Stephen Stills is a musician’s musician, a point that is often overshadowed by his strong songwriting. He came to national prominence in Buffalo Springfield, a post-Byrds folk-rock band that had its biggest hit with Stills’ politically charged “For What It’s Worth.” When that band folded after a few years, Stills joined The Byrds’ David Crosby and The Hollies’ Graham Nash in what is arguably the most successful supergroup of all time, Crosby, Stills and Nash.
CS&N changed the shape of rock & roll by blending their multiple and distinct musical personalities into a sum that was somehow greater than its considerable, individual parts. Their first record featured a song written earlier for Stills’ then-girlfriend, Judy Collins, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” The second CS&N record reunited Stills with former Buffalo bandmate Neil Young, beginning an on/off affair as CSN&Y broke apart and reunited in various permutations over the years.
In the Seventies, Stills released a string of solo albums in between occasional CS&N reunions. His first featured a major hit with “Love The One You’re With” and an all-star cast that included Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Ringo Starr and Cass Elliott. After his second solo album, Stills formed another “supergroup” with The Byrds’ Chris Hillman and various CSN sidemen dubbed Manassas. The group’s first release, a double album, showcases the many sides of Stephen Stills to fine effect. After Manassas, Stills switched to Columbia Records, and later recorded a one-off album with Neil Young (Long May You Run). The next two decades saw a decline in solo albums but an increase in CSN activity.
Stills might have enjoyed a long retirement of racing cars and sailing boats. Instead, he formed a blues supergroup, The Riders, in 2013. While his voice has grown craggier over the years, it’s great to see him back in the saddle.
The Discography
SUPER SESSION (1968)
Albert’s Shuffle / Stop / Man’s Temptation / His Holy Modal Majesty / Really // It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry / Season of the Witch / You Don’t Love Me / Harvey’s Tune. Co-credit to Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield and released on elpee in August 1968 in the US (Columbia, CS 9701) and the UK (CBS, S63396); reached #12 on the US charts (RIAA-certified gold record). Re-issued on elpee in 1973 in the UK (Embassy, EMB31029). Re-issued on reel-to-reel tape in the US (Columbia, CQ 1075). Re-released on quadrophonic elpee in the US (Columbia, CQ 30991). Re-issued on elpee, cassette and compact disc on January 20, 1987 in the US (Columbia, PC/PCT/CK 9701). Re-released on remastered elpee in the US (Mobile Fidelity, MFSL-1-178). Re-released on expanded, remastered compact disc on April 8, 2003 in the US (Columbia Legacy, 63406) and the Netherlands (Capitol, 508071) with 4 bonus tracks.
Season of the Witch (1968)
b/w Albert’s Shuffle. Co-credited to Al Kooper and released on 7-inch single on September 17, 1968 in the US (Columbia, 4-44657) and on November 8, 1968 in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands (CBS, 3770) with picture sleeve.
STEPHEN STILLS (1970)
Love The One You’re With / Do For The Others / Church (Part of Someone) / Old Times Good Times / Go Back Home // Sit Yourself Down / To A Flame / Black Queen / Cherokee / We Are Not Helpless. Released on elpee, cassette, 8-track and reel-to-reel tape on November 16, 1970 in the US (Atlantic, SD/M5/M8/M 7202) and on November 22, 1970 in the UK (Atlantic, 2401 004) and Germany (Atlantic, 50 003); reached #3 on the US charts (RIAA-certified gold record) and #30 on the UK charts. Re-issued on elpee in 1973 in the UK (Atlantic, K40341). Re-issued on elpee in Japan (Atlantic, P-8013A). Re-packaged with Stephen Stills 2 as 2 Originals of Stephen Stills on 2LP in October 1975 in the UK (Atlantic, K-60063) and Germany (Atlantic, ATL-60063). Re-issued on elpee and cassette in 1976 in the US (Atlantic, SD/CS 7202, elpee label features WB logo on bottom). Re-issued on compact disc in Japan (Atlantic, AMCY-3163). Re-released on remastered compact disc and cassette on December 5, 1995 in the US (Atlantic, 82809-2/4). Re-released on super high material compact disc in 2008 in Japan (Warner, WPCR-13245).
