When it came time for a second single to be released in September 1969, Atlantic, their label, deemed it too long, and it was edited down to 4:35 in length. Stills started composing the various sections which became “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” before “Hey Jude” was released and before the trio formed. Photography: Henry Diltz/Morrison Hotel Galleries The full unedited album cut, from their debut album.Īcoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Electric Bass, Piano, Organ, Percussion, Vocals: Stephen Stills “Because it’s us.”Ĭrosby, Stills & Nash, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” “Hey Jude” is ten seconds shorter than that, still everyone except Lennon was worried radio wouldn’t touch it.

George Martin said they only did it because Richard Harris’ hit rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “MacArthur Park” was 7:21 in length. The Beatles broke through this barrier first with “ Hey Jude,” which is 7:11 in length.

Of these, one of the fundamental ones was song length, a practical consideration as any song over three minutes was usually too long for radio. There in the bounty of amazing original songs from all three was undeniably inspired greatness, and also a delightfully flagrant breaking of once-conventional pop music strictures. Already it provided hope-even before we learned that the dream was over-that good music was still to come. The album was released in May 1969, months before the official break-up of The Beatles. Rich, soulful, heartfelt harmony.Īdd to that their expansively-inspired original songs, each empowered and inspired by the times, their friendship, and their liberation from their previous bands. Just three musicians making music, and singing harmony. Great musicians and songwriters united by great songs sung in harmony. CSN was a simple equation, not unlike that of The Band.

Suite judy blue eyes woodstock