David Crosby: Remember My Name (2019) User Reviews

Great Portrait Of A Music Icon

[Jimmy_the_Gent4 · 8/10 · 20 July 2019]

David Crosby, music legend of the 1960s and 1970s looks back at his professional and personal life.

Many people are amazed that he is still alive, including himself. He has survived heroin and cocaine addiction, several heart attacks and still lives with diabetes. He is very frank in the interviews and he talks about his failed love affairs and feuds with band members.

He first hit it big with the folk rock group The Byrds. Former group members Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman appear briefly to speak about their dealing with Crosby. The original line up also included Gene Clark. The Byrds had a great sound with McGuinn's jangling 12 string electric guitar and soaring three part harmony singing by McGuinn, Crosby and Clark. Crosby's beautiful tenor voice was a huge part of it. There is a scene in the film of Crosby talking on stage about conspiracy theories about the JFK assassination. McGuinn explains that he didn't want the Byrds to get into politics, so it was decided that Crosby would be fired from the group. The Byrds' beautiful harmony singing would never be the same after Crosby left.

We see Crosby speaking of life after the Byrds, spending it mostly on his newly acquired sail boat. He also talks about his love for Joni Mitchell, friendship with Cass Elliot and disdain for Jim Morrison. When he sees a photo of The Doors, he sneers "Morrison, what a dork!" He gets back into music when he joins Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash of The Hollies as a super group (the first one, Crosby says). The group appears at Woodstock and record several big selling albums, the trio also become a quartet at times with Neil Young. Once again Crosby is part of a great harmony singing group.

The last part of the film shows things unraveling for Crosby. His drug addiction and rages get him into trouble with the law. The FBI is searching for him on drug and weapons charges. He turns himself in and spends time in prison. He seems to now be sober and would reunite at times with Stills, Nash and/or Young. However while he says he is sober he seems to still have problems with anger and volatility. In just the past few years he has offended former band mates Nash and Young so much that they refuse to perform with or speak to him.

The end shows his touring on his own, as well as recording several solo albums. As of this writing he is still alive and kicking, though it's kind of bittersweet since he is still making music but appears to have lost all of his friends.

Our house

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 8 August 2019]

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.

Biggest question not answered

[billsoccer · 7/10 · 8 May 2020]

Worth listening to, as he was part of an iconic time in America. However, after his inductions into 2 halls of fame, and his friends helping him withdraw from drugs, and most especially - him saying he just wants to love - what did he do (and why) to cause everyone to hate him now???? The film is honest in so many other ways, why not this? It leaves one wondering why this film left this giant hole

David Crosby Unplugged

[Sasha_Lauren · 9/10 · 2 November 2019]

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.

Surprising Candor From An Unlikely Survivor

[samdlugach · 8/10 · 23 July 2019]

A.J. Eaton's documentary David Crosby: Remember My Name surprises on many levels. Hitting me in the gut the way it did was unexpected. I found it to be one of the most cathartic nonfiction films I've ever seen. What opens the door to Crosby's own arrestingly honest assessment of his life is the purity of the rapport between musician and his questioner, Cameron Crowe. Decades of earned trust between these two reap beautiful, heartbreaking candor about: loves both quick and dead, inevitable regrets, calling bullshit when you see it, and repeatedly finding one's purpose renewed in the quiet spaces between tumult.

This is not some pat whitewash of a legend. The interviews are intimate and raw, and there seems almost an urgency in Crosby to say the things that are important to him while he still has breath. There are field trips to Laurel Canyon and to Kent State, mental trips to Woodstock and to the deck of his beloved schooner, and trips through time beautifully illustrated with exceptional archival footage. Along the way there's Graham, Stephen, and Neil... Joni and Jackson. The Byrds and Dylan too. But surprisingly absent are contemporary interviews with any of them, and one might imagine this film was made in a hermetically sealed ego-driven bubble, but it doesn't at all feel that way. The filmmakers have woven third-person recollections from older documentary productions with archival images and David's current-day interviews into a rough fabric of a full life, flawed and brilliant, and contentious as hell.

