Stephen Stills & Graham Nash - Change Partners / 4+20 / Crossroads - 1983

Acoustic beauty from this duo, recorded live on "Rock and Roll Tonite" on Sept 7, 1983.
Graham William Nash, OBE (born 2 February 1942) is an English singer-songwriter known for his light tenor vocals and for his songwriting contributions with the British pop group The Hollies, and with the folk-rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Nash is a photography collector and a published photographer. Nash was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Crosby, Stills & Nash and as a member of The Hollies in 2010.[1][2]
Nash was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours for services to music and to charity.[3
Nash was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, in 1942, his mother having been evacuated there from the Nashes' hometown of Salford, Lancashire because of the Second World War. The family subsequently returned to Salford, where Graham grew up. In the early 1960s he was co-founder with schoolfriend Allan Clarke of The Hollies. Nash was a leading 'group figurehead' member of The Hollies, one of the UK's most successful pop and "British Invasion" groups. Credited on the first album as 'Group Leader' and Recognised as a key member of the group, plus their public spokesman, he occasionally took a lead vocal. Nash was featured vocally on 'Just One Look' in 1964, and sang his first lead vocal on the original Hollies song "To You My Love" on the band's second album In The Hollies Style (1964). He then progressed to often singing featured 'bridge vocals' on Hollies recordings; 'So Lonely', 'I've Been Wrong' 1965, 'Pay You Back With Interest' 1966 etc, also by 1966 Nash was providing a few solo lead vocals on Hollies albums & then from 1967 'B' sides to singles.
In 1965 Nash with Allan Clarke & guitarist Tony Hicks formed 'Gralto Music Ltd' a publishing company who handled their own songs and later signed the young Reg Dwight (aka 'Elton John' - who played piano & organ on Hollies 1969 and 1970 recordings after Nash's exit from the group).
Nash led the vocals on Hollies hits such as "On A Carousel" (1966), then was both a featured lead vocal verse singer (along with Allan Clarke & Tony Hicks) and took all three chorus harmony vocal parts on "Carrie Anne" (1967). From 1963 he had instigated The Hollies writing their own songs - initallly with Clarke (Nash's first written song with Clarke being the Everlys-inspired "Whole World Over"), then from 1964 to mid-1966 Clarke-Hicks-Nash wrote as 'L.Ransford', before their own names were credited on songs from "Stop Stop Stop" (October 1966) onwards. Nash wrote or co-wrote many of the band's original songs, most often early on in collaboration with Allan Clarke and also then together with Tony Hicks up to Nash's departure from the band in December 1968.
Nash was pivotal in the forging of a sound and lyrics, often chiefly writing the verses on original team composed Hollies songs showing an obvious hippie influence on The Hollies' albums. However, Nash also wrote solo under the 'team banner' (like Lennon & McCartney), his songs such as "Fifi The Flea" (1966, featuring just Nash's voice and an acoustic guitar), "Clown" (1966), "Stop Right There", "Everything is Sunshine" (1967) and several of his lead vocal songs on the Butterfly album carried little or no trademark harmonies (sometimes just his own harmonies), sometimes scant group accompaniment - "Sunshine", "Relax", etc' - and reflected a singer/songwriter approach, later with songs of an 'escapist' nature ("Away Away Away", "Postcard" etc.). He was disappointed when his transition in sound did not register with the audience that the Hollies played to, including when "King Midas In Reverse" did not gain the popularity he expected it to (Nash had clashed with longtime Hollies producer Ron Richards over this, Richards believing the song was 'too complex' to work as a hit single). Nash greatly influenced the direction of Evolution, and Butterfly, a collection that brought differing opinions on the band's musical direction to the fore.

[@willshaw6405]

Stills is an American legend who should be honored in the same tradition as Stephen Foster or George Gershwin.

[@douglashammontree8011]

Totally agree. His writing is brilliant!

[@MrCretemaniam]

Got that right !!!

[@MrRlwiley]

AGREED

[@ralphconfredosartistchanne8066]

Ooh...can't quite agree putting Stills up there with Gershwin, but he is a great songwriter who (from everything I've read) absolutely loves to play and create music. Jamming with Stephen is on my fantasy bucket list.

