David Crosby dies at 81

Crosby was influential since the 1960s

Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, David Crosby, has passed away a the age of 81. His wife shared the news with Variety.

“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” his wife says in a statement. “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.”

Crosby was an influential figure in the 1960s LA folk-rock scene. Crosby’s unparalleled six decade career has seen the California native create songs that resonate for more than three generations as a solo artist and in the folk-rock groups The Byrds and with Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young in Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and the group’s variations. He’s collaborated with dozens of artists, including Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Phil Collins, Elton John and Carole King.

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009. Last year, his outspokenness in support of Neil Young protesting Spotify over Joe Rogan spreading “fake information” about COVID-19 on his podcast, led to his music being removed from the platform for a short time.

In 2021, Crosby released an expanded edition of his debut, If I Could Only Remember My Name and a new album entitled For Free. In March 2021, Crosby sold his publishing and recorded music rights to Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group which included his solo work, as well as his work with The Byrds; Crosby & Nash; Crosby, Stills & Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Last year, he released his first-ever live album, David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band Live at the Capitol Theatre.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn