT!

[@margaretmaskara9002]

I never really "got" David Crosby until I heard him on a live version of this song (TRIBUTE to NICOLLETTE LARSON), and I finally realized his voice is really a great background instrument.

[@craigspoor5556]

He was a Byrd. That says enough. Plus this. His voice is epic

[@007ndc]

Possibly the best voice in harmony ever in the RnR era. A golden voice. RIP

[@DonAbrams-hq7ln]

Dave was exceptional with The Byrds, lwish he had done some solo work then toexhibit his voice.

[@dmmchugh3714]

Love this song !

[@stephenspencer4672]

I got to see this trio of musicians twice and Stephen Stills once on his own. A memorable experience each time. Love these guys.😅❤❤❤

[@tennesseechic1958]

One of my favorite songs of all time!!! Love "Southern Cross". 💜💜💜 And CSN performed it on the Johnny Carson Late Night Show!!! #Awesome