Nobody has more to say about Crosby being difficult than Crosby himself, and he's haunted by the fact that, "all the guys I made music with won't even talk to me." Yet when queried if he could do it all over and have more of a normal life, the question sounds absurd as soon as it hits the air. Through myriad ups and downs, both personal and professional, one thing has remained steadfast: Crosby's belief that his musical gift must be shared.

Seasoned with rare song demos and well-worn anthems, the film frequently puts the music center stage where it belongs, reminding us of its power to effect change in a broken world or in a broken soul.

One feels the pressures of time, miles, and a lifetime of abuse of the vessel. Particularly touching are the moments with David's wife Jan, who recognizes that every time he walks out the door could be his last. The spectre of mortality looms, and yes, there are reflections on the preciousness of time and a deep appreciation for a remarkable past, but this is a film rooted in the here and now - an appreciation of what's present, authentic, and lasting. It all combines into a mix of hopeful sadness as Crosby, 77, begins a tour with a fresh band, new songs, and bills to pay... vitally pretending that creating forward is easier than looking back.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film to my musician friends, practitioners of the arts, those who adore the great music of the 1960s-70s, and to all students of the real thing.

Well made and revealing, to a point.

[jellopuke · 7/10 · 26 January 2021]

You're getting a solid overview of his career and some moments where he mentions his regrets over what he's done, he'll say "I was awful, etc:" but not give many specific examples of how, apart from just general drug use and unreliability Still, it's well made, if only from one side. It would have been nice to hear from others too.

David Crosby on David Crosby

[nkhynes · 9/10 · 27 August 2019]

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.

David Crosby documentary is raw and brutally honest

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 18 September 2019]

"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.

What a surprise!

[Serrantino · 10/10 · 29 July 2019]

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.

Interesting take but from Crosby's POV

[IndianaGuy · 6/10 · 12 January 2020]

I've seen other CSN documentaries where Crosby was described as the total POS that dragged the band down at every stage with his depression, drug addiction and social miscues. Yes in this film, David admits to being an a**hole - and more - and while I completely respect his honesty, this film makes it is easier to forgive him, to side with him and to see things from his perspective. But watch other films where you will see what a total DRAG he was and this film completely loses its punch. No one liked him.

Great rockumentary

[tstanyard · 10/10 · 31 July 2019]

Very candid and from the heart look at the life and times of one of music's most enduring characters. Very much enjoyed watching this.

Think thelastminstrel has missed the link to his first solo album in the title "if I could only remember my name". I don't think the title of this is a plea that the world should remember him but acting how he does there's a joke in it somewhere for sure!

Refreshing to see a biographical film that isn't hagiographical

[Bangorboy · 6/10 · 28 November 2020]

Ok film and it deserves a lot of credit for not falling into hagiography. Some interesting tails and perspectives. From my knowledge the CSN(Y) story is still largely untold so interesting to hear some if it told here.

A Rock N Roll Hall Of Famer - in more ways than one

[gortx · 7 April 2020]

David Crosby is a two-time inductee into the Rock Hall Of Fame and, without question, into its Hall of F'Ups*. Crosby has a singing voice that can harmonize with the best of them, but, just as frequently, that same mouth can spout asinine and downright offensive utterances aimed not only to his enemies, but to those closest to him. AJ Eaton's Documentary does a competent job providing an overview of Crosby's career and personal life from his beginnings, through his fame with the Byrds, Crosby, Stills, Nash (and sometimes, Young) and then his long long fall into being mostly forgotten by the mainstream (although he still tours and records music). Much of the archival footage is familiar, but, there are enough home movies and other ephemera to keep it interesting. Somewhat curiously, Crosby's solo work is given little detailed attention outside the album which gives the movie it's title: Remember My Name**. There are interviews with a few friends and his long-suffering wife Jan, but, other critical people are seen only in archival recordings (including, especially, the other members of CSNY).

