Legendary singer-songwriter David Crosby has died at age 81, according to his family. Crosby was a founding member of influential rock bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Jan Dance, Crosby’s wife, issued a statement about the passing of the music icon through 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,” the widow continued. “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.”
She added of her deceased husband, “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 born on Aug. 14, 1941, in Los Angles, California.
Crosby helped found The Byrds in 1964 along with bandmates Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke. The Byrds notched a number-one hit in 1965 with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
Crosby and The Byrds parted ways in 1967.
He then co-founded the folk-rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash along with fellow Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. Later, the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young added singer-songwriter Neil Young to the band.
The band won a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1969.
Crosby released six solo albums — five of which made the charts.
Crosby is one of the few musicians to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He also was an influential part of five albums that were included in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Crosby is survived by his wife Jan Dance, their son Django, son James Raymond, and two daughters from previous relationships — Erika and Donovan.
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