Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Photography

Before forming Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968, David Crosby was with the Byrds, Stephen Stills was with Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash was a member of the Hollies. Though the harmony-centered supergroup was already seasoned, they were put to the test when their second-ever performance just happened to be 1969’s mammoth Woodstock Festival.

Of course, the trio passed with flying colors, becoming not only a highlight of the event but also the subsequent soundtrack/film. Their fusion of acoustic folk and electric rock embodied the fledgling “California” sound, and soon came to define the entire era. Shortly thereafter, the band added periodic member Neil Young (also of Buffalo Springfield fame), who helped kick up the social and political consciousness yet another notch come 1970’s classic album Déjà Vu.

Various incarnations continued recording together well into the late ’90s, while remaining a steady touring attraction well into the next century. But more important than merely box office longevity, the group is perhaps single-handedly responsible for the singer/songwriter boom that spawned Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne and even the Eagles.