The heart of the Doc are intimate filmed discussions between Crosby and filmmaker Cameron Crowe, who interviewed Crosby back when he was a teen in the early 70s. Within those interviews all of the positives/negatives, engaging/off-putting and most important of all: honest/evasive poles of Crosby's personality come to the fore. There are some painfully poignant moments in the discussions where the musician talks frankly about the people in his life that he has lost and/or alienated. At one point he admits that essentially nobody he collaborated with musically over the decades will even speak to him now. Crosby is keenly aware of his mortality, and seems genuine when he marvels at his good fortune to simply be alive when so many in his orbit have passed on via the same vices he is guilty of. At the same time, the Doc never captures the anger and rage that the artist infamous for. I'm not sure if its because of Director Eaton's reluctance or a failure of Crowe to press him further. Too often, Crosby is allowed to simply deflect. It's frustrating for the viewer, but then again, its unsurprising.

DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME is an interesting exercise, if a bit self-limiting. Still, Crosby's tenacity has to be admired. He's completed another album since this Doc was filmed and was still touring as of this writing. A survivor.

* In typical Crosby fashion, he states that he wants to be inducted a third time in order to 'spite' Eric Clapton (the only person with three inductions)

** This may not be surprising since Crosby rues that he is the only member of CSNY to have never had a 'solo' hit.

Forget David Crosby

[ilcooney · 3/10 · 3 June 2021]

There are some things I wish I could unwatch & this is one of them. I was always a fan of CSN&Y's music. Revealing their their personal lives is such a disappointment. So many successful artists are simply jerks. Such a lack of character & integrity. I don't think I could ever listen to their music ever again without feeling miserable. I'll do my best to forget David Crosby.

Terrific Look at the Life and Legend of David Crosby

[lynda-34990 · 9/10 · 26 July 2019]

As an avid fan of rock docs, this was a film that resonated in its production value, its honest portrayal of Mr. Crosby and his contribution to an era of music that continues to resonate today. Seeing it on a big screen made a deep impact, not only with the concert footage but in walking through Mr. Crosby's life with him and those who he worked with and loved.

What a great film

[mkorenbrot · 10/10 · 24 July 2019]

Saw it over the weekend in LA is worth the time. Never new all the stuff about David Crosby. Go see it

Good but left out recognition of his later band CPR

[awvknj · 7/10 · 21 January 2023]

So I'm watching this the day after Croz has passed away at his home. I would've liked more complete information about his current life after he got out of prison, they mentioned that he got married, but not about his other's children... one remark about his daughter Donovan who doesn't talk to him, nothing about his other's daughter or even new son being born between him and Jan, nothing about the time that he worked with his other son Raymond in CPR and how they discovered each other when he was needing a liver transplant, and later worked together in the band . There was a bit of footage from that band never giving credit to the other bandmembers. I didn't appreciate the omission. Jeff Pevar should've been given credit for that film appearance, and so should of his son, James Raymond, who is also a wonderful musician, (and it's a wonderful story about how he reconnected with him -definitely documentary material). It would've been more well-rounded if he'd included that in this I look back at what it was like. What happened and what it's like now. Perhaps he wanted to give family more privacy with regard to his family life but he certainly didn't do that with his wife, so it felt out of balance, and it would've been nice, especially now that he's passed to have heard in his own words his story about when his son was born -I've heard some of his live concert tracks with CPR where he talks about that, for example, so I was sad that was left out of this documentary. He also was a donor father for Melissa Etheridge's children, which is public knowledge, and I was sorry that didn't get included in the doc. I wonder if one might be made now posthumously with some of those missing interviews with people that were part of his home life during his final years. It's said that one of the children recently died of an overdose. Of course, that happened after the dock was made Addiction and genetics-- sad. Except for missing that content I mentioned it was a wonderful collage of stills and video clips and music and memories. May his soul rest in peace, and his memory be a blessing and hopefully he and Morrison have made their peace on the other side of the veil.

