Stephen Stills facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the musician. For his self-titled album, see Stephen Stills (album). For the character in Scott Pilgrim, see Stephen Stills (Scott Pilgrim character).

Quick facts for kids Stephen Stills
Stills at the Beacon Theatre, 2012
Born	Stephen Arthur Stills (1945-01-03) January 3, 1945 (age 80) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Musician singer songwriter record producer
Years active	1963–present
Spouse(s)	Véronique Sanson (m. 1973; div. 1979) Pamela Anne Jordan (m. 1988; div. 1995) Kristen Stills (m. 1996)
Children	7
Musical career
Genres	Rock folk country psychedelia
Instruments	Vocals guitar bass guitar keyboards
Labels	Atlantic Columbia Reprise Vision Raven Titan/Pyramid Talking Elephant

Stephen Arthur Stills (born January 3, 1945) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is famous for his work with bands like Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Manassas. Stephen Stills has sold over 35 million albums.

Rolling Stone magazine listed him among the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". He was the first person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice on the same night. This was for his work with two different bands. Fellow musician Neil Young once called him "a genius."

Stephen Stills started his career with Buffalo Springfield. He wrote "For What It's Worth," a very famous song from the 1960s. Other songs he wrote for the band include "Sit Down, I Think I Love You" and "Bluebird."

After Buffalo Springfield, Stills joined David Crosby and Graham Nash. They formed the group Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN). Stephen played bass, guitar, and keyboards on their first album. This album sold over four million copies. It also won the trio a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Stills' first solo album, Stephen Stills, was a big success. It featured famous guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. His song "Love the One You're With" became his biggest solo hit. He also formed the band Manassas in 1972. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) reunited for a big concert tour in 1974. CSN continued to release popular albums through the 1980s.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Musical Journey and Famous Bands
Personal Life
Health
Musical Style and Instruments
Tours
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Stephen Stills was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1945. His family moved often because his father was in the military. This helped him discover different types of music. He became interested in blues and folk music. He also loved Latin music after living in places like Costa Rica and El Salvador.

When he was nine, doctors found he had some hearing loss. This hearing loss got worse as he grew up.

Stephen left Louisiana State University in the early 1960s. He played in several bands. He also performed alone at a famous coffeehouse in New York City. Later, he joined a group called the Au Go Go Singers. They released one album in 1964.

After that, Stills formed a folk-rock group called the Company. They toured Canada, where Stephen met guitarist Neil Young. Stills said Young played folk music in a rock band, which was what he always wanted to do. The Company broke up, and Stills moved to California in 1966.

Musical Journey and Famous Bands

Buffalo Springfield and Early Success (1966–1968)

Buffalo Springfield in 1966

In Los Angeles, Stills, Richie Furay, and Neil Young formed Buffalo Springfield. Their music mixed folk, country, and rock. The band became very popular. Their song "For What It's Worth" became a top ten hit in the US. Buffalo Springfield helped create new music styles like folk rock.

The band released two more albums, Buffalo Springfield Again and Last Time Around. But the band members often disagreed. Buffalo Springfield eventually broke up in 1968.

After Buffalo Springfield, Stills worked on the Super Session album in 1968. He played on half of the album, which sold very well.

Working with Joni Mitchell (1968–1972)

Stephen Stills often played on albums for singer Joni Mitchell. He played bass on her songs like "Carey." Mitchell liked his bass playing because it made her songs "swing."

Stills also influenced Mitchell's unique dulcimer sound. He even turned her song "Woodstock" into an electric rock song.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1969–1970)

In late 1968, Stills joined David Crosby and Graham Nash. They formed Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN). Many of Stills' songs for their first album were about his relationship with singer Judy Collins. The album was a huge success. Stills played most of the instruments on the album himself.

Crosby Stills Nash and Young 1970

To tour, the band invited Neil Young to join them. They became Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY). Their second album, Déjà Vu, was released in 1970. It reached number 1 and sold over 8 million copies.

After the Kent State massacre in May 1970, CSNY quickly recorded Young's song "Ohio." The band split up after a long tour in 1970.

