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The 1977 Steely Dan song that kept David Crosby alive: “The music hung in there”
David Crosby said that listening to Steely Dan’s 1977 song ‘Aja’ helped sustain him during a difficult period, describing music as something that “hung in there” when other parts of life felt uncertain. The remark highlights Crosby’s long-standing admiration for the band and the personal importance he attached to music beyond his own work.
‘Aja’ was the title track of Steely Dan’s 1977 album, which became one of the group’s most acclaimed and commercially successful releases. Crosby, best known for his work with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, faced major personal and professional struggles over his career, including addiction and imprisonment, making his account a reflection on music’s role in recovery and resilience.
In short
- Crosby said Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’ helped him through hardship.
- He viewed music as a lasting source of support.
- ‘Aja’ is among Steely Dan’s most celebrated songs.
Explained simply
David Crosby is a legendary American musician best known for his work with The Byrds in the 1960s and later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, one of the most successful rock groups of the 1970s. Throughout his career, he experienced major personal and professional difficulties, including struggles with addiction and imprisonment.
Steely Dan were a highly regarded rock and pop band known for sophisticated songwriting and production. Their 1977 album 'Aja' became one of their most acclaimed and commercially successful works, establishing itself as a landmark release in the band's catalogue.
Given Crosby's documented struggles with addiction and imprisonment, his observations about music's role in his life take on broader significance. Music has long been recognised as playing an important part in people's wellbeing and recovery during difficult periods.