David Crosby, a prominent figure of the free-spirited 1970s Laurel Canyon scene who helped bring folk-rock mainstream with both The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, has died at 81, confirmed by his publicist currently no cause of death is given.
The New York Times reported, based on a text message from Crosby’s sister in law, that the musician died Wednesday night. The cause of death is not confirmed by his relatives or nearby peoples. The Associated Press was unable to reach Crosby’s representatives and his widow.
Crosby’s first big successes came as a founding member of expansive California country-folk troupe The Byrds. The group hit its commercial peak during his tenure, earning two No. 1 singles — covers of Pete Seeger’s “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” — and reaching the Top 20 with the stormy classic “Eight Miles High. He was instrumental in helping the group develop its harmony-rich vocal approach and kaleidoscopic sound.
Crosby was born Aug. 14, 1941, and grew up in Southern California. His father was cinematographer Floyd Crosby, who won an Academy Award for his work on 1931’s Tabu: A Story of the South Seas. He often said that Dennis Hopper took inspiration from his look and attitude for 1969’s Easy Rider.
Friends and fans from across the globe have taken to social media to share stories and express their condolences