David Crosby :
David Crosby is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and founding member of the iconic bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN). He was born on August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, and began his career in music in the early 1960s.
Crosby is known for his distinctive voice, intricate harmonies, and prolific songwriting, which have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once for his work with The Byrds and again for his work with CSN.
Throughout his career, Crosby has been involved in many other musical collaborations and projects, including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) and CPR (Crosby, Pevar & Raymond). He has also released numerous solo albums, including “If I Could Only Remember My Name,” which is considered a classic of the psychedelic folk rock genre.
In addition to his music career, Crosby has been an activist and advocate for various causes, including environmental issues, nuclear disarmament, and social justice. He continues to perform and record music to this day and is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
David Crosby Early life:
David Crosby was born on August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Aliph Van Cortlandt Whitehead and Floyd Crosby, who was a cinematographer.
Crosby grew up in a musical family, and his father introduced him to jazz and folk music at an early age. He began playing guitar and writing songs while in high school and soon formed his first band, The Les Baxter Factor.
After graduating from high school, Crosby briefly attended Santa Barbara City College before dropping out to pursue his music career full-time. He moved to San Francisco and began performing in the local music scene, where he eventually met future bandmates, Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark.
Despite his early success, Crosby struggled with drug addiction and personal issues throughout his career. He was briefly jailed in 1985 for drug and weapons charges and has spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol and other substances. However, he has also been open about his efforts to overcome these challenges and has continued to be a prolific musician and advocate for social causes.
David Crosby education:
David Crosby did attend Santa Barbara City College for a short time after high school, but he dropped out to pursue his music career full-time.
While he did not complete formal education, Crosby has continued to educate himself throughout his life. He has been an avid reader and has been known to incorporate literature and poetry into his songwriting. In interviews, he has spoken about his interest in history, philosophy, and politics, and he has been involved in various activism and advocacy efforts throughout his career.
Crosby has also been a mentor and teacher to many other musicians throughout his career, including Graham Nash and Stephen Stills, with whom he formed Crosby, Stills & Nash. He has shared his knowledge and experience with others in the music industry and has been a strong supporter of up-and-coming musicians.
David crosby personal life:
David Crosby has had a complex personal life, marked by both personal and professional highs and lows.
In his personal life, Crosby has been married three times and has fathered several children. He had a son, James Raymond, in 1962, but did not meet him until he was an adult, due to Crosby’s drug addiction and other personal issues. He later had a daughter, Erika, in 1976 with his first wife, and a son, Django, in 1995 with his third wife. He has also been involved in numerous romantic relationships throughout his life, and has spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse and other personal issues.
Crosby’s professional life has been marked by both great success and significant challenges. He was a founding member of The Byrds, one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and later formed Crosby, Stills & Nash, which became one of the most successful and beloved groups of the 1970s. However, Crosby’s drug addiction and personal issues led to tension and conflict within the group, and he was eventually fired from CSN in 1985. He has continued to perform and record music throughout his career, both as a solo artist and with various other musical collaborations.
Despite his personal and professional challenges, Crosby has remained a respected and influential figure in the music industry, and continues to be a prolific songwriter and performer to this day.
David Crosby Achievements:
David Crosby has had a long and successful career in the music industry, marked by numerous achievements and accolades. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first for his work with The Byrds in 1991 and again for his work with Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1997.
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991.
Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist in 1967 with The Byrds and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 2000 with country singer Lee Ann Womack.
Contributed to numerous classic albums, including The Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Crosby, Stills & Nash’s self-titled debut, and Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush.”
Released over 20 solo albums, including the critically acclaimed “If I Could Only Remember My Name.”
Known for his intricate vocal harmonies and innovative songwriting, which have influenced countless musicians over the years.
Has been involved in various activism and advocacy efforts throughout his career, including environmental causes, anti-nuclear activism, and social justice issues.
Mentored and collaborated with numerous other musicians throughout his career, including Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, and Neil Young.
Musical Career:
David Crosby’s musical career spans over five decades and has included contributions to several iconic bands, solo albums, and collaborations with other musicians.
Crosby began his career as a founding member of The Byrds in the mid-1960s, where he helped pioneer the folk rock sound with songs like “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” He left the band in 1967 due to creative differences, but continued to collaborate with fellow Byrds member Chris Hillman and others in various projects.
In 1969, Crosby formed Crosby, Stills & Nash with Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash of The Hollies. The trio’s self-titled debut album was a massive success, featuring hits like “Marrakesh Express” and “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” Neil Young joined the group soon after, and they released the album “Deja Vu” in 1970. The band continued to release albums intermittently over the next few decades, including “CSN” in 1977 and “Daylight Again” in 1982.
