David Crosby, a pioneering singer-songwriter whose work with The Byrds and later Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young expanded the scope of rock music, passed away on Thursday, according to his publicist. He was 81.
His publicist told AFP that he had passed away, referencing a family member, but did not provide a reason why. Jan Dance, the singer’s wife, had earlier informed the media source Variety that Crosby had gone away after a long illness.
The statement from his wife said, “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music.”
“Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly.”
The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was a prolific musician during his life and was renowned for his unusual guitar tunings, lush harmonies, and abstract lyrics in addition to his pacifist advocacy, raw honesty, and living dangerously.
The vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter at the forefront of countercultural rock wrote a wide range of heartbreaking ballads and sharp bangers throughout the course of his six decades in the music business.
Quickly, tributes began to flood in in memory of the adored artist wearing a distinctive walrus mustache.