In 1971, CSNY released 4 Way Street, a live album. It also reached number 1. Stephen Stills played at three major 1960s rock festivals: Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, and Altamont.

Solo Career Takes Off (1970–1971)

After CSNY's success, Stephen Stills released his first solo album in 1970. It featured famous musicians like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. The album's hit single was "Love the One You're With." The album reached number 3 on the US charts.

Six months later, he released Stephen Stills 2. This album also sold well. Stills then went on his first solo tour. He played in big venues like Madison Square Garden.

Manassas and Other Projects (1971–1973)

Manassas (TopPop 1972)

In late 1971, Stills formed a new band called Manassas with Chris Hillman. Their first album was a mix of rock, country, and Latin music. It reached number 4 in the US. Manassas toured the world in 1972.

Their next album, Down the Road, was released in 1973. It did not sell as well. Manassas eventually broke up.

CSNY Reunions and Solo Work (1974–1979)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, August 1974

In early 1974, Stills toured solo. He then announced a CSNY reunion tour. This tour sold out many shows. The CSNY compilation album So Far reached number 1.

Stills signed with Columbia Records in late 1974. He released the album Stills in 1975. It was his highest-charting album with Columbia. He also toured extensively that year.

In 1976, Stills tried to reunite with Neil Young. They released the album Long May You Run as the Stills-Young Band. Young left the tour early.

Later in 1976, Stills reunited with Crosby and Nash. They released the CSN album in 1977. They toured big arenas and even visited President Jimmy Carter. Stills released his last album on Columbia, Thoroughfare Gap, in 1978.

In 1979, Stills toured with his California Blues Band. He also played at the Havana Jam festival in Cuba.

Later Years and Collaborations

Stills performance in Essen, West Germany, on June 17, 1983

In the 1980s, CSN continued to release albums and tour. Their 1982 album Daylight Again reached number 8. In 1984, Stills released his solo album Right by You.

CSN and CSNY performed at Live Aid in 1985. In 1988, CSNY reunited for the album American Dream.

In the 1990s, Stills continued to tour with CSN. He released a solo acoustic album, Stills Alone, in 1991. In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. This was for his work with CSN and Buffalo Springfield. CSNY reunited again in 1999 for the album Looking Forward.

Stills in Boston 2011

The CSNY reunions continued with tours in the 2000s. In 2005, Stills released Man Alive!, his first solo album in 14 years. In 2007, he released Just Roll Tape, a collection of his early demo songs.

In 2010, Stills reunited with Neil Young and Richie Furay to play as Buffalo Springfield again. In 2013, he formed a blues band called The Rides with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg. They released two albums and toured.

In 2016, CSN stopped performing together. In 2017, Stills released an album with Judy Collins called Everybody Knows. They also went on tour together.

In 2021, Stills said he was retired. However, he has made a few public appearances since then.

Personal Life

Stephen Stills had a relationship with musician Judy Collins from 1968 to 1969. Their time together inspired many of his songs. He wrote "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" about her. In 2017, they reunited for an album and tour.

Stills has been married three times. He married French singer Véronique Sanson in 1973. They had a son, Chris Stills, and divorced in 1979. In 1988, he married Pamela Ann Jordan. They had a daughter, Eleanor. His third wife is Kristen Hathaway, whom he married in 1996.

Stephen Stills has seven children. His daughter Eleanor is a photographer. His son Chris and daughter Jennifer are also musicians.

Stephen Stills has supported liberal causes and politics. He has been involved in the Democratic Party. In 2018, he received an honorary music degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville.

Health

Stephen Stills has experienced hearing loss. In 1976, he mentioned that his hearing was becoming a "terrible problem." He said that if he kept touring, he might go deaf.

Musical Style and Instruments

Stephen Stills is a talented guitarist. His music combines rock and roll, blues, gospel, country, and folk music. He also uses Latin music influences in his guitar playing and percussion.

He can play many instruments, including keyboards, bass, drums, and banjo. Stills is known for using different guitar tunings, especially when playing acoustic guitar. This unique style can be heard in songs like "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and "Carry On."

When CSN recorded their first album, Stephen Stills played almost all the instruments. He had a clear vision for the music.