An Interview with Graham Nash
Few artists have left a mark on the music world quite like Graham Nash. From his early days with The Hollies to the groundbreaking harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash, his career has spanned decades, genres, and continents. With a distinctive voice and a deep emotional honesty, Nash has soundtracked generations – and continues to do so.
In this exclusive interview with Victoria Holdsworth, he reflects on his musical roots, the choices that shaped his life, the enduring magic of harmony, and the people who’ve inspired him along the way. As he prepares to return to the UK on tour, Nash opens up about love, legacy, and why he’s still writing songs that matter…
Graham, it is an absolute honour and a pleasure to speak to you. Before we start, I’d like to thank you for being part of so many of my happy memories. My mum brought me up on The Hollies, and my brother introduced me to Crosby, Stills & Nash years later, so I got the best of both your musical worlds.
That’s so kind of you to say, and it’s a pleasure to speak to you. I really hope you’re feeling well today. You know, I still find it unbelievable that I’m able to produce an emotional reaction in people through my music. So, what have you got for me?
Your last solo album, Now, was released back in May 2023, and you stated that it was “the most personal album I have ever made”. Why is that?
On that album, there are five love songs for my wife. The opening song starts, “I never really thought that I would fall in love again.” I was 75 years old when I began writing it, and it was indeed one of the most personal and vulnerable albums I’ve ever made – apart from maybe Songs for Beginners.
What would you say defines you as a man and a musician after such a lengthy career in the music business?
If anything defines me at all, it’s that I want people to know I tried my best. I’m an ordinary person, but I know I’ve done something special with my life. I’ve been a musician since I was 13 years old, and I have to thank my mum and dad for that. They’re sadly gone now, but I’m grateful they recognised my passion for American rock and roll. When I first heard Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Elvis, Little Richard, and Fats Domino – I wanted to be them. I wanted to make music that made people feel the way I felt when I heard those songs. And here I am – it’s 2025 and you and I are still talking about The Hollies.
image: Ralf Louis
“I needed to be a rock and roller”
It would be fair to say you’ve certainly stood the test of time.
Absolutely! It’s something I’m very proud of.
When you were in The Hollies, you credited Ron Richards as being the foundation of your success. What was the best piece of advice he ever gave you, and why do you think it resonated so much with you?
After a take, he would smile – and that’s how we knew that was the take. He had a great ear and knew exactly what was radio-friendly and what would be a hit. We relied on him the whole time I was with the band, that’s for sure. He brought out the best in us musically, and I thank him for that.
You’ve been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on two separate occasions, which is a massive accomplishment by any standard. Over the decades, you’ve crossed genres and become both a mod and rock icon. How does a lad from Blackpool wrap his head around that?
I really don’t know I have [laughs]. In a strange way, I’m still kind of waiting to be found out [laughs]. I really don’t understand – why me? Why was it me that left Manchester and went to Los Angeles? Why me? Looking back at my life, I realise I made some incredible choices. Your life is made up of the choices you make – do you go left or right? Do you speak to this person or that one? I seem to have made a lot of good ones.
Whereabouts in Blackpool did you live? I ask because I have family there and used to live in Lytham St Annes for a time.
Wow! Lytham St Annes – that’s where I found two and sixpence under the pier. I was walking around the beach and passed under the pier, and there it was – the most money I’d ever found in my life! [laughs]
Growing up in Blackpool was tough for many, especially in a working-class town. Some musicians try to distance themselves from that past, but you seem to embrace it and carry it through your music. Would you say that’s accurate?
It is. I’ve always known I needed to be a rock and roller in whatever form. Obviously, you don’t get into music just to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – but to be in it twice was really special. I always felt Crosby, Stills & Nash would be inducted, but my real joy was when The Hollies were recognised. It was nearly thirty years after their first recording. I was especially pleased for my friend Alan Clarke. Alan and I formed The Hollies in December 1962, and seeing him inducted was a great thrill.
My mum always told me about seeing you perform at the Batley Variety Club.
Oh yes! The Variety Club! It was such a great venue – everyone played there back in the day.
“Incredible harmony”
Every musician has their own approach to creating lyrics and music. What is the Graham Nash method?