[@MissDaisyDuke01]

I might be a bit of a Stephen Stills fanatic, I will admit. BUT, I counted 7 "recordable" instruments Stephen can play. And I really mean recordable. So I might not put him in the same category as Gershwin, but he SHOULD be regarded as one of the 20th century most prolific musicians, not including his song writing and singing abilities. Love this guy to pieces. Hope he goes down in history has a musical genius. 💎❤

[@johnpod]

It seems a little weird to say any one of Crosby, Stills or Nash - one of the most famous and iconic groups of our era - could be underrated. But I sometimes think Steven is under appreciated as a songwriter, and guitarist. This dude is truly one of the best we’ve seen in both of those categories. And he sings great too! Thank for sharing this video.

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

You said it, my man! I'm in 100% agreement with EVERYTHING you said. Kuddos!!

[@jujumulligan43]

Stephen Stills was always the backbone of the trio. I feel.

[@clearfield2009]

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@normatible9795]

Not underrated or overrated. Stephen Stills was acknowledged in RRHF as member of CSN and of Buffalo Springfield and other music awards- Colorado Music awards ( mannasas ) and the like. Every musician had heydays

[@if6was929]

@@normatible9795 I don't know to which degree it affects Stills' popularity with contemporary audiences but he, along with other musicians like, David Crosby and Eric Burdon, Donovan, etc., were standard bearers for the counterculture and that was reflected in some of their songs. What was important to people within the 1960's counterculture does not resonate with contemporary audiences. Songs like Stills' "We Are Not Helpless" and Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair" and Burdon's "Winds Of Change", have no meaning to today's young listeners. Find one young person today who can tell you what David Crosby meant when he sang, "separate the wheat from the chaff"? Or what Donovan meant by "Beatniks are out to make it rich"? I'll bet not one young music lover today would have any idea what is meant by those lyrics. What I'm saying might not have a significant impact on their current popularity but it might be a contributing factor.

[@MyZxcvb12]

Stephen Stills is a great and brilliant guitar player ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeffreyfolwick8556]

I can listen to these guys until time disappears,....

[@crotalusatrox7931]

Damn Stills, what a performance!

[@barbarahawkins7864]

Listening to these 2 men brings me right back to my teen years... the music, lyrics and voices still get to me...

[@michaelcrowson3174]

Stephen was the core for them. He played a guitar with so much force. Like a woodworkers carving. They are my favorite group. Beegees had it too.

[@maryellenmoire9670]

I have such a crush on Stephen Stills!!!!

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

Two of the 4 men I love more than any other man on this earth, with the exception of my dearly loved father. Cros and Neil are the other 2. I love these men more than my own life. Their music takes me away to places like no one else can. I've loved them almost my whole life - since I was 12 yrs old. I'll love them til the day I die and then some! Those 4 voices are absolutely, positively, without the tiniest smidgen of doubt, GOD GIVEN!!! AMEN!

[@lucagottimusic]

How can anyone dislike this?... Absolute gem

[@TheRozberry]

One of my favorites

[@raymondchollet3199]

Nope. Love stills.

[@karenhogan9906]

Stephen Stills is the best singer songwriter guitar god. So sorry he had lost his hearing and his voice.

[@albertakins2274]

he hasn't lost his voice I saw him in 2018 touring with Judy Collins, saw them in 2012 and 2014 with Nash and Crosby and I think his voice is as strong as ever.

[@leslyjmoore]

@@albertakins2274 I’m very very pleased to hear that. Among his great talents, he has an immediately distinctive voice 💕

[@Malibuheaven1]

Stephan's guitar playing on Crossroads and You Can't Catch Me leaves me speechless.

[@mauricechiacf1508]

. . sS

[@chaliceguard4575]

Classics from the multi-talented Stephen Stills who played many instruments brilliantly and who was blessed with unique singing/songwriting skills. Nice harmonies with Graham Nash. Thanks for uploading and sharing with great sound quality!

[@thomasramsey6942]

I was an aspiring guitar playing kid when I first heard this. I will always think of this piece as what I would have done if I could. The segue from Crossroads to Chuck Berry playing acoustically and alone was quite daredevil. Go Stephen!

