David Crosby, Folk-Rock Legend, Dead at 81

David Crosby, Folk-Rock Legend, Dead at 81.

On January 19, David Crosby, who helped create some of the most beloved and influential classic-rock bands of the '60s and '70s, died at the age of 81.

On January 19, David Crosby, who helped create some of the most beloved and influential classic-rock bands of the '60s and '70s, died at the age of 81.

'The New York Times' reports that the sister of Mr. Crosby's wife, Jen Dance, said through a text message that the artist died "last night," without providing any details.

The founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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The founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Crosby's jazz-infused style pushed the boundaries of vocally-driven folk-rock and has become an inspiration to generations of musicians.

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The 'NYT' reports that Crosby had long struggled with health problems, including a battle with Hepatitis C, which led him to a liver transplant in 1994.

Due to his type 2 diabetes, Crosby was forced to cancel his 2014 tour while undergoing a cardiac catheterization and angiogram.

The musician was born David Van Cortland Crosby on August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.

The musician was born David Van Cortland Crosby on August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.

The 'NYT' reports that he received his first guitar at the age of 16 from his older brother, Ethan.

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The 'NYT' reports that he received his first guitar at the age of 16 from his older brother, Ethan.

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I would learn two chords and go back and forth between them.

What took it to the next level was, my brother started listening to 1950s jazz: Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, people like that.

Listening to jazz really widens your world, David Crosby, via 'The New York Times'.

I would learn two chords and go back and forth between them.

What took it to the next level was, my brother started listening to 1950s jazz: Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, people like that.

Listening to jazz really widens your world, David Crosby, via 'The New York Times'.

I would learn two chords and go back and forth between them.

What took it to the next level was, my brother started listening to 1950s jazz: Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, people like that.

Listening to jazz really widens your world, David Crosby, via 'The New York Times'