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David 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.
- The influential American singer-songwriter David Crosby is dead according to consistent media reports.
- The musician (“Mr. Tambourine Man”) died at the age of 81 “after a long illness”, as his wife told Variety magazine.
The singer and guitarist with the walrus beard has been in the music business since the 1960s. He 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”).
From the 1970s also as a solo artist
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.
Problems in personal life and with drugs
Drug escapades and his excessive private life often got in the way of Crosby. The American, who was born in Los Angeles in 1941, only appeared again in old age with really remarkable albums.
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. Last year, Crosby finally announced that he was now too old for concerts and that he lacked the strength.