Love The One You’re With (1970)
b/w To A Flame. Released on 7-inch single in November 1970 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2778), Canada (Atlantic, AT 2778), in January 1971 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL 70.462) and in February 1971 in the UK and the Netherlands (Atlantic, 2091 046) with picture sleeve; reached #14 on the US charts (charted on December 12, 1970 for 11 weeks) and #37 on the UK charts. Also released as promotional 7-inch in 1970 in the US (Atlantic, 2778) with A mono on flip side. Re-issued on 7-inch single in the UK (Atlantic, K10001 on green/red label). Released on four-track 7-inch EP in 1972 in Australia (Atlantic, EPA 229) with picture sleeve. Re-released as back-to-back hit 7-inch single in the US (Atlantic Oldies Series, OS-13048 on brown label) with “Change Partners” on the flip side. Re-issued as back-to-back hits 7-inch single in the US (Atlantic Oldies Series, OS-13048 on silver label) with “Change Partners” on the flip side.
Sit Yourself Down (1971)
b/w We Are Not Helpless. Released on 7-inch single in March 1971 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2790), in April 1971 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL 70.473), in May 1971 in the UK and the Netherlands (Atlantic, 2091 069) and in 1971 in Canada (Atlantic, AT-2790); reached #37 on the US charts (charted on March 31, 1971 for 6 weeks). Regional versions feature picture sleeve.
Change Partners (1971)
b/w Relaxing Town. Released on 7-inch single in May 1971 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2806) and Canada (Atlantic, AT-2806), on June 25, 1971 in the UK and the Netherlands (Atlantic, 2091 117) and in July 1971 in Germany (Atlantic, 10.018) with picture sleeve; reached #43 on the US charts (charted on June 12, 1971 for 9 weeks).
STEPHEN STILLS 2 (1971)
Change Partners / Nothin’ To Do But Today / Fishes And Scorpions / Sugar Babe / Know You Got To Run / Open Secret // Relaxing Town / Singin’ Call / Ecology Song / Word Game / Marianne / Bluebird Revisited. Released on elpee and 8-track in July 1971 in the US (Atlantic, SD/M8-7206) and the UK (Atlantic, 2401 013) with gatefold cover and innersleeve; reached #8 on the US charts (RIAA-certified gold record) and #22 on the UK charts. Re-issued on elpee in the UK (Atlantic, K40249) with gatefold cover and lyrics insert. Re-issued on compact disc on April 21, 1992 in the US (Atlantic, 7206).
Marianne (1971)
b/w Nothin’ To Do But Today. Released on 7-inch single in August 1971 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2820) and Germany (Atlantic, 10.038), on September 10, 1971 in the UK and the Netherlands (Atlantic, 2091 141) and in 1971 in Canada (Atlantic, AT-2820) with picture sleeve; reached #42 on the US charts (charted on August 21, 1971 for 8 weeks).