It's The Music

[nikki-53386 · 8/10 · 11 November 2021]

Many of the remaining baby boomers are finding out just how much our jukebox heroes ranged from mischievous to racists to rapists. Do you want to know the stories behind the music (i.e., the lyrics, the featured performers, the collaborations), or the stories behind the people who created the music? Because if you're easily disillusioned and can't separate the two, David Crosby: Remember My Name would not be for you.

David Crosby is an a-hole. He says so. And throughout the movie he seems to be trying to walk the tight rope between remorses for his a-hole-ness and wasted time; and fond memories laced with the knowledge that if not for them, he wouldn't be where he is today. He never fully succeeds in achieving a comfortable relationship with either; which is about as human as you can get in a documentary: people's stories are never that simple.

Crosby took full advantage of the hedonistic 70s; which married 1950s misogyny with the free love movement, and initially equated drug experimentation with freedom (until, like Crosby says, you realize that you keep chasing that first rush but you never get it again). He took the freedom of his fame to the extreme: blew up bands, insulted friends who stuck by him, abused his body; and shakes his head now, wondering how he's still here.

Viewed through the lens of current times, it's hard to imagine where the musicians of the era found the time and energy to produce music that still resonates today. But they did, Crosby did. And in the end, it appears that Crosby has come to recognize that the music is why he survived. Yes, he acknowledges the importance of his wife and family, but he knows that if given a choice between them and music, music would win.

I was reading an article about the movie, and Cameron Crowe was clear that they didn't want to go back and interview David's former band mates for the movie. It wasn't that they weren't asked, it was a production choice. As Crowe said, these guys frequently get asked questions about the past and about their relationships with each other , they answer them all the time. This is David's movie. Let him tell the story his way. He goes on to say that he senses Crosby would like some closure with his former band mates, and perhaps hopes the movie will open some dialogs before it's too late

As a child of the 70s, I appreciated the film. The threat of continuity that Cameron Crowe brought to the production, with his long history in the rock 'n' roll industry, along with the clarity of purpose not to turn Crosby into either a hero or tragedy, made this one of the better rock documentaries I've seen in a while.

"I was a difficult cat, and growing leaps and bounds." - David Crosby

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 7 November 2019]

What comes across most emphatically in this film biopic is the honesty David Crosby reveals in citing his faults while taking responsibility for the failed relationships throughout his life. He admits he was a difficult and sometimes violent person who drove away virtually every contemporary he ever collaborated with, in particular Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, and the musicians who lent their names to what some would arguably consider rock's first super group - Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young. Although Crosby considers CSN and CSNY as two separate bands, the first time I've heard it expressed in such manner, and in a way I guess he's right. The documentary traces Crosby's musical career from the first time he heard a Miles Davis jazz tune and pretty much comes full circle to present day minus a couple of years, as at one point he states he's seventy six years old. He marvels quite candidly that he made it this long, what with his history of drug and alcohol abuse contributing to some serious health problems, including several heart operations and diabetes. Throughout the film, it becomes increasingly evident that he placed his music ahead of anything else in his life, including family and friends, with a brief time out when his heroin addiction took over. At times reflective and melancholy, Crosby seems to be only half atoning for the life he's led, realizing that his past experiences have brought him to be the person he is today. Baseball great Mickey Mantle has been quoted as saying "If I knew I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself." You get the impression while watching and hearing David Crosby in his own words that he might not entirely agree with that statement.

Beautiful

[negretegabriella · 10/10 · 14 August 2019]

Such an amazing documentary to show future generations about one of the greatest musician groups of all time.

Great Flick about David Crosby and, his Soul

[heyyylucyyy · 10/10 · 23 August 2019]

You could have heard a pin drop in the theater through the entire film ... I got teary eyed, got goosebumps ... reminisced my own life with my beloved CSN. A.J. Eaton and Cameron Crowe captured David Crosby's life ... revealing his soul as they chronicle his tumultuous life. Well done on every level. Well worth seeing .... maybe even two times! Bravo. Bravo.