[@alanwhite9142]

Change Partners is such a well-crafted piece - a social commentary on romantic relationships, backlit by references to the old (mostly southern) traditions of Cotillion, where teenagers are taught the “art” of social romancing without commitment, leading them into an adult life of non-committal on-and-off relationships and lifelong difficulties in maintaining faithfulness and mutual understanding. Not being “prudish”, but he was only a few years ahead of me, growing up in Texas. Just one of those songs that resonated with me at a fairly early age. His songwriting and guitar skills have long made an impression on me. And Graham’s vocal harmonies, as always, are exquisite.

[@theresaluchsinger4488]

You must watch this video through to the end to catch the best guitar man on earth play his song :)

[@josiahdood]

I can NOT stop watching this... Such an incredible 4+20... Stills is amazing, and Nash harmonizes in just the perfect amount

[@georgestevens1502]

Somewhere in the eternal ether Robert Johnson is saying thank you Stephen for bringing my song back to the acoustic guitar. Love hearing Americana blues on acoustic by Stephen.

[@ajahnpadawan8812]

With respect to the rest of CSNY Stills is head and shoulders ahead of them all in terms of talent and musicality.

[@deirdremoore9220]

I will always love Stephen Stills.

[@douglashammontree8011]

Stephen Stills is the man!

[@plantfeeder6677]

In Manassas😂

[@acphillipsmusic]

This is fabulous! Stills is one of those truly rare multi-style players, who can go from incredibly delicate acoustic (witnessed here in 4 + 20) to flat out blues and rock n roll with seamless transitions. He's still got it too. Heard him last year in Peekskill NY with his band and he was in rare form!

[@sestree]

While I am a Stephen Stills fan and have been since I first heard him in the '60s, I will say honestly that Graham Nash is SO very underrated. Yes he's not Stephen Stills....nobody is Stephen Stills but himself. However, Graham Nash is pretty great as well.... listen to Just A Song Before I Go ......... that should tell you quite a bit. YES Clapton is forever my favourite but damn Stills is such a close 2nd that sometimes I wonder ............. ya know? He is such an underrated guitarist. Amazing guitarist, amazing vocalist, amazing musician.

[@monkmchorning]

All of these guys needed collaborators, and Nash filled that role consummately.

[@raymondchollet3199]

Crosby stills mash and tail end young. Are an incredible, and talented band. ❤❤

[@crotalusatrox7931]

I feel you, so many greats back then, but Stills the best of the best.

[@jefftiebout1376]

This is so excellent. Two amazing musicians! Beautiful.

[@thecomicist]

crossroads... positively amazing. Peter Townsend take a seat. I'm surprised that Stills' guitar didn't explode.

[@jimkarnstedt5051]

damn, look at Stills go to work on that guitar on Crossroads...I thought the thing might burst into flames! Awesome.

[@mksmith1740]

Crossroads!! On an acoustic!! Legendary!

[@goyo6502]

Magificient performance. Great songs. Stills has always been one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters, though he probably hasn't been recognized by the masses as such

[@jujumulligan43]

There is one of the greatest singer, songwriter of our time and there is G .Nash with a small Styrofoam cup I his hand? Something did not seem to gel for me. Stephen is a tireless troubadour!

[@francispetrel]

"Change partners" its one of this songs that will live forever in my heart.....

[@maxortlip6868]

Wow !. Captain many fingers. (As his band mates would say. ) An underrated guitarist 🎸 for sure .😮 Stills is awesome.

[@donquixote1955]

Crossroads awesome guitar playing by Steven Stills

[@jpijljp]

Stephen stills is de meest onderschatte gitarist uit de hele periode....

[@michaellovell1368]

As an Englishman I loved The Hollies from the Start in 1964. Then along the road I heard what is still a favourite song from Buffalo Springfield "For What it's Worth" . As half of CSN&Y to hear the two of them here brings back SO many great memories from my youth. As for Steve Stills....he is REALLY at the pinnacle of Singing, Song Writing and exquisite Guitar playing. I've just been sitting on a bus coming back home here and I and was listening to my download of Manassas. I can't not listen to Steve's playing without the hairs on my neck rising.

