David Crosby, American singer-songwriter and founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash, died on January 18 at the age of 81. Details about cause of death or location have not been revealed at this time.
A pioneer of American rock music and the folk-rock subgenre in particular, Crosby and his bands have been cited as an influence on artists ranging from R.E.M to Rascal Flatts. Both bands have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone‘s 2020 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time contains 4 albums between them.
He had also become known in his later years for his active use of Twitter, tweeting about and retweeting content on topics ranging from classic rock to politics to impressionist painting, accumulating over 225 thousand followers as of the time of his death.
News of his death was met with an outpouring of condolences from many, particularly his fellow musicians. E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt tweeted that he was one of the “1 of the historically essential Artists that created the Artform of Rock.” and that “We owe him, and them, everything”. Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson stated that “David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words”.
Perhaps most remarkable among these tributes was that of fellow Crosby, Stills, and Nash member Stephen Stills, with whom he shared an acrimonious relationship in later years. Through his social media team, Stills stated that “David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls. I was happy to be at peace with him.” and that “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.”
He will be dearly missed.
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