The legendary David Crosby, an iconic figure in the 60s and 70s rock music scene, has sadly passed away at 81 years of age according to a statement released by his wife.
Variety quoted his wife, Jan Dance, as saying in the statement: “It is with great sadness and after a long illness that I announce the death of our beloved David (Cruise) Crosby.”
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Yang (CSNY) is a legendary rock band made up of four members whose initials make up the name. Founding member Crosby has secured his place as part of music history with not only CSNY but also The Byrds, both bands earning him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Crosby’s music was defined by its unique vocal patterns, uncommon guitar arrangements, and heartfelt songwriting. He merged rock and folk into new forms with the Byrds and CSNY; their tunes became anthems for hippie culture.
Crosby’s life was plagued by drug addiction, ultimately resulting in a liver replacement transplant. Furthermore, Crosby endured the tragedy of a partner passing away and faced further health complications like hepatitis C and diabetes after his motorcycle accident.
His substance use and occasionally harsh attitude caused the end of CSNY, leading to total silence among its members. In a 2019 documentary called “David Crosby: Remember My Name,” he expressed his hope they would reunite, although understanding that some may have intense loathing towards him.
Crosby was fired from the Byrds because the band did not want to play his songs due to one of them being controversial about bigamy, as well as disagreements over political rants on stage.
Later, Crosby and Stephen Stills began playing together. They were then joined by Graham Nash of the band “The Hollies”. Their first album, Crosby, Stills & Nash, sold massively in 1969 and included hits like “Marrakesh Express”, “Sweet: Goody Blue Eyes” and “Jennifer”.
“It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of my friend David Crosby,” Nash said in a statement.
As he continued, “Yes, I understand how our relationship has its times of instability. However, what was more important to both David and me than anything else was the pure joy that we experienced through creating music…and the strong bond between us.”
In 1985, Crosby was convicted of drug and gun charges following an altercation at a Dallas club. After his release after one year, he reported to People magazine that he had successfully overcome his addiction. Unfortunately, in 2004, Crosby was arrested again due to comparable circumstances in New York.
In 2014, after a 21-year hiatus, he reemerged with his first solo album since “Cruise”.