[@fcbayernfanforum]

Stills performance of Crossroads is just insane. Unbelieveable good. This is why I love music.

[@flexwinggpipi]

Looked in the dictionary the other day for the meaning of underrated. ...it just says. See Steven Stills

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

OMG! TOO FUNNY!!!

[@tomsimpson6044]

Oh, man. Stills kills it!

[@hbmomx13]

Amazing harmony...never get tired of listening to them...

[@jamesknight4784]

when Nash came and blended with Stephen Stills on the second verse of change partners i thought that was magical. what a great song! Stills comes from another planet in regards to his guitar playing.

[@paulstephenson5913]

Stills in a category of his own .

[@dianegiampa7847]

The best there ever was and is

[@giovanniacuto2688]

For me "change Partners" is the most "country" of the Stephen Stills songs that I know. The simplicity of the lyrics is quite refreshing

[@user-ny9sw6nl3v]

Beautiful 💜🙋‍♀️🎸🐦💙☮

[@gregorallnight371]

Stills and Nash are truly very talented creative songwriters,singers,musicians,arrangers and producers of so many great songs and albums, a gift to all of us...thanks for posting this

[@patriciapaquette1199]

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

I absolutely LOVE these songs of Stephen's. In 1991 my boyfriend put together the Larry Holmes Comeback Fight in Miami. Larry has a band that he plays with and before the fight we had a big party at a local bar and Larry's band played. I asked if I could sing with them and they said yes. I asked if they knew ANYTHING by CSN and/or Y as I always do. Unbelievably, they knew 4 + 20! ALRIGHTY THEN! So I sang it with Larry Holmes' band and it was filmed for ESPN, as was the fight the following night. I saw the footage and it came out really well. I hope Stephen saw it. I had mentioned how much I loved him before I sang and said I hadn't gotten his permission to do the song so I hoped he would sue me and I'd FINALLY get to meet him when we went to court! They left that in my performance, so I truly hope Stephen saw it!! I've loved CSNY my whole friggin' life. I'm 68 and still madly in love with all 4 of them.

[@nashvegasnow]

a rare, to me, stills and nash performance graham and stephen singing relying on each other i just got what i wanted

[@MRLP89]

Awesome video with an awesome performance of Stills, thank you man ! you rock

[@lowspark68]

What a gem!

[@annpardue4669]

Stephen Stills remembering his preppy days! In one spot, I'm thinking he's really liking the sound he and Graham Nash are making together. I've never heard only the 2 singing together until now. Really great!

[@paxtonz8]

Stills is a true troubadour to the core.

[@user-ny9sw6nl3v]

Just beautiful, soulful, epic! Love you Stills & Nash! 💜🙋‍♀️🎸🎼🎵🎶

[@snicknreese]

How many good groups can the 70's have? Wow! This band is tops on my chart. Too many good songs to choose just one.

[@DanielSmith-ur5lk]

Had the privilege if seeing them in Bethel Woods a few years back, with David Crosby, in what was literally their last tour together. I had tears in my eyes at their harmonies and musicianship. I also saw Graham Nash in the early 1974 while in college. Truly special artists that changed a generation, and pushed music forward with the harmonizing and music. It will be difficult for musicians coming up to duplicate what they did, or push music forward the way they did. Each had specific talents that made them great as individual artists, but simply superb as a group.

[@DanielSmith-ur5lk]

Legends is too polite a term; WOW!

[@GillBJack58]

Just found this little gem and it made my day!! Thanks!!!!

[@kellyofuller4974]

Hello Gillian, How are you doing?

[@clearfield2009]

When Stephen plays Crossroads it's like the ghosts of every legendary Blues musician he ever met or learned from is flowing through his body. Just saw a video of an interview he gave around 1983, talked about Lightnin' Hopkins. Said they met around 1961. Hopkins is described as the real Daddy of Blues/Rock/Gospel, influenced Chuck Berry and on down the line. Can you feel him when Stills is ripping up the threads here? The only answer is YES.

