David Crosby dead aged 81

Music legend David Crosby - who co-founded some of the most influential bands of the 1960s - has died aged 81.

Crosby, who was co-founder of Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Byrds, died after a “long illness”, a statement by his family confirmed.

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“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” it read.

“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.

“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’s rise to fame came as singer and guitarist for The Byrds, a band that popularised folk rock.

During his time with the group between 1964 and 1967, he sang on many hit songs including the chart-topping Mr Tambourine Man.

Tensions, however, boiled over and Crosby was later dismissed from the band.

He would go on to find greater success with his next group - Crosby, Stills & Nash.

At one stage, Neil Young joined the band, its name becoming Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to reflect the fourth singer’s presence.

Songs Crosby wrote or co-wrote included Guinnevere, Wooden Ships, Shadow Captain, and In My Dreams.

The Morning Show Entertainment Editor Peter Ford shared his shock at the news.

“This year’s shaping up to be a really bad year for significant, wonderful, talented people leaving us,” Ford said.

“This news has just come through now. His wife has indicated that he has been suffering from a long illness but interestingly his blue ticked Twitter account was active as of yesterday, with contributions from supposedly him and retweets that he was doing.

“Maybe other people were operating that account, but it is blue ticked (verified).

“But interestingly, just in early November of last year, he brought out a new album, a brand new live album, with a band he was working with call The Lighthouse Band and it’s a really terrific album and was recorded in a theatre in Porchester, New York.

“This young group of musicians, who he teamed up with, who got a great thrill out of working with a music legend, suddenly put this album out and it’s just great.

“This is somebody who was still staying active and creative, right up until the last minutes, so today we take our hats off to David Crosby at the age of 81.”

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