David Crosby: Remember My Name

I watched this documentary about one of the gods of folk rock, musican David Crosby, twice in a row; I never do that with a movie. The first time I watched it, I didn't like it. I couldn't see the forest for trees. Basically, the first run through made me feel sad. I was emotionally affected by witnessing this pioneer of iconic music, master of harmonies, a creative genius in my opinion, as he lamented, (in the twilight of his life), his estrangments from friend-partners and fellow legends that he created treasured classics with that moved the world.

I didn't like seeing another one of my musical heroes and activism role model, Graham Nash, lash out in anger and palpable pain. I didn't like this movie; the whole thing felt depressing and uncomfortable.

So, why did I watch it again?

Because I suspected there was a lot more value to this conversation than the initial kneejerk reaction I had let me appreciate. I respect and admire Cameron Crowe as an interviewer of my favorite rock icons and of master filmmaker Billy Wilder too. I like Cameron immensely as a person, and trusted he would handle this film about David Crosby with care, in his capable hands. And of course, I love David's music and choose to give a fresh view to his words about his life.

Unlike many other documentaries, this one gives the strongest voice directly to David, the subject, rather than being populated with talking heads filling the air with their "expert" commentaries. Crosby took this opportunity to review his life in an honest, poignant, heartbreaking, joyous, and creative way.

As a child, his father never showed him any love. He lived through music, was a pioneer of sound, admitted that he could not live without music, which he would reluctantly choose above all else, to the surprise of his loving, devoted wife, Jan Dance, who shared some raw and touching personal reflections of her own. David wondered if his absolute need for music made him selfish. His gifts are necessary for his survival, and perhaps for many of his fans as well.

On the second view, I was struck by the music. This is the music I love; the music of my childhood, my life, my heart. Additionally, in the last few years Crosby has reinvented his career with a group of young musicans to supply harmony to his wonderful words; he turned out four albums chock full of his talented, transportive brand of magic. His muse apparenly stronger than ever; his perseverence through the ravages visited upon his body and soul solidly shines.

The arc of David Crosby's career included the pinnacle of collaborative artistic perfection and arguably some of the most stunning harmonies that have ever soared on this crazy cosmic sphere. Likewise, his career and life went careening out of control through his weaknesses, addictions, drugs, anger, angst, and ego. His health and relationships suffered terribly from these strains. How dare he be human?

Jackson Browne shares the story of an intervention he helped stage for David at one of low points of this life journey. It was notably unsuccessful, thus, former friend, Graham Nash, is furious and fumes at this loss and betrayal. How, if, or why to reconcile any form of relationship is up to them. I mourn the pain they have endured, and I get lost in the celebration of the music. As the credits rolled again, I came away without judgement and revisited the absolute privilege of being a fan.

Greetings again from the darkness. Headliners for the eternal Rock 'n Roll question, "Is he still alive?" are Keith Richards and the subject of this documentary, David Crosby. The two men epitomize the 'sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll' battle cry. Director A.J. Eaton and Producer Cameron Crowe team up to allow Crosby to tell his own story. It's been 45 years since Crowe (whose story as an upstart reporter was the basis of ALMOST FAMOUS) first interviewed Crosby for Rolling Stone magazine, and this time Crosby is 75 years old and looking back on a life maybe not so well lived.

There is a mythology to the 1960's and David Crosby WAS the 1960's. He was a pop star who spoke his mind about politics and social issues ... often to the detriment of his popularity or status within a band. The film states he has 'been at the forefront of rock music for 5 decades", and while it's true he experienced tremendous success with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash, and later Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (Crosby considers those two separate bands), he has also spent an inordinate amount of time on the sidelines - fired from bands, strung out on drugs, and even serving jail time.

Most of the interviews we see are clips from the past. This includes Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Jackson Browne, and Chris Hillman. Roger McGuinn appears to be the only one who agreed to go on camera for the documentary. Crosby explains this by saying most everyone he created music with "hates" him and won't talk to him ... because he was an "a**hole". Alienating 50 years of friends and collaborators is not an easy thing to own up to, but Crosby comes across as quite reflective during his time on camera speaking with Crowe.