An honest and bitter sweet portrait of a legend

[michaelt-87798 · 9/10 · 26 December 2019]

Learned a lot of things that I didn't know, talks about some good times in laurel canyon and the swinging 60s and the demons that consumed him and the people he cared about,pity it weren't longer.

Unforgettable doc about an unforgettable rocker.

[JohnDeSando · 10 September 2019]

"We don't take show business or the spotlight seriously." David Crosby

David Crosby: Remember My Name is a formidable doc about an unforgettable rocker, he of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from the late '60's and early '70's fame right up to a current tour of six concerts, through which A.J. Eaton directs our attention to his life.

It doesn't hurt one bit to have Cameron Crowe produce, he of music- criticism and Crosby-expert fame. Be careful, do not expect the buffet of songs such as in the recent Rocketman, Yesterday, or Blinded by the Light. Although snippets of glories like Teach the Children Well appear, this is Crosby's story as he reacts to the past and the present, not playing a concert for us.

Thankfully so, for he is honest about this musical success and the failures in equal number from responsibility for splitting the band up to drug-dependency that leads him to incarceration. That he recovers to the point of playing this tour and displaying an ardent love for wife, Jan, as well as being clean, is testimony to why this is such an absorbing doc, with all the failures illuminating his strength of will and enduring talent.

Eaton makes the story fluid, even with many flash backs, no doubt having learned from Crowe how to jockey headstrong rock stars into approachable cinema stars. The dominance of Crosby's narration in this doc makes the story believable, indeed almost uncontested truth. When Crosby confesses his responsibility for causing turmoil in the band's history, he is believable and dramatically compelling. When he tosses off the possibility of his making up some of the narrative, such fiction doesn't seem believable while it also rings true. Cinema verité marries fiction.

Nevertheless, no one can forget the confessions of this great rocker after seeing one of the best docs in recent times.

A vivid portrait of an American legend.

[SnobReviews · 8/10 · 13 May 2020]

"David Crosby: Remember My Name" is one of those musical journeys you will remember for a long time. An eye-opening and vivid portrait of an American legend. . In this music doc, singer/songwriter David Crosby goes through his music, his hardships including losing loved ones and battling addiction. . The legendary David Crosby wears his heart on his sleeve during this intimate and sometimes shocking documentary. A career spanning so many years yet so many regrets and not enough time to catch up. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy this film as much as I did; I was so blown away by the honesty presented that I could not look away. You can see how hard it is for Crosby to tell these stories but he wants to be an open book before it's too late to do so. A spectacular music doc that you should see. . Follow @snobmedia for more reviews!

Genius Musician, Terrible Life--So What Else Is New

[jcampbell-06364 · 9/10 · 21 February 2023]

(No, that is not a picture of me.) When I was a senior in high school and was working a couple of jobs, I started my now-voluminous record collection. The first two albums I bought at Glendale Mall in Indianapolis were Abbey Road by the Beatles and Crosby, Stills & Nash's first album, both albums that I listen still listen to. I have read two books about CS&N and CSN&Young, finding that the four of them were narcissists, with Crosby definitely leading the way of their bad behavior. Still, I have learned to separate the art from the artist and have loved his music. His co-writing of Southern Cross is one of the most emotional songs to me. I saw CS&N preform the song in Moline, and it gave me chills and still does just thinking about it. This documentary acknowledges both parts of his humanity: his genius as a musician and his accepting responsibility to the pain he caused to the women and co-performers he was involved with. I know there is a lot of pain still out there about him, and I hope his death has allayed some of that pain. He even acknowledged there is no rational way to explain his 8o-plus-year life span. Still, from a fan point of view, I am deeply grateful for the music he produced. I still believe most of the album accurately name "If Only I Could Remember My Name" is in my top ten of albums I own.