Tributes have been plentiful for legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist David Crosby, founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), who died has died on Wednesday evening January 18 (US time) at the age of 81. A statement said that this was after a long illness.
Crosby was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of the Byrds in 1991 and Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1997.
While Crosby had said last year that he was retiring from performing and would concentrate on recording, he had changed his mind soon after and was due to perform on February 22 at the Lobero Theater with Bruce Cockburn.
In 2019, Crosby was the subject of the Cameron Crowe produced documentary, David Crosby: Remember My Name (nominated for Best Music Film at the 2020 Grammys). In the film Crosby spoke about how none of his former bandmates would talk to him. He had become estranged from Neil Young after being critical of Young’s relationship with Daryl Hannah. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young last played together as a quartet at a Bridge School benefit in 2013. The final appearance by CSN as a trio was in 2015. The trio had appeared at Bluesfest in Byron Bay in 2014.
Crosby was the son of Oscar-winning cinematographer Floyd Crosby and was raised in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, who started in music after dropping out of Santa Barbara City College and becoming involved in the folk music scene where began working the L.A. folk clubs as a solo act. In 1964 Crosby joined The Byrds and appeared on the band’s first five albums. In 1968 he became part of Crosby, Stills & Nash who made an immediate impression, winning the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1969 and appearing at Woodstock.
Former CSNY partner Graham Nash has posted. “It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed,” Nash wrote. “I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.
“David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.”
Stephen Stills posted: “I read a quote in this morning’s paper attributed to composer Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment: ‘Death has, on placid cat’s paws, entered the room.’ I shoulda known something was up. David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls,” Stills continued. “I was happy to be at peace with him. He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun. I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure.”
Neil Young posted the following on his website: “David is gone, but his music lives on. The soul of CSNY, David’s voice and energy were at the heart of our band. His great songs stood for what we believed in and it was always fun and exciting when we got to play together. ‘Almost Cut My Hair,’ ‘Deja Vu’ and so many other great songs he wrote were wonderful to jam on and Stills and I had a blast as he kept us going on and on. His singing with Graham was so memorable, their duo spot a highlight of so many of our shows. We had so many great times, especially in the early years. Crosby was a very supportive friend in my early life, as we bit off big pieces of our experience together. David was the catalyst of many things. My heart goes out to Jan and Django, his wife and son. Lots of love to you. Thanks David for your spirit and songs, Love you man. I remember the best times!”
Chris Hillman posted: “I lost my friend, David, today. I pray God grants him peace.”
Carole King said: “My old friend David is gone, but he left us with his words, his music and his beautiful voice. My deepest condolences to Jan, Django and everyone who loved David Crosby.”
David Gilmour has posted: “RIP David Crosby. One more story ends, which will leave us a legacy of unique music…!”