Floyd Crosby, David's father, was an Oscar winning cinematographer known for TABU: A STORY OF THE SOUTH SEAS (1931) and HIGH NOON (1952). The two were not close, but Crosby says his mother showed her love quite often. It's fascinating to follow Crosby as he narrates the journey of his life: going sailing after being kicked out The Byrds, hanging with Mama Cass, discovering and loving Joni Mitchell, doing most every possible drug, and suffering health issues that include 8 stents in his heart, a liver transplant, and life as a diabetic. It's mesmerizing to hear Crosby tell the story of Neil Young writing "Ohio" almost immediately after the Kent State massacre. We even meet Crosby's wife Jan and see their lovely California home, replete with dogs and horses. Perhaps the most entertaining segment is when Crosby heads back to Laurel Canyon and visits "Our House" where Crosby, Stills and Nash were born with a 40 seconds take in the kitchen.

The only bit more amazing than Crosby still being alive is that stunningly pure voice has never failed him. It's a voice that has appeared on so many records over the years, and now in this 70's, Crosby has experienced a musical rebirth. The film would make a nice companion to the recently released documentary ECHO IN THE CANYON, but mostly it plays not like a story of redemption, but rather a farewell and apology letter. It's quite possible that's exactly the note Crosby wanted to hit.

"David Crosby: Remember My Name" (2019 documentary; 95 min.) is a documentary about the life and times of the (in)famous musician, a founding member of both the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (and Young). As the movie opens, Crosby is telling a story from back in the day when they were playing a gig in Chicago. Let's just say, it involves drugs (of course!). Along the way we learn that he is now 76 (when this was filmed in 2017), and that he regrets having wasted so much time "smashed on drugs" (Crosby's words). He is getting ready for another tour (as a solo artist). "I love singing but I hate leaving (home)", Crosby confesses. "Me no music? Never. I NEED to tour." At this point we are less than 10 min. into the movie.

Couple of comments: even though the film is technically directed by a certain A.J. Eaton, Cameron Crowe's fingers are all over this, including as producer and also having interviewed Crosby back in 1974, when he was all of 17 (that interview comes up in this documentary). The basic premise of the film is as simple as it is revealing: let the man talk, and add archive clips where there are available (easier said than done). Crosby turns out to be a master story teller, and he does not mince words, including about himself. "I have been selfish and I've hurt a lot of people", Crosby admits. Byrds band mate Roger McGuinn puts it this way: "Insufferable", wow. Along the way, we get treated to an outstanding amount of audio and video clips of his music. Quite a collection when you line it up like that. I enjoyed this documentary overall, and feel it is a nice companion to the "Echo in the Canyon" documentary from earlier this year.

"David Crosby: Remember My Name" premiered to immediate acclaim at this year's Sundance film festival. It currently has a near-perfect 98% "certified fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I don't think I would rate it quite that high. The documentary opened the weekend before last at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati and I finally had a chance to check it out. The Tuesday evening screening where I saw this at was attended okay (about 10 people). If you are a fan of David Crosby or interested in rock music history, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

An intimate conversation with the man about music, HIS music, family, CSN, CSNY, personal weaknesses, prison, & personal growth. He discusses his passions and his values. Includes interesting portrayals of associated musicians, friends, ex-friends, ex-lovers....it is all so interesting.

Didn't know I'd be so moved by this doc. Wasn't that much of a Crosby, Stills and Nash fan and hardly knew anything about David Crosby. Not only was this a great introduction into his world in the center of the 60s and 70s rock n' roll, but this was a unique insight to a celebrity who's forthcoming and honest about what it's like to be in such a place and the effect it had on him. He's extremely up front of how he wasn't mentally prepared for such a journey and it effected the way he treated those who loved him, whether it be significant others or fellow musicians. You will never get this from a Kardashian. Director Eaton and producer Crowe really knew how to handle this gift of a subject.