Stephen Stills at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Rock Stars
- Net Worth: $30 Million
- Birthdate: Jan 3, 1945 (79 years old)
- Birthplace: Dallas
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Guitarist, Songwriter, Singer, Record producer, Musician, Political activist, Actor, Multi-instrumentalist
- Nationality: United States of America
Stephen Stills’ Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of a Rock Legend
Stephen Stills, a name synonymous with rock and roll royalty, boasts a net worth of $30 million. This figure reflects a career spanning decades, marked by innovative songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and iconic collaborations. From his early days with Buffalo Springfield to the formation of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Stills has left an indelible mark on music history. This article delves into the various facets of his life, from his formative years to his enduring musical impact and the financial success that has accompanied his journey.
Early Life and Influences
Born on January 3, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, Stephen Stills experienced a childhood shaped by the mobility of a military family. His upbringing took him across the globe, exposing him to diverse cultures and experiences in locations such as Florida, Louisiana, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. This itinerant lifestyle likely contributed to the multifaceted perspective that would later inform his songwriting. His education included attendance at Admiral Farragut Academy, Saint Leo College Preparatory School, and a high school diploma from Lincoln High School in Costa Rica. While he briefly attended Louisiana State University, music eventually took precedence, leading him to abandon formal education in the early 1960s.
Career Beginnings: From Coffeehouses to the Company
Stills’ musical journey began with several bands, laying the foundation for his future success. He honed his skills as a solo performer at Greenwich Village coffeehouses, including Gerde’s Folk City, a breeding ground for emerging talent. His talents quickly earned him a spot as a house act at New York City’s Cafe au Go Go. With this group, he toured and released an album in 1964. Following this, Stills formed the band “The Company” with other members of the Au Go Go Singers, further solidifying his presence in the burgeoning music scene.

(Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Buffalo Springfield: The Genesis of a Sound
In 1966, Stills, along with Neil Young and Richie Furay, formed Buffalo Springfield in Los Angeles. The band’s innovative blend of folk, rock, country, and psychedelia quickly set them apart. Their self-titled debut album, released the same year, showcased Stills’ songwriting prowess. “For What It’s Worth,” a song penned by Stills, became a cultural touchstone, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. The band released its second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again,” that year, featuring the hits “Bluebird” and “Rock & Roll Woman.” Despite a relatively short lifespan, Buffalo Springfield’s influence resonated deeply. The band officially disbanded in 1968, although contractual obligations led to the creation of a final album, “Last Time Around.”
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Supergroup Status and Beyond
The late 1968 saw Stills unite with David Crosby of The Byrds and Graham Nash of The Hollies to form Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN). Their self-titled debut album, released in 1969, was a commercial and critical success, spawning the top-40 hits “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” and “Marrakesh Express.” Seeking to enhance their live performances, the trio enlisted Neil Young, thus giving birth to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY). In 1970, CSNY released “Déjà Vu,” an album that solidified their supergroup status, featuring the hit singles “Woodstock,” “Our House,” and “Teach Your Children.” A double live album, “4 Way Street,” followed in 1971, reaching number one on the Billboard 200. However, the ensuing tour was marked by internal tensions and ultimately led to the group’s dissolution. CSNY reunited several times over the years, releasing albums such as “So Far,” “CSN,” “Daylight Again,” “American Dream,” “After the Storm,” and “Looking Forward.”

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Solo Career: Chart Success and Creative Exploration
During the height of CSNY’s success, Stills, like his bandmates, embarked on a solo career. His self-titled debut solo album, released in 1970, was a star-studded affair, featuring contributions from Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cass Elliot, and Ringo Starr. The album yielded the hit singles “Love the One You’re With” and “Sit Yourself Down.” Six months later, he released “Stephen Stills 2,” which included the singles “Marianne” and “Change Partners.” Stills subsequently toured extensively, selling out major venues. In 1975, he signed with Columbia Records and released the album “Stills,” followed by “Illegal Stills” and “Thoroughfare Gap.”
After a six-year hiatus, Stills returned with “Right by You” in 1984, his last album to chart on the Billboard 200 and his final solo release on a major label. He released “Stills Alone” in 1991 and didn’t release another solo album until 2005’s “Man Alive!,” released by the independent label Talking Elephant.
Other Projects and Collaborations: Manassas, The Rides, and More
Beyond his solo work and the iconic groups he founded, Stills engaged in numerous other projects. He formed the rock group Manassas with Chris Hillman, formerly of The Byrds. Their self-titled debut double album, released in 1972, reached number four on the US charts, followed by extensive touring. In 1973, the band released its second and final studio album, “Down the Road.” Later, Stills reunited with Neil Young to form the Stills-Young Band, releasing the album “Long May You Run.”
In 2013, Stills formed the blues supergroup The Rides, featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg. Their debut album, “Can’t Get Enough,” was followed in 2016 by “Pierced Arrow,” which topped the Billboard Top Blues Albums Chart. Furthermore, Stills collaborated with Judy Collins, a singer and former romantic partner, on the 2017 album “Everybody Knows.”
Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Stills’ personal life has been as dynamic as his musical career. His significant relationship with Judy Collins from 1968 to 1969 was followed by associations with actress and singer-songwriter Nancy Priddy and singer Rita Coolidge. He had a son, Justin, with Harriet Tunis in 1972. Stills married French singer-songwriter Véronique Sanson in 1973, and they had a son, Christopher, in 1974, before divorcing in 1979. In 1988, he married Thai model Pamela Ann Jordan, with whom he had a daughter, Eleanor. The couple divorced in 1995. His third marriage was to producer and activist Kristen Hathaway in 1996, and they have a son, Oliver, born in 2004.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills’ net worth of $30 million is a testament to a career defined by musical innovation, collaboration, and enduring success. His contributions to Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and his prolific solo work have cemented his place in the annals of rock and roll. Stills’ influence as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist continues to inspire generations of musicians. His story is a reminder that talent, dedication, and the courage to explore creative boundaries can lead to a legacy that transcends time. Stephen Stills’ music continues to resonate, proving that his influence on the world of music is far from over.