[@bblaylk]

Stills: Who else?! Tremendous work from a true master, whether solo or accompanied. It's amazing how much talent a human can have; this is an excellent (but by no means the only) example. Thanks for posting it!

[@sestree]

I grew up listening to CSN.......... Have always loved Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.

[@ajflamingo5839]

Stills is aptly referred to as “Captain Manyhands” by Croz for his ability to play so many instruments well.

[@captinbeyond]

true craftsman,great talent.

[@mikehaughee9324]

Fantastic !!!

[@tdevry]

Brings back so many memories, super cool. Where has all the years gone, wasted on accumulating and building and neglecting the spirit. Thanks for posting, will dig out my LP,s and enjoy.

[@sestree]

If you waltz to this (Change Partners) ? it's like you're dancing on clouds. Yes I've been that blessed. Try it - worth it.

[@bobquack1]

you can only waltz on the verses. The choruses are in 4/4 time and the verses 3/4.

[@kerrybice8640]

Would love to see them go on the road one more time. Stills is one of the great song writers and guitarist ever in my humble opinion

[@captinbeyond]

Stills gave me many hours of good entertainment/music back in the 70's. Such a great guitarist and although not a strong voice,got the most out of it with passion.Truly a gifted artist along with CSN&Y--oh and a great song writer btw.

[@tjcolatrella943]

Man Stephen knows what he wrote of. I grew up surround by those Country Club Girls.!

[@dfighternelams6387]

Lyrics,Lyrics Lyrics!! Shakes me to My Core! Guitar picking is, it just is you know freaking awesome!! Pure and Clean!!

[@BarryHawk]

Another gem from rusted televisione

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Seriously,,,if Clapton is God...who might Stephens Stills be?????????? damn this is the best Crossroads version i have ever seen and heard//

[@roadking7500]

Seen em on their 4 Way Street tour...Classic 105 people in Cleveland Stadium..think it was 75 Great Memories

[@markstumpf4637]

Stills best ever

[@kurtlarch]

the bootleg "Stephen Stills Live" including "Changing Partners" is great ;)

[@robyvt]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!

[@MrXaqter]

open your mind and ears take it all in... let it wash over you and enjoy the moment.. it is what it is and comparisons with others are a waste of listening time, just enjoy.

[@nansicoe8188]

I agree totally. How many ‘artists’ today can play all the instruments as well as he does? I’ve been a fan since ‘69 and lucky enough to see CSNY 2x in Tx.

[@twinoak170]

Wow, get a load of these two... just great.

[@user-bx8jj9xm5b]

Stills is fantastic. Robert Plant is one of his biggest fans.

[@steveunderdahl8929]

love this song!

[@MissDaisyDuke01]

Please forgive me for posting this a second time but I truly mean it!!!!..... I might be a bit of a Stephen Stills fanatic, I will admit. BUT, I counted 7 "recordable" instruments Stephen can play. And I really mean recordable. So I might not put him in the same category as Gershwin, but he SHOULD be regarded as one of the 20th century most prolific musicians, not including his song writing and singing abilities. Love this guy to pieces. Hope he goes down in history has a musical genius. 💎❤ Peace be with you. Syl.

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU SAID!!! Count me as a Stephen Stills FANatic too then!! Love ya, my like minded friend!

[@wolfgangdr.strobel8227]

So great vokalists, thank you for posting

[@TimFink_Trump2024]

I love it!

[@MrZepZep62]

Love this!

[@pattimartin7250]

...a different kind of poverty now upsets my soul..

[@kellyofuller4974]

Hello Patti, How are you doing?

[@xbdhbzbhsjbdjddhhdhdj]

godverdomme wat is dit geweldig mooi en romantisch

[@coachkrafcisin]

Tremendous!!!!

[@pacoblancosmith]

Graham needs to go shopping for another shirt....you can see him wearing it on dozens of vids.....id know as I've seen almost all of them! These guys are incredible....

[@MrCretemaniam]

Rare to see just Steven and Graham together !

[@jeffjcool1600]

so overlooked and under rated

[@MrCretemaniam]

PS....Thanks uploader !

[@fenderbass57]

Awesome!!!

[@jim51323]

I think I'm high ! But it's only from their talent. Jim.....

