On this day in 1968, Stephen Stills, David Crosby and Graham Nash teamed up to form the folk-rock supergroup that also occasionally features singer-songwriter Neil Young. The trio’s first album “Crosby, Stills & Nash” was released in 1969 and was a significant success in the United States, spending an incredible 107 weeks on the Billboard charts.

Later that year the band supported the Rolling Stones at the ill-fated Altamont Free Concert, known for its considerable violence including murder, accidental deaths, stolen cars and property damage. Footage of the event was featured in the movie “Gimme Shelter”, but Crosby, Stills & Nash requested that their performance not be included.

The early 1970’s saw each of the band members releasing high profile solo records, all placing in the top 15 album charts. Despite a 50 year career, Crosby, Stills & Nash have only released eight studio albums, five live albums and have appeared on five compilation records.

Of the three band members, David Crosby has led the most turbulent life and is known for his political activism, drug addictions and time spent in prison. His drug use intensified in 1969, following the death of his long-time girlfriend, causing friction within the band. Crosby spent nine months in a Texas prison in 1982, after being convicted of weapons offences and possession of heroin and cocaine.

Stephen Stills is included in Rolling Stones Magazine list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” He was the first person to receive the honour of being inducted twice on the same evening into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Graham Nash co-founded the Hollies, leaving them to join Crosby and Stills, briefly re-joining in 1983 to record two albums. Born in Britain, he became an American citizen in 1978 and is known for his stance against the expansion of nuclear power.