I have to feel something deeply first. If I’m thinking about a certain subject, a title will often come to me, and then I’m off and running. But it always starts with following my feelings.
Over the years, you’ve met countless musical and cultural icons. Who do you think had the most magnitude?
McCartney and Bob Dylan!
Which lyric do you feel is the most poignant you’ve ever written?
Listen to a song I wrote called ‘Cold Rain’ – it will tell you a lot about me. I was in Manchester visiting my mother, who was unwell. I stood on the steps of the Midland Hotel, right in the middle of the city. It was rainy and foggy – in the summer! [laughs] I watched all these people going about their lives, clearly hating their jobs and their bosses, and it inspired the song. It reveals a lot about who I am.
When Cass Elliot from The Mamas and The Papas introduced you to your future bandmates and you formed Crosby, Stills & Nash, you effectively created one of the first supergroups. If you could put together your own dream supergroup, who would you choose?
What a great question! [pauses] I think McCartney would be on bass for sure. Maybe David Gilmour on guitar. A great organ player perhaps… That would be interesting. You know, I think Cass Elliott already knew what Stephen and David would sound like with my voice in the mix. It all happened in Joni Mitchell’s living room. We’d had dinner, and afterwards Stephen and David played You Don’t Have to Cry. When they finished, I said, “That was beautiful. Sing it again.” They did. After the second time, I said, “Okay – you know I’m a decent harmony singer. I’ve watched your body language, Stephen, and I know when David’s coming in. Just play it once more.” They shrugged, started playing, and after 45 seconds we knew we’d created an incredible harmony sound. The Hollies, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield – all great harmony bands – but this was something magical. When we stopped, we laughed, because we knew our lives had changed. I knew I had to go back to England, leave The Hollies, and follow that sound. And that’s what I did.
So you were still officially with The Hollies at that time?
I’m afraid so – but I believe it was the right choice.
“Started reconnecting”
Of all your contemporaries who’ve passed, who would you most like to still be making music with?
Crosby. We were all incredibly sad when David passed. We had 50 years of friendship and beautiful music – although we had a couple of rough years at the end. But near the end of his life – which, of course, we didn’t know was the end – we had started reconnecting. I would’ve loved for David Crosby to still be writing and creating music.
What about you, Graham? What’s next musically?
I finished a new song yesterday. I’m still writing, and I’m about to head out on my second US tour of the year, starting in early July. Then it’s Germany and Europe for a third tour, and I’ll be in the UK in October.
I’ll be coming to see you in York on that tour.
Fantastic! I love York – such a historical and beautiful city. I still can’t believe that woman found Richard III in a car park! I live in New York City now. We’ve got Washington Square Park – and I recently found out there are 20,000 bodies buried underneath it!
A good friend of mine, Godfrey Townsend – a talented guitarist with The Yardbirds – wanted to know how a boy from Manchester ended up musically connected with Joni Mitchell and helping launch a whole new musical movement.
I’ve heard his name – and if he’s playing with The Yardbirds, he must be excellent. Joni was very important in my life. Once you fall in love with Joni Mitchell, some part of that always stays. She’s a brilliant musician. If historians look back at the late ’60s and ’70s, I think they’ll recognise that Dylan, The Beatles, and Joni were probably the greatest songwriters of their generation.
Aside from music, you’ve also become heavily involved in activism. In a world where society’s values are shifting, what’s your message to those who want to listen?
If I had any advice, it would be to listen to what Bruce Springsteen said in Manchester about what’s happening right now. It’s chaotic. I believe Donald Trump wants to be king of the world – and most of the people who voted for him didn’t vote for what he and his administration are doing now. People wanted a better economy – but I feel he’s deliberately trying to destroy democracy and become an autocrat. So yes – just listen to what Bruce said on stage that night, and take it to heart.
Graham Nash plays York Barbican on 5th October – for full tour dates visit grahamnash.com
Top image: Amy Grantham
Victoria is a former English teacher and lifelong musician who has successfully combined her two great passions: words and music. Over the past 20 years, she has written for a variety of publications, giving her the opportunity to witness outstanding talent and meet some truly inspiring individuals. With a deep love for rock, indie, metal, and all things weird and wonderful in between, Victoria also co-runs an independent record label with her friend Tetley.
