David Crosby’s passing is being lamented throughout the music industry and beyond.
Crosby, a founding member of the bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, passed away on Thursday after “a protracted illness,” his wife said. He was 81.
Brian Wilson, singer, songwriter, and co-founder of The Beach Boys, responded to the news by posting a picture of him and Crosby conversing on Twitter.
I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby, but I don’t know what more to say,” he wrote. “David had the incredible skill and was a fantastic singer and songwriter. A wonderful person, too. I just don’t know what to say. Love and mercy to David’s loved ones. Dear Brian:”
Melissa Etheridge, who had previously stated that Crosby had fathered her two daughters, Bailey and Beckett (who passed away in 2020), through artificial insemination with her ex-partner Julie Cypher, also paid tribute to the late performer.
She posted a picture of Beckett and Bailey on Instagram along with the caption, “I am mourning the passing of my friend Beckett and Bailey’s biological father, David. “He gave me my family as a gift. I’ll always be appreciative to him, Django, and Jan. Many future generations will be inspired by his music and legacy. a priceless treasure.”
Christina Applegate explained her strategy for paying respect.
“To celebrate this lovely soul and legacy, my friends and neighbors will howl tonight at 7 p.m. PST before blasting CSN. Please send me footage if you do this. RIP, David Crosby! I adore you, “She composed.
The Doors also posted the following tribute on their official Twitter account: “A legend in his own right and in every group he was a part of, the world has lost yet another ethereal fixture of the peace and love movement of the 1960s. David Crosby, who was a teenager during The Doors’ heyday, had a voice and songwriting prowess that set him apart from everyone else.”
The band Home Free sent a heartfelt greeting to “the iconic David Crosby” wishing him a safe journey to the other side.
The band’s own cover of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Helplessly Hoping,” along with a statement stating that they would “never finish unpacking the layers of his music,” were put online.
Michael Des Barres, an actor and rock musician, praised Crosby as someone “a man who “kept to his guns” and who was “tough and gifted.” She had tremendous talent and taste.”
Des Barres went on: “In Laurel Canyon, his soothing voice may still be heard. A proud man who did not apologize for what he said or how he felt. An American Icon and a genius songwriter, RIP.”
Rosanne Cash, a musician, wrote: “How important Crosby, Stills, and Nash were to me is beyond words. I’m glad David Crosby was still alive and am incredibly sorry he’s gone.”
Crosby’s former publicist Danny Deraney, an Emmy winner, also paid tribute by posting a vintage clip of Crosby singing the 1969 hit song “Long Time Gone” with Crosby.
“When I think back on the folks I worked with that I admired as a child, I have to pinch myself occasionally. I have supported David Crosby on various occasions. He was a self-made man. He might be a pussycat or a cantankerous person. Cros was there. As genuine as it could possibly be, “Tweeted Deraney.
Crosby’s wife informed Variety of his passing on Thursday.
After a protracted illness, our dear David (Croz) Crosby has died away, she remarked with deep regret. “His soul partner Jan, his wife, and their kid Django were ecstatically surrounding him. Even though he is no longer among us, his kindness and humanity will serve as a constant example for us. Through his iconic songs, he will continue to leave a lasting legacy.”
She declared, “To everyone who knew David and the people he touched, peace, love, and harmony. He will be sorely missed. We respectfully and humbly request privacy at this time while we grieve and work to come to terms with our great loss. Thank you for your prayers and love.”
