David Crosby Disliked Only 3 Musicians

David Crosby, the late iconic singer-songwriter and founding member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, was never one to shy away from expressing his views, even when they were controversial. Known for his razor-sharp wit and often unfiltered opinions, he wasn’t afraid to critique fellow musicians, sparking debates and headlines.

From the personal clashes within his own band to his critiques of iconic performers, Crosby’s opinions offered a unique and often controversial perspective on the music industry.

But beyond the headlines, his critiques can offer deeper insights into his own artistic values and the dynamics that shape the creative world.

So, let’s turn the spotlight on these three musical figures and see what motivated Crosby’s strong opinions, offering a glimpse into the complex world of artistic criticism and the ever-evolving landscape of music.

Neil Young

Neil Young, a musical chameleon, inspires both fervent devotion and exasperated eye-rolls. Some revere his artistic honesty and political activism, while others find his outspokenness and self-assuredness off-putting. Even David Crosby, his bandmate in the legendary Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and a personality in his own right, didn’t shy away from criticizing Young.

Their relationship was complex, to say the least. Despite sharing liberal political leanings, Crosby painted a harsh portrait of Young’s self-centeredness. “He’s probably the most self-centered, self-obsessed, selfish person I know,” Crosby declared.

“He only thinks about Neil, period. That’s the only person he’ll consider. Ever!” This scathing remark revealed a deep-seated tension, suggesting a clash of egos and artistic priorities within the band.

However, it’s important to remember that Crosby’s words represent just one perspective. Others might argue that Young’s strong convictions and artistic independence are precisely what make him such a compelling figure. Regardless of how you see him, there’s no denying Neil Young’s undeniable impact on music history, leaving a legacy as diverse and complex as his own personality.

Jim Morrison / The Doors

While David Crosby wasn’t shy about criticizing fellow musicians, his disdain for Jim Morrison and The Doors went beyond personal differences. He targeted the band’s musicality and even Morrison’s artistic reputation with a scathing critique.

On X, Crosby unleashed a verbal barrage, calling The Doors “basically sucked” and singling out the “awful” keyboard playing and “abysmal” bass work. He went further, dismissing Morrison as both a singer and poet, labeling him a “poser”.

However, it’s crucial to remember that Crosby’s views are subjective and not universally shared. The Doors remain a significant influence in rock history, admired for their unique sound and Morrison’s captivating stage presence.

Whether agreeing with Crosby’s harsh words or not, there’s no denying the enduring impact of The Doors on music and popular culture.

Kanye West

Kanye West, the self-proclaimed “genius” rapper, has garnered a reputation for courting controversy with outspoken views on various sensitive topics. It’s no shocker, then, that Crosby was not a fan.

Crosby’s main gripe with West lay in his musical abilities, or rather, the perceived lack thereof. In an X post, he went on the offensive, calling West “an idiot and a poser” with “no talent at all”. This wasn’t a one-time outburst.

He doubled down on his opinion, suggesting West take a crash course in music appreciation with icons like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

Ultimately, Crosby’s criticism, though harsh, adds another dimension to the ongoing conversation about artistic merit and legacy. Whether you agree with his assessment or not, it’s a reminder that music, like any art form, evokes a spectrum of reactions and interpretations.