A statement released by David Crosby’s wife stated, “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and loving soul will continue to lead and inspire us.”
David Crosby has died at 81
On Thursday, his publicist announced the passing of David Crosby, the groundbreaking singer-songwriter whose work with The Byrds and later Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young broadened rock’s scope. He was 81. His publicist confirmed his death to AFP, citing a family member, but did not specify the cause. Jan Dance, the singer’s wife, had previously told the media source Variety that Crosby had gone away after a lengthy illness.
His wife said, “His songs will remain forever because it was so unique and different.” David’s legacy should be one of harmony, love, and unity for all those he impacted.
The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer known as much for his unconventional guitar tunings, beautiful harmonies, and esoteric lyrics as for his pacifist activism, raw honesty, and living dangerously remained a productive artist throughout his life.
In a career spanning six decades, the pioneer of countercultural rock sang, played guitar, and wrote music that spans the emotional spectrum from tender ballads to hard rock anthems. The much-loved artist, whose trademark was a walrus mustache, was instantly showered with tributes.
Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the Beach Boys, tweeted, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby.”
Publicist Stephen Sills sent a statement to AFP in which Sills said, “I was pleased to be at peace with him,” even though he and his former bandmate had had disagreements over the years since Crosby was notoriously headstrong. “He was without sure a monster of a musician, and his harmonic sensitivities were nothing short of genius,” Stills remarked of David Crosby. ‘Tremendous void’.
David Crosby first became known as a member of the band The Byrds. After putting out hits such as “Turn! Turn! Turn! and delivering a cover of Bounce Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”. The Byrds earned far-reaching respect and became popular. However, Crosby’s frankness caused him to have several conflicts with the rest of the band, which ultimately led to his dismissal in 1967.
He began performing music with Buffalo Springfield’s breakthrough musician, Stills, in jam sessions. Graham Nash joined the duo, and the supergroup’s first two singles, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” and “Our House,” were both written by Nash while he was roommates with Joni Mitchell in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. The lineup that included Neil Young became the most well-known, and their songs, especially “Ohio,” were among the most popular of the 1960s.
While it is commonly known that David Crosby had a contentious relationship with both Young and Nash, Nash was the first to respond to the news of his bandmate’s death, expressing “deep and profound regret” while also complimenting Crosby’s “wonderful music” and “great legacy.”
When asked about the tensions between the two, Nash remarked, “I know people prefer to focus on how tumultuous our relationship has been at times, but what has always been important to David Crosby and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we produced together, the sound we discovered with one another, and respect for the wonderful friendship we’ve maintained for so many years. David was unafraid of anything in life or music. “A priceless gem”.
After decades of drug abuse and other health issues, David Crosby finally sobered up and received a liver transplant, retaining only his fondness for marijuana. Working with younger artists, such as his son James, sparked a new burst of inspiration for him. His time spent writing in a group “greatly prolonged my life as a writer,” he remarked. Creating music is something that brings me great joy.
Melissa Etheridge, a popular 1990s rocker, and her spouse conceived their children with the help of a sperm donation from Crosby. “He gave me the gift of family,” Etheridge tweeted after hearing about David Crosby’s passing. “His songs and body of work will continue to move people for years to come. A priceless gem.”
Jason Isbell, with whom the musician worked in his final decade, also shared his sorrow: “We appreciate working with David Crosby. His passing will leave a gaping hole in our midst.”
David Crosby, in his later years, became a prolific tweeter, entertaining his many followers with rapid-fire, frequently funny missives that sometimes included evaluations of their favorite bars. He enjoyed interacting with his fan base by responding to their queries, sharing his political views, and mocking those he found particularly stupid.
On his final day of Twitter use, January 18th, David Crosby replied to a user’s tweet on who gets into heaven. Cloudy, I’ve been told, and I hear the place is overrated,” Crosby joked.
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FAQ
What made David Crosby leave the Byrds?
David Crosby left the Byrds in 1967 because he had a fight with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, both of whom were also in the band.