Nearly 60 years ago, the Kentucky sounds of the Everly Brothers first inspired an aspiring English musician to look at harmony in a new light. Graham Nash would go on to become a best-selling author, respected photographer, steadfast activist, and a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee for his influential work with both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. His songs: “Teach Your Children,” “Wasted On The Way,” “Our House,” and “Marrakesh Express” to name a few have left an indelible mark on millions.
Louisville.com recently caught up with this amiable veteran of Woodstock (and countless other musical milestones) to talk about his forthcoming solo album, his first in 14 years, as well as his upcoming performance at the Brown Theatre on February 9th.
Louisville.com: Your new solo record seems to be more than a little bit introspective. Was there a particular impetus to take stock of where you are and where you might be headed at age 74?
Graham Nash: "Yeah. I’m just trying to be as true to myself as possible. My life is in a little bit of chaos right now. My wife of 38 years and I are deciding to divorce and that’s traumatic, especially with the children. And I’ve actually found a new love in my life. So, the new album, This Path Tonight, is my emotional journey of what I’m going through."
LC: That makes for quite a story.
GN: "That’s right. I also realized that there are probably many other people out there facing the same thing as me. When you get to be 74 and you’re not happy, what do you do? Do you stay not happy just because it’s easier? Or do you find the courage to, you know, take your future by the balls and live it? I always try my best as a musician and as a person and at the moment I’m just trying to live life to the fullest."
LC: As a whole, it really is a gorgeous statement on life, love, and mortality. What can you tell us about the closing song, “Encore?”
GN: "No matter how many songs I’ve written, or how many I still have in my head, there’s always room for one more. And, quite frankly, I often joke that I’ll be writing songs as they’re closing the lid on my coffin. That’s what that one is about."
LC: And what do you think will be waiting when that happens?
GN: I don’t know the answer to that! I mean, I certainly hope that this is not the end. But it could be that we just, you know, rot and turn to dust, and that might be it. I’m going to be very curious as to what actually comes next!
LM: Over the years you've certainly had a hand in writing some amazing songs with the Hollies, CSN, and on your own. Do you surprise yourself when something beautiful and profound comes out of your head?
GN: "No, I’m never surprised. But I am always grateful to find that I can still create."
LC: What is the plan for your show at the Brown Theatre? Is it going to be a stripped-down, career-spanning storyteller format?
GN: "Absolutely. You know, I think that people are very interested in how musicians make songs. What’s the preface? What happens to you? How were you feeling? What were you thinking when you wrote 'Our House?' They love that kind of stuff. And so lately I’ve been telling stories and playing my songs this way, and it’s been very successful."
For show times and ticket information visit www.kentuckycenter.org.
Images: Amy Grantham for Graham Nash
