Crosby made it into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” with two bands – and became one of the most influential American musicians. Now the singer-songwriter died after a long illness.
New York – The influential American singer-songwriter David Crosby is dead. The musician (“Mr. Tambourine Man”) died at the age of 81 “after a long illness”, as his wife told Variety magazine. The NBC TV channel also confirmed the death on Thursday (local time), citing a source close to the family. “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will live on through his legendary music,” the statement said.
The singer and guitarist with the walrus beard was born in Los Angeles in 1941 and was twice inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” for his two bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash. His early days as a rock musician took him to new heights with the Byrds, which he co-founded with Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. From 1964 to 1967 he recorded five key US folk rock albums and had several hits (alongside “Mr. Tambourine Man”, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “So You Want To Be A Rock ‘n’ Roll Star”).
Quarrels led to Crosby’s dismissal. But he fell softly and soon formed the “supergroup” Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) with Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield) and Graham Nash (The Hollies). At times, the Canadian Neil Young was added as the fourth studio and live member, including 1969 at the famous Woodstock Festival as CSNY.
In the early 1970s, the musician, blessed with a wonderfully clear, bright voice, concentrated on his outstanding solo debut “If I Could Only Remember My Name…”. Other records with his companions Stills, Nash and Young, some of whom were in a love-hate relationship, followed sporadically.
Drug escapades and his excessive private life often got in the way of Crosby. With really remarkable albums, the American only appeared again in old age. The five most recently presented solo works are among the most beautiful, touching and distinguished that David Crosby has done in his long career – from “Croz” (2014) to “For Free” (2021) an impressive late work. Crosby finally announced last year that he was now too old for concerts and that he lacked the strength. dpa
