How did David Crosby die? Crosby, Stills & Nash star passes away aged 81
The iconic singer-songwriter was one of the most influential figures in the folk-rock movement to grow out of Los Angeles.
Singer, songwriter and music icon David Crosby has died at the age of 81, leaving behind a legion of fans and a place in Rock and Roll history. His family announced that he passed away after a “long illness”.
Crosby was in the original lineup of The Byrds, appearing on their first five studio albums. After leaving the band he went on to form the super group Crosby, Stills & Nash with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, before the group added Neil Young in later years. Crosby also enjoyed a highly successful solo career.
Crosby’s widow, Jan Dance, told Variety: “It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django.”
“Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched.
“We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Two-time Hall of Fame inductee passes away
One of the most iconic names in the burgeoning folk-rock scene of the 1960s, Crosby rose to fame in the influential LA-based band The Byrds. After joining in 1964 he spent four years with the group as singer and guitarist, and starred on tracks like “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “Mr. Tambourine Man”.
Crosby became a key voice in the growing genre, which would influence groups like Eagles, but his own greatest success would come in his next venture.
He formed folk-rock super group Crosby, Stills & Nash and the trio released their eponymous debut album in 1969. It was an instant hit, reaching the Top 10 and spawned a number of well-known tracks. That first LP sold more than 4 million copies in the United States.
One year later Neil Young was added to the group and three back-to-back Number 1 albums followed: Déjà Vu (1970), 4-Way Street (1971) and So Far (1974).
The group, and Crosby in particular, enjoyed near-constant success during the 1970s but the following decade was more mixed for Crosby on a personal level. He spent nine months in prison in Texas in 1985 after been convicted on a number of drug and weapons charges. It was not his only run-in with the law.
But he remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of American music and one who helped shaped a genre. As well as his huge commercial success, Crosby’s music was also recognised for its artistic achievements.
There are five albums that Crosby contributed to in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, twice.