Crosby also released several solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the critically acclaimed “If I Could Only Remember My Name” in 1971. He has continued to release solo albums sporadically over the years, including “Lighthouse” in 2016 and “Sky Trails” in 2017.
In addition to his work with The Byrds and CSN(Y), Crosby has collaborated with numerous other musicians over the years, including Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and members of the Grateful Dead. He is known for his intricate vocal harmonies and innovative songwriting, as well as his social activism and advocacy work on various causes. Despite personal struggles with substance abuse and other issues, Crosby’s musical legacy continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
David Crosby songs list:
David Crosby has released many songs throughout his long and successful music career.
“Déjà Vu” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Guinnevere” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Almost Cut My Hair” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Wooden Ships” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Long Time Gone” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Carry On” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Southern Cross” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Ohio” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Laughing” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“What Are Their Names” – David Crosby
“Cowboy Movie” – David Crosby
“Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves)” – David Crosby
“Traction in the Rain” – David Crosby
“I’d Swear There Was Somebody Here” – David Crosby
“Delta” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Lady of the Island” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“The Lee Shore” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“In My Dreams” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Where Will I Be?” – David Crosby
“Carry Me” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
This is just a small sample of David Crosby’s extensive discography, and there are many other notable songs that he has contributed to as a member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, as well as on his solo albums.
David Crosby books:
David Crosby has written or co-written several books throughout his career, including:
“Long Time Gone: The Autobiography of David Crosby” – In this memoir, Crosby recounts his life and career in detail, from his early days in The Byrds to his time with Crosby, Stills & Nash and beyond. He also delves into his personal struggles with addiction and his relationships with other musicians and friends.
“Since Then: How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About It” – Co-written with journalist Carl Gottlieb, this book chronicles Crosby’s life after his 1994 liver transplant, including his road to recovery, musical collaborations, and ongoing activism.
“Stand and Be Counted: A Revealing Biography of David Crosby” – Written by journalist Robert S. Jacobson, this biography provides an in-depth look at Crosby’s life and career, drawing on interviews with the musician and his peers.
“The David Crosby Songbook” – This book features sheet music and lyrics for over 40 songs written by Crosby throughout his career, including selections from The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and his solo albums.
In addition to these books, Crosby has also contributed essays and articles to various publications over the years, including Rolling Stone and HuffPost.
David Crosby Awards:
David Crosby has received several awards and recognitions throughout his music career. Here are some of his notable honors:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Crosby has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of The Byrds in 1991 and then as a member of Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) in 1997.
Grammy Awards – Crosby has won two Grammy Awards in his career. In 1995, he won Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television for the track “For the First Time” from the film “One More Saturday Night.” In 2019, he won Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package for his collaboration on the album “Electric Ladyland – 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
ASCAP Founders Award – In 2016, Crosby was honored with the ASCAP Founders Award, which recognizes songwriters and composers who have made significant contributions to music.
Monterey Pop Festival Lifetime Achievement Award – In 2007, Crosby received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Monterey Pop Festival, where he had performed with The Byrds in 1967.
Canadian Music Hall of Fame – In 1991, Crosby was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as a member of Crosby, Stills & Nash.
These are just a few examples of the many awards and accolades that David Crosby has received throughout his career as a musician and songwriter.
David Crosby legacy:
David Crosby’s legacy as a musician and songwriter is significant. He was a key figure in the 1960s folk and rock movements, and his work as a member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) helped to define the sound of those eras. Crosby is known for his intricate vocal harmonies, political and social commentary in his songwriting, and his willingness to experiment with different genres and musical styles.
Beyond his musical contributions, Crosby is also known for his outspoken activism and advocacy work. He has been a vocal critic of government policies and has been involved in numerous social and environmental causes over the years. He has also been open about his struggles with addiction and has become a voice for recovery and rehabilitation.
Despite some personal and professional setbacks over the years, Crosby has continued to write and record music, and he remains a respected figure in the music industry. His work has influenced countless artists and musicians, and his contributions to the American music canon are significant.
David crosby activism:
David Crosby has been involved in activism throughout his career, speaking out on a range of social and political issues. Here are some examples of his activism:
Anti-war activism – Crosby was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and has continued to be an advocate for peace and diplomacy throughout his life. He has participated in numerous anti-war rallies and has used his music to promote messages of peace and social justice.
Environmental activism – Crosby is a strong advocate for environmental causes, particularly those related to ocean conservation and protection. He has been involved with groups like the Oceanic Preservation Society and has used his music to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Prison reform – Crosby has been an advocate for prison reform, working with groups like the Drug Policy Alliance to promote alternative approaches to drug addiction and criminal justice.