[@joostvandervalk3361]

SS: US greatest musical talent incl. brilliant voice. Hope he is doing OK today.

[@sestree]

I hope so as well as not heard much about him recently. He is an amazing AMAZING musician in all ways and forms. However, I still feel the need to mention Graham Nash who gets so overlooked. He's an amazing lyricist and without him, CSN would just be CS and it would be missing the middle ya know? While I will ALWAYS be a Stephen Stills fan (heck I heard him on the radio in the '60s yes I am that old), I've also followed Nash as well. Food for though there,

[@montydaniels1054]

I watched a video where David Crosby explained how he had a special audio system made so his vocals could be pipped directly to the hearing aid & monitor so Stephen could hear his voice enough so he could sing in harmony with David, without singing out of key.

[@GeoWhiz287]

@@montydaniels1054 Can you give a link to that video? I've seen Stephen's "wiring" and I've been so happy that technology could help him (somewhat) with his hearing problem.

[@montydaniels1054]

@@GeoWhiz287 Boy, Dianna, I wish I could remember where I heard/watched David explaining it. If it was a youtube video, I suppose typing in something like ''David Crosby helps Stephen Stills hear his singing'' or something like that. I'll try to search for it as well. I just remember thinking that even though David Crosby has said some really cruel things over the past 5-6 years about his old band mates, I thought, man, what a friend. He try's helping his long time friend & band mate keep in tune vocally... Lets see if I can find it for you but do some searches as well... MD.....

[@marinamotta1754]

BELLISSIMA.

[@huntingdogowner]

Great is great!!!!

[@annasmall7999]

I did change partners again 6 days ago. I got Brian Small after Joseph Lee Grant

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

FUNNY, HONEY!! I did too 25 yrs ago. So far, so good!

[@rallabhandiprabhakar4750]

Stills excels in playing acoustic blues with a hard edge - Cross roads, Black Queen , Tree top flier, 4 & 20 are standing examples of incendiary acoustic guitar play .

[@JJwalker405]

In my opinion,you cannot compare the two. Clapton is so amazing in different styles than Stills. And Stills is incredible in his own style. Enough said,back to the video...

[@sestree]

Perfectly said. I'm a Clapton fan and always will be ... in a way he gave me music. However, Stills is amazing in his own right and in his own way and different in SO many ways but similar in others? to Clapton. They're both amazing guitarists. I love them both equally and separately. One gave me music. The other taught me what music could be. The funny is I do not nor do I LIKE the guitar as an instrument for me (and it does not like me either) but I was an orchestral performer for years ....... You are SO correct --- you cannot compare the two. I know because I adore them both.

[@Ben-to8vt]

Last song is Crossroads/You Can't Catch Me and is Stills solo.

[@michaelramsay5251]

great music from a a great time

[@andrew03081]

Fantastic post covid. 2021 June

[@dementiaboy8295]

Would be interesting to lay "4+20's" sheet music over Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home."

[@sestree]

OK I do not know WHO you are but WOW. Having had Blind Faith's only album --- yeah when it came out --- yes I'm that friggin OLD --- I can say that THAT would be an amazing mix. I love Can't Find My Way Home and yes got to hear it (thanks to a beloved and most understanding husband who knows I have an enduring Clapton love) who procured tickets to the Clapton/Winwood concert at the Verizon Center quite a few years ago. I can say --- as a former (orchestral) musician, that I can honestly hear 4+20 with Can't Find My Way Home together. KUDOS to you whomever you are because yes I can easily hear it as well but I doubt that many can. Kudos.

[@leslyjmoore]

@Dementia Boy Oh yes! I’ve been fumbling my way towards that conclusion for years - thank you. I’ve held a torch for Steve Winwood and Stephen Stills for over fifty years, and play Can’t Find My Way Home most days. CSN vinyl is always on my turntable , as well. I can’t pass either of them on S*ot*fy!

[@TopMotion1]

to compare clapton with stills is very courageous. these are different worlds

[@rufuswilson4272]

I agree

[@user-bx8jj9xm5b]

Stills is fantastic. Robert Plant is one of his biggest fans. 2:3

[@Pan3405]

I agree..