MANASSAS (1972)
Song of Love / Rock & Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass / Jet Set (Sigh) / Anyway / Both of Us (Bound To Love) / Fallen Eagle / Jesus Gave Love Away For Free / Colorado / So Begins The Task / Hide It So Deep / Don’t Look At My Shadow // It Doesn’t Matter / Johnny’s Garden / Bound To Fall / How Far / Move Around / The Love Gangster / What To Do / Right Now / The Treasure (Take One) / Blues Man. Released on 2LP, cassette and 8-track on April 12, 1972 in the US (Atlantic, SD2/CS2/8STC-2-903), the UK (Atlantic, K-60021), Germany (Atlantic, ATL 60 021/2) and Japan (Atlantic, P-5053/4A) with gatefold cover, innersleeves and lyrics poster; reached #4 on the US charts (RIAA-certified gold record) and #30 on the UK charts. Re-issued on 2LP in c.1975 in the US (Atlantic, SD2-903) {75 Rockefeller label} with gatefold cover and lyrics poster. Re-issued on compact disc in 1988 in the US (Atlantic, 903-2). Re-released on remastered compact disc on December 12, 1995 in the US (Atlantic, 82808-2) and Japan (Atlantic, AMCY-2698). Re-released on 200g vinyl 2LP in 2005 in the US (Classic Records). Re-released on remastered 180g vinyl 2LP on March 30, 2010 in the US and the UK (Rhino, 79891) with gatefold cover. Re-issued on remastered compact disc on September 25, 2013 in Japan (Atlantic, WPCR-15257).
It Doesn’t Matter (1972)
b/w Rock ‘n’ Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass + The Fallen Eagle (GER). Released on three-track 7-inch EP on March 10, 1972 in the UK (Atlantic, K 10147), and on 7-inch single in April 1972 in Germany (Germany, ATL 10152) and in May 1972 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2876) and Canada (Atlantic, AT-2876) with picture sleeve; reached #61 on the US charts (charted on May 27, 1972 for 7 weeks).
Rock & Roll Crazies (1972)
b/w Colorado. Released on 7-inch single in June 1972 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2888) and Canada (Atlantic, AT-2888) and in August 1972 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL 10215) with picture sleeve; reached #92 on the US charts (charted on July 15, 1972 for 3 weeks).
Isn’t It About Time (1973)
b/w So Many Times. Released on 7-inch single in April 1973 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2959) and Canada (Atlantic, AT-2959), on May 11, 1973 in the UK (Atlantic, K-10306) and in May 1973 in Germany and the Netherlands (Atlantic, ATL 10306) with picture sleeve; reached #56 on the US charts (charted on April 28, 1973 for 8 weeks).
DOWN THE ROAD (1973)
Isn’t It About Time / Lies / Pensamiento / So Many Times / Business On The Street / Do You Remember The Americans / Down The Road / City Junkies / Guaguanco de Vero / Rollin’ My Stone. Released on elpee and cassette in May 1973 in the US (Atlantic, SD/CS 7250) and Germany (Atlantic, ATL-40440) with innersleeve; reached #26 on the US charts and #33 on the UK charts. Re-issued on compact disc on November 1, 1988 in the US (Atlantic, 7250).
Down The Road (1973)
b/w Guaguanco de Vero. Released on 7-inch single in July 1973 in the US (Atlantic, 45-2917) and Canada (Atlantic, AT-2917), on July 20, 1973 in the UK (Atlantic, K 10340) and in August 1973 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL 10340) with picture sleeve. UK version swaps the A and B sides.
STILLS (1975)
Turn Back The Pages / My Favorite Changes / My Angel / In The Way / Love Story / To Mama From Christopher And The Old Man // First Things First / New Mama / As I Come of Age / Shuffle Just As Bad / Cold Cold World / Myth of Sisyphus. Released on elpee, cassette and 8-track on June 23, 1975 in the US (Columbia, PC 33575), the UK (CBS, 69146 / 40-/42-69146), Australia (CBS, SBP 234699) and Japan (CBS/Sony, SOPO-80) with lyrics innersleeve; reached #19 on the US charts and #31 on the UK charts. 8-track features different track order. Also released as quadrophonic stereo elpee in the US (Columbia). Re-issued on compact disc on January 3, 1992 in Japan (Sony, SRCS 6189). Re-issued on compact disc on January 26, 1993 in the US (Columbia, CK 33575). Re-released on remastered, DTS 5.1-compatible compact disc on March 3, 1999 (DTS Entertainment, 4423). Re-packaged with Illegal Stills and Thoroughfare Gap on remastered 3-for-2 2CD in 2007 in the US (Beat Goes On).
