How a superstition about magpies inspired the name of a multi-platinum rock band
In short: Formed in 1991, Counting Crows rose from the Berkeley music scene to global stardom. Their name stems from a British divination rhyme about magpies, which singer Adam Duritz encountered in a film. Beyond their hits, the band is defined by a restless, evolving lineup and a commitment to dynamic live performances.
The band's origins trace back to 1991 in San Francisco, where vocalist Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson began as an acoustic duo. Their breakthrough arrived with the 1993 debut album, August and Everything After, which sold over seven million copies in the United States. Driven by the hit single "Mr. Jones," the album launched the group into the mainstream during an era dominated by grunge. Despite the rapid ascent, the band maintained a distinct roots-rock sound, drawing inspiration from artists like Van Morrison and The Band.
Fame brought significant internal challenges, including Duritz's well-documented struggles with his mental health and the departure of several early members. The band's second album, Recovering the Satellites (1996), served as a thematic exploration of the pressures of celebrity. Over the decades, the group's composition shifted, with long-time collaborator David Immerglück eventually joining as a permanent member in 1999. The band has consistently prioritized live performance, even experimenting with unique touring formats like the 2009 "Traveling Circus" tour, where members of different bands performed together throughout the night.
Counting Crows has sold more than 20 million albums throughout their career. Their work has spanned various projects, from Academy Award-nominated tracks like "Accidentally in Love" for the film Shrek 2 to independent releases and covers albums. In recent years, the band has continued to evolve, releasing the EP Butter Miracle, Suite One in 2021, which was later expanded into a full-length album in 2025. Today, they remain a fixture in the alternative rock landscape, having successfully navigated the transition from a local Bay Area act to an internationally recognized musical institution.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Counting Crows
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