Tributes have poured in to the 1960s hitmaker and ‘giant of a musician’ David Crosby, after DailyMail.com confirmed he’d passed away at the age of 81.

The member of the bands the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash died on Thursday ‘after a long illness,’ his wife Jan Dance told Variety.

Among those to pay tribute was David’s former Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young bandmate Stephen Stills, who said in a statement that ‘his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius.’

Beloved: Tributes have poured in to the 1960s hitmaker and 'giant of a musician' David Crosby, after DailyMail.com confirmed he'd passed away at the age of 81

Beloved: Tributes have poured in to the 1960s hitmaker and ‘giant of a musician’ David Crosby, after DailyMail.com confirmed he’d passed away at the age of 81

Stephen shared a touching tribute to David with ABC News in the wake of his friend’s death, saying: ‘I read a quote in this morning’s paper attributed to compose Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment: ”Death has, on placid cat’s paws entered the room.” I should have known something was up.

‘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. 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.’

RIP: The member of the bands the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash died on Thursday 'after a long illness,' his wife Jan Dance told Variety (pictured in July 2019)

RIP: The member of the bands the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash died on Thursday ‘after a long illness,’ his wife Jan Dance told Variety (pictured in July 2019)

Crosby's longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash called him 'fearless in life and music'

Crosby’s longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash called him ‘fearless in life and music’

Another of David’s bandmates, Graham Nash, also a shared moving tribute to his longtime friend on Facebook.

He wrote: ‘It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed. 

‘I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.

‘David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. 

‘He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.’

 

Touching: A slew of stars took to social media to pay tribute to Brian, including The Doors, The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and the team running the late Tom Petty's social media

Touching: A slew of stars took to social media to pay tribute to Brian, including The Doors, The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and the team running the late Tom Petty’s social media

The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson also shared his own tribute to Brian on Twitter, writing: ‘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.’

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.’

Steven Van Zandt said, ‘RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, 1 of the historically essential Artists that created the Artform of Rock. 

‘The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys & Yardbirds, showed future generations like us what was possible. We owe him, and them, everything.’

The official account for the late Tom Petty issued a statement that said ‘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.’

The official account for The Doors called Crosby ‘another ethereal fixture of the ’60s peace and love movement; a legend within his own right, and every group he was a part of.

‘Coming up in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and song writing abilities that made him completely unique…’

Other notable memorials came from entertainers such as Billy Corgan, the group Hanson, comic Richard Lewis and actress Christina Applegate.

‘Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and neighborhood will howl and then blast CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend,’ said Applegate. ‘If you do this, please send me videos RIP David Crosby!! We love you.’ 

Hanson also posted: ‘We are so sad to hear of the passing of the legendary David Crosby, a man of unvelievable talent,’ before sharing a link to their cover of one Crosby, Nash and Young’s greatest hits.

Richard tweeted: ‘RIP David, it feels lately that death is becoming tragically predicatable.’ 

Emotional: Other notable memorials came from entertainers such as Billy Corgan, the group Hanson, comic Richard Lewis and actress Christina Applegate

Emotional: Other notable memorials came from entertainers such as Billy Corgan, the group Hanson, comic Richard Lewis and actress Christina Applegate

Comedian Richard Lewis wrote, ‘RIP David. It feels lately that death is becoming tragically predictable.’ 

Melissa Etheridge also paid tribute to David following news of his death, thanking him for ‘the gift of family’ he gave her and her former partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor for their two children, daughter Bailey and late son Beckett. 

‘I am grieving the loss of my friend, and Bailey’s and Beckett’s biological father, David,’ the singer-songwriter said on Instagram. ‘He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan.’

Etheridge is also mother to twins Johnnie and Miller, who she welcomed with former partner Tammy Lynn Michaels using an anonymous sperm donor. 

The Leavenworth, Kansas native said that Crosby’s ‘music and legacy will inspire many generations to come,’ and that he was ‘a true treasure.’ 

David’s sad death was first announced by his wife Jan on Thursday.

‘It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,’ she said in the statement. 

‘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.’

Moving: Melissa Etheridge also paid tribute to David following news of his death, thanking him for 'the gift of family' he gave her and her former partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor

Moving: Melissa Etheridge also paid tribute to David following news of his death, thanking him for ‘the gift of family’ he gave her and her former partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor 

Etheridge called Crosby 'a true treasure' and said she would be 'forever grateful to him'

Etheridge called Crosby ‘a true treasure’ and said she would be ‘forever grateful to him’

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.’

Crosby was a singer and guitarist for The Byrds from 1964-1967, along with Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke. The folk rock group, based out of Los Angeles, had notable hits such as Turn! Turn! Turn! and Mr. Tambourine Man. 

He later formed the musical trio Crosby, Stills & Nash with the Hollies’ Graham Nash and Buffalo Springfield’s Stephen Stills, with the group’s 1969 debut album going multi-platinum. The album had notable hits such as Suite: Judy Blue Eyes and Marrakesh Express.

Crosby was best known as a member of the 1960s band Crosby, Stills & Nash with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills (pictured on the cover of their 1969 album)

Crosby was best known as a member of the 1960s band Crosby, Stills & Nash with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills (pictured on the cover of their 1969 album)

The group eventually added legendary musical artist Neil Young into the fold, and were called Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, before a series of partings and reunions in the 1970s. 

