“David Crosby: Remember My Name” Is the Story of His Life
At 78, David Crosby can't believe he's still alive.
David Crosby's story is a survivor's tale. While many of his 60's music contemporaries burned out long ago, he has endured, and "David Crosby: Remember My Name" is his story. Directed by A.J. Eaton and produced by Cameron Crowe, it ranks as one of the finest music documentaries ever created.
A Brutally Honest Look at a Rock'n'Roll Survivor Heading link
What makes it unique is the unflinching look at Crosby’s life, the many ups and the many downs, as he has survived 78 years. Crosby is diabetic, has had a liver transplant (he was a week away from dying when he received the transplant in 1994), and has eight stents in his heart. Yet, he endures.
His wife of 32 years, Jan Dance, shares that “most people don’t know how sick David is” but still sees him off on another music tour. Crosby states that unlike the other members of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, he “never wrote a hit” and needs the money to support himself.
As the tour continues, interviewer Crowe gets Crosby to answer tough questions about his music, his alienation from his band mates in The Byrds and CSNY, his bouts with drugs and addiction, and his five months in a Texas prison. Despite the many lows, Crosby has managed to persevere and has created four of his finest albums in the last four years.
It’s a fascinating story, and extremely well done by director Eaton, with Crowe’s help. I recommend watching it on DVD, as the extras are wonderful, with deleted scenes that should be seen and extended interviews with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman of The Byrds. At times, it’s difficult to watch, but what emerges in the end is a story of triumph, the denouement of Crosby’s long, strange trip.