David Crosby, cofounders of the Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, has died at 81
David Crosby, the legendary rocker and co-founder of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, has died after an undisclosed “long illness.” He was 81.
Jan Dance, Jan Dance’s spouse, made the announcement on Thursday. Jan Dance said that in a statement given to Variety“It is with deep sadness that David (Croz), Crosby, our beloved, has died. Jan Crosby, his soulmate and wife, was there for him. Django was also there. Even though he is no more with us, his kindness and humanity will continue to inspire and guide us. His legendary music will continue to carry his legacy. Peace, love and harmony to all those who knew David, as well as the people he touched. We will be deeply missing him. We respectfully ask for your privacy during this difficult time. “Thank you so much for your support and prayers.
The Grammy-winner — and active tweeter — was a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee for his work with influential rock groups, the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young).
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Davis Crosby
Crosby was always destined to be a star in Hollywood. He was born in Los Angeles on August 14, 1941. He was the second child of Floyd Crosby, an Oscar-winning cinematographer, and Aliph Van Cortlandt whitehead, a salesperson. Ethan Crosby, his brother, was a musician. Crosby, however, studied drama first at Santa Barbara City College. He then switched to music.
He, Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark, along with Michael Clarke, formed the iconic folk-rock band, the Byrds. This was the beginning of many musical success stories for the singer, songwriter and guitarist. The Byrds first No. 1 hit was “Mr. Tambourine Man” in 1965. Their 1965 cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, was their first No. 1 hit.
Although the Byrds enjoyed a short, turbulent run, it is well-known for their turbulent and often violent history. Clark quit in 1966, citing anxiety, isolation, and Crosby was fired after making politically charged comments on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival, Northern California, in 1967. Crosby would appear on five of the group’s albums, and would then return to produce Byrds in 1973.
After leaving the Byrds, he teamed up with Buffalo Springfield’s Stephen Stills and the Hollies’ Graham Nash in 1968 to create Crosby, Stills & Nash. Their debut album, which was released in 1969, was a huge success, peaking at No. 6, on the Billboard 200. The album included the Top 30 hits “Marrakesh Express”, and “Suite Judy Blue Eyes,” which won them the Best New Artist award at the 12th Grammy Awards.
More to follow…
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