The quartet had a trio of number one albums: 1970’s Déjà Vu – which includes the hits Teach Your Children, Ohio and Woodstock – as well as 1971’s 4-Way Street and the 1974 compilation So Far. 

Crosby also released a solo album titled If Only I Could Remember My Name in 1971, also releasing a series of albums with Nash in 1972, 1975 and 1976. 

Blast from the past: Crosby was a singer and guitarist for The Byrds from 1964 to 1967, along with Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke

Blast from the past: Crosby was a singer and guitarist for The Byrds from 1964 to 1967, along with Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke 

He was pictured in September of 1969 at the Big Sur Folk Festival in Big Sur, California

He was pictured in September of 1969 at the Big Sur Folk Festival in Big Sur, California

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed with Joni Mitchell at England's Wembley Stadium in 1974

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed with Joni Mitchell at England’s Wembley Stadium in 1974

Crosby, Stills & Nash got back together for the 1977 album CSN, which featured the single Just a Song Before I Go. 

The group also put out albums including 1981’s Replay and 1982’s Daylight Again, the latter of which included the singles Wasted on the Way and Southern Cross. The group also released the 1983 album Allies.

Crosby ran into significant legal troubles in the mid-1980s, as he was convicted in connection with drug and weapons charges, leading to a nine-month 1985 stint in Texas state prison. 

The Byrds - (L-R) Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman, David Crosby - were pictured in London in 1966

The Byrds – (L-R) Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman, David Crosby – were pictured in London in 1966

The accomplished musician was seen in the Netherlands in 1976

The accomplished musician was seen in the Netherlands in 1976

He made a comeback in 1988 with the album American Dream with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, as the album spawned the hit single Got It Made.

Crosby, Stills & Nash released a trio of albums between the years 1990 and 1998, with Young rejoining the ensemble for the 1999 album Looking Forward.

In 2006, the quartet toured the country on the Freedom of Speech concert tour following the release of Young’s album Living with War. The tour had a political message amid the midterm elections that year.

Crosby was a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with The Byrds in 1991, and with Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1997. 

Crosby also dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as Hook and Thunderheart; TV shows such as Roseanne and The John Larroquette Show; and voicing two roles on The Simpsons. 

Crosby was pictured playing guitar in Tokyo in December of 1975

Crosby was pictured playing guitar in Tokyo in December of 1975 

He penned a pair of memoirs with Carl Gottlieb, including 1988’s Long Time Gone and 2007’s Since Then: How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About It, as well as the historical 2000 book Stand and Be Counted with David Bender.

Crosby is survived by his wife Jan Dance, son Django, son James Raymond, and a pair of daughters, Erika and Donovan, from past relationships.

Crosby was the sperm donor father of lesbian singer Melissa Etheridge’s two children, one of whom ended up dying of a drug overdose in May of 2020. 

Etheridge and former partner, Julie Cypher, used the musician’s sperm donation via an artificial insemination in conceiving daughter Bailey and son Beckett, who died at 21 from a drug overdose.

‘Today I joined the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction,’ Etheridge said in a statement on Twitter at the time. ‘My son Beckett, who was just 21, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today. He will be missed by those who loved him, his family and friends.’

Etheridge told the Today show in 2016 that she and Cypher had also considered using a sperm donation from her friend Brad Pitt, but circumstances prevented it, as Pitt was hoping to have a child at the time, and the then-couple were not interested in a third party parenting their kids.

‘It’s one of the reasons why David Crosby and his wife are so perfect – because they already had children,’ Etheridge said. ‘They were looking to do this as a gift.’

Etheridge was among the notable names to take to social media with memorial messages for Crosby, sharing a picture of them together.

‘I am grieving the loss of my friend and Bailey’s biological father, David,’ Etheridge said. ‘He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure.’

Crobsy’s longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash took to Facebook with a comprehensive statement reflecting on their music and friendship.

‘It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed,’ Nash said. ‘I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.’

Nash said that Crosby ‘was fearless in life and in music’ and ‘leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world.

‘He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.’

Crosby had posted to social media a number of sentiments acknowledging his own mortality in recent days

Crosby had posted to social media a number of sentiments acknowledging his own mortality in recent days 

Crosby on Wednesday said 1966's Eleanor Rigby was the best song for a rainy day

Crosby on Wednesday said 1966’s Eleanor Rigby was the best song for a rainy day 

Crosby had posted to social media a number of sentiments acknowledging his own mortality in recent days.

On Wednesday, he responded to a user’s post about heaven, writing, ‘I heard the place is overrated….cloudy.’

He also retweeted a tweet naming the 1987 Belinda Carlisle hit Heaven Is A Place On Earth.

He also replied to a post requesting the best Beatles songs to play on rainy days, replying Rigby, in reference to the 1966 song Eleanor Rigby.

In reply to a post featuring a photo of congressional Republicans Lauren Boebert, Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene, Crosby said the phrase that came to his mind was ‘rampant self interest.’ 

In reply to a post featuring a photo of Republican representatives Lauren Boebert, Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene, Crosby said the phrase that came to his mind was 'rampant self interest'

In reply to a post featuring a photo of Republican representatives Lauren Boebert, Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene, Crosby said the phrase that came to his mind was ‘rampant self interest’



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