Legendary singer-songwriter David Crosby, a founding member of Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, has died, a source close to the musician confirmed Thursday. He is 81 years old.
The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee passed away after a long illness, his wife said in a statement to Variety.
“He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soul mate Jane and son Django,” she told the outlet. “While he is no longer with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will live on through his legendary music.”
In a Facebook post, former bandmate Graham Nash recalled the focus of their sometimes volatile relationship – which Crosby recently publicly lashed out at him two years ago In an interview with the Guardian — but said the “pure joy” of making music with Crosby is what counts.
“David was fearless in life and music,” Nash said. “In terms of sheer personality and talent, he left a huge void in the world. He left an incredible legacy by expressing his mind, heart and passion through beautiful music. These are the the most important.”
Crosby’s final album, Live at the Capitol Theater, was released last month. In an interview with the website ultimateclassicrock.com, he described the performance captured on the recording as “magical”.
Los Angeles-born Crosby joined the Byrds in 1964 and had his first hit with Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine.”
Crosby, Stills & Nash — renamed Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young after musician Neil Young joined — formed the following year and released a string of hits, including “Marrakesh Express,” “Just a Song Before I Go”, “Woodstock”, etc.
The band’s album “Looking Forward” was released in 1999.
Crosby was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once with the Byrds in 1991 and again with Crosby, Stills and Nash six years later.
In an interview last month, he said he was no longer touring because of tendinitis in his hands.