David Crosby said he knew he did not belong in The Byrds for their entire existence, describing the group’s music as too primitive for his ambitions. The comments underline the creative tensions that shaped his departure and later move towards the more harmonically ambitious Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Crosby co-founded The Byrds in 1964 and helped establish their influential folk-rock sound, but he increasingly clashed with fellow members over artistic direction and his outspoken views. He was dismissed from the band in 1967, after which he joined Stephen Stills and Graham Nash to form Crosby, Stills & Nash; the new group became known for its intricate vocal arrangements and more varied songwriting.