Turn Back The Pages (1975)
b/w Shuffle Just As Bad. Released on 7-inch single in July 1975 in the US and Canada (Columbia, 3-10179), on August 1, 1975 in the UK and Germany (CBS, S CBS 3497) and in 1975 in Japan (CBS, SOPB-326) and the Netherlands (CBS, CBS 3497) with picture sleeve; reached #84 on the US charts (charted on August 9, 1975 for 3 weeks).
LIVE (1975)
Live tracks: Wooden Ships / Four Days Gone / Jet Set (Sigh) / Rocky Mountain Way / Special Care // Change Partners / Crossroads / You Can’t Catch Me / Everybody’s Talkin’ At Me / 4+20 / Word Game. Released on elpee and cassette on December 4, 1975 in the US (Atlantic, SD/CS 18156), the UK (Atlantic, K50214), Japan (Atlantic, P-10095A) and the Netherlands (Atlantic, ATL 50214); reached #42 on the US charts. Re-issued on remastered compact disc on April 21, 1992 in the US (Atlantic, 18156-2) and Germany (Atlantic, 81499-2).
ILLEGAL STILLS (1976)
Buyin’ Time / Midnight In Paris / Different Tongues / Soldier / The Loner // Stateline Blues / Closer To You / No Me Niegas / Ring of Love / Circlin’. Released on elpee and 8-track in May 1976 in the US (Columbia, PC/PCA 34148), the UK and the Netherlands (CBS, CBS 81330), Australia (CBS, MX-176941), Japan (CBS/Sony, 25AP-65) and South Africa (CBS, ASF 1883) with lyrics insert; reached #30 on the US charts and #54 on the UK charts. 8-track features different track order. Re-issued on compact disc on August 28, 1990 in the US (Columbia, CK 34148). Re-packaged with Stills and Thoroughfare Gap on remastered 3-for-2 2CD in 2007 in the UK (Beat Goes On, BGOCD748).
Buyin’ Time (1976)
b/w Soldier. Released on 7-inch single in July 1976 in the US (Columbia, 3-10369). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1976 in the US (Columbia, 3-10369) feat. A stereo and mono.
The Loner (1976)
b/w Stateline Blues. Released on 7-inch single on July 16, 1976 in the UK (CBS, S CBS 4416).
Long May You Run (1976)
b/w 12/8 Blues (All The Same). Credited to The Stills-Young Band and released on 7-inch single in August 1976 in the US (Reprise, RPS 1365), Canada (Reprise, REP 1365), Germany (Reprise, REP 14 446-N) and the Netherlands (Reprise, REP 14446) and on September 3, 1976 in the UK (Reprise, K 14446) with picture sleeve.
LONG MAY YOU RUN (1976)
Long May You Run / Make Love To You / Midnight On The Bay / Black Coral / Ocean Girl // Let It Shine / 12/8 Blues (All The Same) / Fontainebleau / Guardian Angel. Credited to The Stills-Young Band and released on elpee in October 1976 in the US (Reprise, MS 2253) with lyrics innersleeve; reached #26 on the US charts and #12 on the UK charts. Re-issued on compact disc on September 26, 1988 in the US (Reprise, 2253).
Midnight On The Bay (1976)
b/w Black Coral. Credited to The Stills-Young Band and released on 7-inch single in October 1976 in the US (Reprise, RPS 1378) and Canada (Reprise, REP 1378).
THE BEST OF STEPHEN STILLS (1976)
Love The One You’re With / It Doesn’t Matter / We Are Not Helpless / Marianne / Bound To Fall / Isn’t It About Time // Change Partners / Go Back Home / Johnny’s Garden / Rock And Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass / Sit Yourself Down. Compilation released on elpee in December 1976 in the US (Atlantic, SD 18201) and Japan (Atlantic, P-10293A).
