(Credits: Far Out / Acroterion)
It’s almost impossible to predict which musicians will be remembered in the years to come. We could make some well-informed guesses, but who leaves a lasting impact will ultimately be left up to the hands of time. According to Graham Nash, however, there are three musicians who will indisputably withstand the test of time.
Take a second to imagine anything you are doing at work that truly stands the test of time. Of course, there will be some architects, builders and perhaps the odd research scientist or doctor who can boast this claim. But for the most part, our work as a society will be forgotten in a few generations. But for some artists, their work will last forever.
As one of the world’s most genre-defining folk-rock sensations, it’s safe to say that Nash’s approach to songwriting is as easy as breathing. While something so second nature can only be honed with an established intuition, Nash takes life’s various curveballs and transforms them into powerful compositions, crafting lyrics that balance both the realistic perils of life and the abstract intrigue of poetry.
Although Nash has crossed paths with many musicians and readily praises those he feels are driving the art forward, there are only three he considers are truly timeless enough to be remembered in 100 years’ time. Considering his love and appreciation for thought-provoking lyricists, it comes as no surprise that the wordsmith once told The Guardian: “In 100 years’ time, people will remember the Beatles, Bob Dylan and Joni.”
It’s perhaps easiest to understand Nash’s fondness for Mitchell, whom he became personally and musically close to and remains an avid admirer of to this day. Nash respected Mitchell as much as he saw a mentor in her, taking inspiration from her approach to songwriting more than he likely realised. As he once put it: “[Joni] had the courage to bare her soul. We were very much in love. I treasured that relationship.”
Mitchell is one of the foundational members of the musical landscape. Though not as often heralded as the company she keeps in Nash’s list, her contribution to the world of musical is undeniable. She was a rebel who fought against the predetermined path for female singers and delivered a new path forward that many artists still follow to this day.
There are many reasons why Dylan might be remembered in the next century, but no one will ever come close to mirroring the singer’s intellectual standards, according to Nash. ”’Blowing in the Wind’, ‘Masters of War’, ‘A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall’, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’… what incredible pieces of poetry,” he once said. “I believe that he was well honoured by the Nobel Prize.”
Nash is a huge fan of The Beatles. Not only does he have a series of fond memories with the band, like once teaching John Lennon how to approach a particular song, but he also said he feels incredibly lucky to have been alive at the same time as The Beatles’ reign. What’s striking about Nash’s holy trinity of ultimate musicians is that it’s unlikely you’ll find anyone who will disagree – and Nash’s ability to be completely upfront about the obvious talents of such industry trailblazers speaks volumes about the lessons he learns from others.
Instead of shunning popularity, he embraces it, takes it in, and allows it to make him even better.
The three musicians Graham Nash thinks are timeless:
- The Beatles
- Bob Dylan
- Joni Mitchell
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