Immigration reform – Crosby has spoken out in support of immigrant rights, calling for more humane and compassionate policies towards immigrants and refugees.
Social justice – Crosby has been a vocal supporter of various social justice causes, including LGBTQ rights, Black Lives Matter, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Through his activism, Crosby has sought to use his platform as a musician to effect positive change in the world. He continues to be a voice for social and political issues, using his music and his public profile to promote messages of peace, justice, and equality.
David crosby controversies:
David Crosby has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, both in his personal life and in his professional career. Here are some examples:
Drug addiction and legal troubles – Crosby struggled with drug addiction for many years and has been arrested multiple times on drug-related charges. In 1982, he spent nine months in a Texas state prison for possession of cocaine and heroin.
Personal relationships – Crosby has had several contentious relationships with other musicians, including bandmates in The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash. He has also had several children with different partners, some of whom he has had strained relationships with.
Political comments – Crosby has made controversial comments about politics and public figures, including President Trump and former President Obama. He has also been criticized for his support of conspiracy theories, including the theory that the US government was involved in the 9/11 attacks.
Criticisms of fellow musicians – Crosby has made negative comments about other musicians, including Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young. These comments have sometimes led to public feuds and strained relationships.
Despite these controversies, Crosby remains a respected figure in the music industry and has continued to write and record music. He has also been open about his struggles with addiction and has become an advocate for recovery and rehabilitation.
David Crosby legal troubles:
David Crosby has had several legal troubles throughout his career, primarily related to his struggles with drug addiction. In 1982, he was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine and heroin. He served eight months of his sentence at a Texas state prison before being released on parole.
Crosby has also been arrested multiple times on drug-related charges, including possession of marijuana and cocaine. In 1985, he was involved in a car accident while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, which resulted in the death of a 21-year-old woman. He was sentenced to a year in prison and five years of probation for driving under the influence and possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
Despite these legal troubles, Crosby has continued to make music and remain active in political and social activism. He has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and has advocated for drug treatment and reform of the criminal justice system.
David Crosby political views:
David Crosby is known for being politically active and expressing his views on a range of social and political issues. He has been an outspoken critic of war, particularly the Vietnam War, and has used his music to raise awareness about political and social issues.
Crosby has been a vocal advocate for environmental causes and has criticized the Trump administration for rolling back environmental regulations. He has also been a supporter of prison reform and has called for an end to mass incarceration in the United States.
Crosby has been critical of both Democratic and Republican politicians, and has expressed frustration with the political system as a whole. He has been an advocate for campaign finance reform and has called for greater transparency and accountability in government.
Crosby has been a controversial figure in some circles due to his comments about politics and public figures. He has been critical of President Trump and has called for his impeachment, and has also criticized former President Obama for his policies on drone strikes and mass surveillance. Despite this, Crosby remains an influential voice in American music and politics.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, David Crosby is a significant figure in the history of American music. His contributions as a member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) helped to define the sound of the 1960s and 70s folk and rock movements. He is known for his intricate vocal harmonies, political and social commentary in his songwriting, and his willingness to experiment with different genres and musical styles.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Crosby has also been an outspoken activist and advocate for a range of social and political causes, including anti-war activism, environmentalism, and prison reform. He has been involved in numerous controversies throughout his career, but despite these setbacks, he remains a respected and influential figure in the music industry.
Crosby’s legacy as a musician and activist is significant, and his work continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists and musicians.
FAQ’s:
What is David Crosby known for?
David Crosby is known for his work as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, particularly as a member of the bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young). He is also known for his intricate vocal harmonies and his political and social commentary in his songwriting.
What instruments does David Crosby play?
David Crosby is primarily a guitarist and vocalist, but he also plays other instruments including bass guitar, keyboards, and harmonica.
What are some of David Crosby's most famous songs?
Has David Crosby won any awards?
Yes, David Crosby has won several awards throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards (in 1970 and 1995) and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash).
What are some of David Crosby's political views?
David Crosby has been an outspoken activist and advocate for a range of social and political causes, including anti-war activism, environmentalism, and prison reform. He has also made controversial comments about politics and public figures, including President Trump and former President Obama.
Has David Crosby had any legal troubles?
Yes, David Crosby has had several legal troubles throughout his career, largely related to his struggles with drug addiction. He has been arrested multiple times on drug-related charges and spent time in prison in 1982 for possession of cocaine and heroin.
What is David Crosby's legacy?
David Crosby's legacy as a musician and activist is significant, and his work continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists and musicians. He is known for his contributions to American music, his political activism, and his willingness to speak out on social and environmental issues.
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