David Crosby was one of the most important figures in rock and roll. He was an original member of folk rock visionaries the Byrds and the super group, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
- Died: January 18, 2023 (Who else died on January 18?)
- Details of death: Died after a long illness at the age of 81.
- We invite you to share condolences for David Crosby in our Guest Book.
The Byrds
Crosby co-founded the pioneering folk rock band the Byrds in 1964, originally as a trio with Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. With the Byrds, Crosby co-wrote the psychedelic classic “Eight Miles High” as well as writing songs including “Everybody’s Been Burned” and “Lady Friend.” As the band’s membership fluctuated, tensions arose within the group, and amidst arguments, Crosby was only partially involved in the recording of their 1968 fifth album, “The Notorious Byrd Brothers.” He was frustrated that the band continued to record covers when they had strong songwriting talent, including his own. The Byrds’ appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival was another stressor as Crosby talked at length about political topics between songs. He was dismissed from the band late in 1967 – but the break from the Byrds only opened up new musical possibilities for Crosby.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Within months after leaving the Byrds, Crosby had begun jamming with Stephen Stills, formerly of Buffalo Springfield, and Graham Nash, who left the Hollies to team up with Crosby and Stills. A supergroup was quickly formed: Crosby, Stills & Nash. Their self-titled first album was a smash and became a great classic of the late ‘60s, with enduring songs including “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express,” and the Crosby-penned “Guinnevere.”
After adding Neil Young, who had been in Buffalo Springfield with Stills, the newly-expanded supergroup played for only the second time as a quartet at Woodstock, in the wee hours of the festival’s final morning. Their recording of Joni Mitchell’s song “Woodstock” for their second album boosted their popularity and helped make Crosby and his bandmates some of the most iconic faces and voices of the Woodstock generation. That album, “Déjà Vu,” also included the beloved songs “Teach Your Children,” “Our House,” and Crosby’s “Almost Cut My Hair.”
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young broke up in 1970, but they reformed in 1973 and went through several on-and-off phases over the years. As with the Byrds, tensions sometimes drove the band members apart, and both Nash and Young had public feuds with Crosby in the 20th century. They most recently reunited in 2013, though band members later said both that they would never perform together again… and that a reunion could be a possibility.
Other work
Crosby released his first solo album in 1971, after the first breakup of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. A second solo album wouldn’t materialize until 1989, including the successful single “Drive My Car.” Another success came in 1993 with “Hero,” written and recorded with Phil Collins. Crosby also partnered with Nash to release several albums as Crosby & Nash. They worked together as session musicians, contributing backing vocals to music by artists including Jackson Browne, Carole King, and Elton John.
Personal life and activism
Crosby was the father of four children, as well as making headlines as the sperm donor to two children of musician Melissa Etheridge and her partner, Julie Cypher. Also making headlines were his multiple arrests on drug and weapons charges. In 1985, Crosby spent nine months in a Texas state prison as a result of one of those arrests. He was in the news in 1994 when he had a liver transplant, necessitated by his struggle with hepatitis C. Crosby often spoke out about his political views, including his opposition to the Vietnam War and his skepticism of the Warren Commission’s report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Acting appearances
Crosby had roles in several movies and TV shows, only occasionally playing himself. He had a recurring role on “The John Larroquette Show” as Larroquette’s AA sponsor, as well as making guest appearances on “Roseanne,” “Chicago Hope,” and “Ellen” and voicing himself on two episodes of “The Simpsons.” Crosby also acted in the movies “Hook,” “Backdraft,” and “Thunderheart.”
Notable quote
“I’m in a peculiar place, man. I’m right at the end of my life. I don’t have a lot of time left. I don’t know if I’ve found my way, but I do know I feel happy. I love my family, and the music’s coming to me. So, despite the fact that the world is in a shaky spot, I feel pretty damned good.” –from a 2021 interview for the Guardian
Tributes to David Crosby
Full obituary: Rolling Stone