Can’t Get No Booty (1978)
b/w Lowdown. Released on 7-inch in August 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10804), on September 15, 1978 in the UK and Germany (CBS, S CBS 6662) and in 1978 in the Netherlands (CBS, CBS 6662) with picture sleeve.
THOROUGHFARE GAP (1978)
You Can’t Dance Alone / Thoroughfare Gap / We Will Go On / Beaucoup Yumbo / What’s The Game // Midnight Rider / Woman Lleva / Lowdown / Not Fade Away / Can’t Get No Booty. Released on elpee in October 1978 in the US (Columbia, JC 35380); reached #83 on the US charts.
Thoroughfare Gap (1978)
b/w Lowdown. Released on 7-inch single in November 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10872). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10872) feat. A stereo and mono.
Stranger (1984)
b/w No Hiding Place. Released on 7-inch single in August 1984 in the US (Atlantic, 89633) and Canada (Atlantic, 78-96337) with picture sleeve; reached #61 on the US charts (charted on August 11, 1984 for 8 weeks). Also released as one-track promotional 7 and 12-inch single in 1984 in the US (Atlantic, 7-89633 / PR623).
RIGHT BY YOU (1984)
50/50 / Stranger / Flaming Heart / Love Again / No Problem // Can’t Let Go / Grey To Green / Only Love Can Break Your Heart / No Hiding Place / Right By You. Released on elpee and cassette in September 1984 in the US (Atlantic, 80177-1/4), Germany (Atlantic, 780 177-1/4) and Japan (Atlantic, P-13036); reached #75 on the US charts. Re-issued on compact disc in the US (Atlantic, 80177-2).
Can’t Let Go (1984)
b/w Grey To Green. Credited to Stephen Stills Featuring Michael Finnigan and released on 7-inch single in September 1984 in the US (Atlantic, 7-89611); reached #67 on the US charts (charted on October 6, 1984 for 6 weeks). Also released as one-track promotional 7-inch and 12-inch single in 1984 in the US (Atlantic, 7-89611 / PR650).
Only Love Can Break Your Heart (1984)
Released as one-track promotional 7-inch single in December 1984 in the US (Atlantic, 789597).
STILLS ALONE (1991)
Isn’t It So / Everybody’s Talkin’ / Just Isn’t Like You / In My Life / Ballad of Hollis Brown / Singin’ Call / The Right Girl / Blind Fiddler Medley / Amazonia / Treetop Flyer. Released on compact disc on September 11, 1991 in the US (Gold Hill/Vision, VR-3323).
TURNIN’ BACK THE PAGES: THE COLUMBIA RECORDINGS 1975-1978 (2004)
As I Come of Age / In The Way / New Mama / Cold Cold World / Love Story / Turn Back The Pages / First Things First / Stateline Blues / The Loner / Buyin’ Time / Soldier / Closer To You / Ring of Love / Circlin’ / Midnight Rider / Not Fade Away / Can’t Get No Booty / What’s The Game? / Thoroughfare Gap / Beaucoup Yumbo / You Don’t Love Me / It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry. Released on compact disc in Australia in 2004 (Raven, RVCD179).
MAN ALIVE! (2006)
Ain’t It Always / Feed The People / Hearts Gate / Round The Bend / I Don’t Get It / Around Us / Old Man Trouble / Different Man / Piece of Me / Wounded World / Drivin’ Thunder / Acadienne / Spanish Suite. Released on compact disc in 2005 in the UK (Talking Elephant, TECD077) and Japan (Vivid Sound, VSCD-4203).
JUST ROLL TAPE: APRIL 26, 1968 (2007)
All I Know Is What You Tell Me / So Begins The Task / Change Partners / Know You’ve Got To Run / The Doctor Will See You Now / Black Queen / Bumblebee (Do You Need A Place To Hide?) / Judy / Dreaming of Snakes / Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Helplessly Hoping / Wooden Ships / Treetop Flyer. Released on 180g vinyl elpee and compact disc on July 10, 2007 in the US (Eyewall/Rhino, R1-510892 / R2-215676).
