After news broke on Thursday, January 19, of the passing of David Crosby, founding member of The Byrds and Crosby Stills & Nash, the music community reacted with memories, condolences, and sadness.
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Crosby founded The Byrds in 1964 spending four years with the group before parting ways in 1968. He found even more success with his next group. In 1989, Crosby teamed up with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash to form the iconic supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Crosby’s wife, Jan, shared the news about the legend’s death. “It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us.”
She continued, “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. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Immediately following Crosby’s death, many took to social media to remember the acclaimed folk-rock singer/songwriter. Here, we share a number of those reactions.
1. Melissa Etheridge
“@thedavidcrosby I will miss you my friend. #DavidCrosby#Croz.”
2. Brian Wilson
“I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends. Love, Brian”
3. James Taylor
“Missing you already, Croz. Love to Jan…” ~ James”
4. Nils Lofgren
“Dear Croz, Rest in Peace and Song, old friend. Much Love and Healing to Jan and Django, from Nils and Amy @roseaiello2#DavidCrosby“
5. Rosanne Cash
“I can’t begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me. I’m grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he’s gone.”
6. The Tom Petty Estate
“Tom counted David Crosby as a friend and a hero. He visited often at his house in the valley. He was funny, provocative and electric with talent. His contribution to music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.”
7. Marianne Faithfull
“‘I don’t like greed, I don’t like ignorance. I really don’t like anger. But I love love.’ –@thedavidcrosby
Rest in peace to the brilliant David Crosby. He will be greatly missed.”
8. Ron Sexsmith
“RIP David Crosby I was just listening to CSN the other night and was always blown away by his voice and sense of harmony. Huge loss RS”
9. Chuck D
“Said it as he said it #DavidCrosby @thedavidcrosby RIP”
10. The Avett Brothers
“A lovely voice and a lovely human being. Sincerest thanks to David Crosby for his kindness and for singing so beautifully to us all. -The Avett Brothers”
11. Margo Price
“‘not bad… for a bunch of white kids…’ – David Crosby after he saw me and my band perform our set at the Philadelphia Folk Fest thanks for the songs croz, gonna blast Cowboy Movie and do a j your honor tonight”
12. REO Speedwagon
“1/5 Hi friends, David Crosby meant so much to me. Those first four Byrds albums helped shape who I am as a musician. I heard “Mr Tambourine Man” on the radio, and immediately traded my Gibson ES 335 for a Rickenbacker electric 12-string.
“2/5 I loved those albums and learned to play every song. When I heard that David, Graham Nash, and Stephen Stills were putting together a super-group, I flipped out. I bought that first CSN album and wore out the grooves.
“3/5 My dream would come true when I wrote the song, “Haven’t We Lost Enough” with Stephen, and was part of the recording session with Graham and David. The song would appear on two CSN albums, one of my proudest career moments.
“4/5 David Crosby and his wife Jan lived a few doors down from Lisa and me in Encino, and welcomed me into their home. By this time their main vice was herbal tea, and we shared a memorable afternoon of tea and music. David had taken a spill on his Harley just up the street….
“5/5 …and yet he still showed up for a free recording session, on crutches, and sang his heart out on my song “Hard to Believe”. It is hard believe he is gone…so sad. Rest In Peace David Crosby. kc”
Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns
