David Crosby, the legendary American singer and songwriter and a founding member of The Byrds and the folk rock group Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, died on Thursday, January 19, at the age of 81.
Crosby was an original member of the Byrds and did the first five albums with them, including the group’s 1965 hit Mr. Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan.
He co-founded Crosby, Nash, and Stills with musicians Graham Nash and Stephen Stills. They later added Neil Young, a Canadian singer/songwriter, to the group.
The Crosby family released a statement and said that Crosby died after battling a long illness, surrounded by family, including his wife, Jan Dance, and his son Django.
Crosby achieved the honor of The Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame.
Crosby moved to Los Angeles in 1960 with his mind set on becoming an actor. He, however, switched to music, and in 1963, he and fellow musicians Roger “Jim” McGuinn and Gene Clark formed the rock band, The Byrds.
The band got its first Grammy nomination in 1965 for best new artist. Among their most famous hit songs was “Turn! Turn! Turn!” released in 1965, which made a strong comeback in 1994 after being featured in the critically acclaimed movie Forrest Gump.
In 1970, Crosby won a Grammy for Best New Artist as part of the band Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 live performance at the Woodstock Festival helped them gain mainstream success. Their first album together, Crosby, Stills & Nash, released in 1969, was an immediate hit featuring songs like Suite: Judy Blue Eyes and the Marrakesh Express.
Crosby released his first solo album in 1971, titled If Only I Could Remember My Name. He released a few more albums in the 80s and 90s and collaborated with other great musicians, including Bill Kreutzmann, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Joni Mitchell.
Crosby discovered Joni Mitchell in a club in Florida in 1967 and helped catapult her musical career. The two were also romantically involved.
Crosby struggled with drug addiction and went to jail for several months for possessing narcotics and weapons. He was released in 1986.
The legendary musician received a liver transplant in 1994, had multiple heart procedures, and suffered from diabetes.
Graham Nash wrote on Instagram that he was profoundly sad to hear the news. His other bandmate, Stephen Stills, wrote that despite their fights over the years, Crosby was a “giant of a musician.” Stills expressed his sadness over Crosby’s passing, saying he would miss him.
Musician Melissa Etheridge, who Crosby helped become a mother to two children by donating his sperm to her and her former partner, wrote on Instagram that she was grieving the loss of her friend and that Crosby gave her the gift of family.
When I was a young man I found an old dream,
Was as battered and worn a one as you have ever seen.
But I made it some new wings and painted the nose,
And I wished so hard up in the air I rose, singing
Carry me, carry me
Carry me above the world
Carry me, carry me, carry me.
(From “Carry Me” – David Crosby & Graham Nash)