PIECES (2009)
Witching Hour / Sugar Babe / Lies / My Love Is A Gentle Thing / Like A Fox / Word Game / Tan Sola Y Triste / Fit To Be Tied / Love And Satisfy / High And Dry / Panhandle Rag / Uncle Pen / Do You Remember The Americans / Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music) / I Am My Brother. Credited to Manassas and released on 180g vinyl 2LP and compact disc on September 22, 2009 in the US (Eyewall/Rhino, R1 521089 / 79850).
LIVE AT SHEPHERD’S BUSH (2009)
Live tracks: Treetop Flyer / 4+20 / Johnny’s Garden / Change Partners / Girl From The North Country / Blind Fiddler / Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Isn’t It About Time / Rock And Roll Woman / The Wrong Thing To Do / Wounded World / Bluebird / For What It’s Worth / Love The One You’re With. Released on compact disc + digital video disc on October 27, 2009 in the US (Eyewall/Rhino, 79846)
CARRY ON (2013)
Travelin / High Flyin Bird / Sit Down I Think I Love You / Go And Say Goodbye / For What It’s Worth / Everydays / Pretty Girl Why / Bluebird / Rock N Roll Woman / Special Care / Questions / Uno Mundo / Four Days Gone / Who Ran Away? / Forty-Nine Reasons / Helplessly Hoping / You Don’t Have To Cry / Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / 4+20 / So Begins The Task / The Lee Shore / Carry On – Questions / Woodstock // Love The One You’re With / Old Times Good Times / Black Queen / No-Name Jam / Go Back Home / Marianne / My Love Is A Gentle Thing / Fishes And Scorpions / The Treasure / To A Flame / Cherokee / Song of Love / Rock N Roll Crazies – Cuban Bluegrass / Jet Set (Sigh) / It Doesn’t Matter / Colorado / Johnny’s Garden / Change Partners / Do For Others / Find The Cost of Freedom / Little Miss Bright Eyes / Isn’t It About Time // Turn Back The Pages / First Things First / My Angel / Love Story / As I Come of Age / Know You Got To Run / Black Coral / I Give You Give Blind / Crossroads – You Can’t Catch Me / See The Changes / Thoroughfare Gap / Lowdown / Cuba Al Fin (edit) / Dear Mr. Fantasy / Spanish Suite / Feel Your Love / Raise A Voice / Daylight Again // Southern Cross / Dark Star / Turn Your Back On Love / War Games / 50/50 / Welfare Blues / Church (Part of Someone) / I Don’t Get It / Isn’t It So / Haven’t We Lost Enough? / Ballad of Hollis Brown / Treetop Flyer / Heart’s Gate / Girl From The North Country / Feed The People / Panama / No Tears Left / Ole Man Trouble / Ain’t It Always. Released on 4CD box set in 2013 in the US (Atlantic/Rhino).
BANANAFISH GARDENS NY (2016)
Live tracks: Carry On / Know You Gotta Run / Word Game / Do You Remember The Americans? / So You Want To Be A Rock’n’Roll Star // Go Back Home / Pensamiento / 49 Reasons / For What It’s Worth / Find The Cost of Freedom. Archival live performance from 1971 credited to Stephen Stills & Manassas and released on 180g vinyl elpee and compact disc on February 5, 2016 in Germany (Air Cuts).
EVERYBODY KNOWS (2017)
Handle With Care / So Begins The Task / River of Gold / Judy / Everybody Knows // Houses / Reason To Believe / Girl From The North Country / Who Knows Where The Time Goes / Questions. Credited to Stills & Collins and released on yellow vinyl elpee and compact disc on September 22, 2017 in the US (Cleopatra/Wildflower).
