David Crosby, legendary songwriter and member of The Byrds and Crosby Stills Nash and Younger, has died on the age of 81, Selection experiences.

“It’s with nice unhappiness after a protracted sickness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has handed away,” his spouse wrote in an announcement. “He was lovingly surrounded by his spouse and soulmate Jan and son Django. Though he’s now not right here with us, his humanity and sort soul will proceed to information and encourage us. His legacy will proceed to dwell on by means of his legendary music. Peace, love, and concord to all who knew David and people he touched. We are going to miss him dearly. Presently, we respectfully and kindly ask for privateness as we grieve and attempt to cope with our profound loss. Thanks for the love and prayers.”

Early Life and The Byrds

Crosby was born August 14th, 1941, the second son of Academy Award-winning cinematographer Floyd Crosby. After dropping out of faculty, he made a reputation for himself as a solo artist in California’s burgeoning folks scene, and first modified rock historical past by becoming a member of bandmates Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke in The Byrds in 1964.

The group achieved a No. 1 hit with their cowl of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” a observe that launched the layered vocal harmonies for which they might be identified. Crosby contributed to 5 albums throughout a prolific three-year run, whereas his uncompromising persona bruised emotions. Following a controversial look at Monterey Pop Pageant with Buffalo Springfield in 1967, throughout which he unfold conspiracy theories in regards to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jr, he and the remainder of The Byrds agreed to half methods.

Rise of the Supergroups

In 1968 he shaped Crosby Stills and Nash with Buffalo Springfield’s Stephen Stills and The Hollies’ Graham Nash, a lineup typically credited with popularizing the supergroup in rock and roll. The trio gained a Grammy for Greatest New Artist on the power of their 1969 eponymous debut, and that very same yr Neil Younger started to hitch them for dwell appearances, together with Woodstock. As a quartet they had been billed as CSNY and starting with 1970’s Déjà vu, they left an enduring impression on music and the broader counterculture motion.

As soon as once more Crosby started to put on on his bandmates, although the group’s hard-partying methods within the glamorous Laurel Canyon scene could have contributed to their quick tempers. CSN and CSNY took a number of breaks over the intervening years, sometimes regrouping to tour, make music, and conflict once more.