David Crosby and the Biblical Life …
Two and a half years ago, the first time I came to Israel, I found out that, by chance, I was visiting the Jewish state during its most sacred holiday — Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement. The seriousness with which that nation took this holiday intrigued me. (Literally nothing happens — no autos are allowed to travel the roads.) Even more intriguing was the concept that the day celebrates. The idea that one can atone. Really, the idea of forgiveness and a fresh start.
This comes to mind — the idea of Yom Kippur and atonement — after reading rock star David Crosby’s 1989 autobiography, Long Time Gone.
It seems as though Crosby feels he has a lot to atone for. Despite his many talents and his remarkable personality, he was clearly his own worst enemy as he freebased cocaine — several times a day — for close to twenty years. He ruined his health, spent all of his money, hurt his friends, debased his talents. Why would anyone do that? The spiral started with the tragic death of one of Crosby’s beautiful girlfriends, Christine Hinton, in 1969. Was Crosby punishing himself?
He finally atones decades later, when he spends ten months in a Texas prison. As he finishes the book, in Kauai in 1988, he’s free from drugs, clear headed, and resilient.
His story — his journey — is remarkable. It’s Biblical. It’s also an extraordinary, and sweet in its way, love story. The loyalty between Crosby and his girlfriend Jan Dance, who sinks to the depths with him, and rises in unison, must be unusual for couples so deeply addicted to drugs. They marry when both get straight, and remain married to this day.
This is a good book. Maybe one of the late-twentieth century’s most tellable tales. Maybe, like the story of Job, a tale for the ages.
High over the Pacific Ocean, 19 January 2013
