David Crosby is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist best known as a founding member of two iconic folk rock groups: The Byrds and Crosby and Stills & Nash (and Young). With a career spanning over five decades, Crosby has accumulated an impressive net worth.
David Crosby’s Early Life and The Byrds
David Van Cortlandt Crosby was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 14, 1941. He became interested in music early and started playing guitar as a teenager. In 1964, Crosby joined Jim McGuinn and Gene Clark to form the influential folk rock band The Byrds.
Crosby honed his songwriting talents with The Byrds and contributed to major hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!”. However, continual clashing with the other band members led to Crosby getting fired from The Byrds in 1967 at the peak of their popularity.
Forming Crosby, Stills & Nash
After leaving The Byrds, Crosby went on to even greater success by teaming up with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. Their harmony-driven supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) released their critically praised self-titled debut album in 1969.
CSN released several hit albums over the 1970s, including Déjà Vu, Daylight Again, and CSN. The trio also performed at the iconic Woodstock music festival in 1969, with Neil Young occasionally joining them as part of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Solo Career and Other Collaborations
In addition to his work with CSN(Y), David Crosby also put out several solo albums like If I Could Only Remember My Name and Oh Yes I Can. Other notable collaborations include Crosby & Nash duo albums and his time in the country rock supergroup The Highwaymen.
Crosby often appeared as a session musician for other artists as well, contributing backing vocals or guitar work to songs by Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and many others over the years. His trademark harmonies became a staple of ‘70s folk and soft rock music.
Struggles with Drug Abuse
While enormously talented, Crosby struggled with drug addictions for much of his career. He developed an addiction to cocaine and heroin in the ‘70s and ‘80s that resulted in numerous arrests. In 1982, Crosby was sentenced to five years in a Texas state prison on drug and weapons charges.
His drug issues caused significant strain in his relationships with the other members of CSN(Y). Crosby eventually got clean in the mid-‘80s after his release from prison.
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Later Career Renaissance
After getting his life back on track, Crosby experienced a career renaissance in his later years. He reunited with Graham Nash for shows and albums in the 2000s and 2010s. Crosby finally released his long-awaited memoir “Long Time Gone” and the well-reviewed solo album Croz in 2014.
Into his 70s and beyond, Crosby continued touring solo and with CSN regularly. He released four more albums between 2016 and 2021, showing his unparalleled creative streak. Respected by peers and younger artists, Crosby cemented his legacy as a folk rock icon.
David Crosby’s Personal Life
Crosby has been married twice, first to Jan Dance from 1987 to 1988 and later to James Raymond in 1994. He has four children, including musician James Raymond from Crosby’s relationship with girlfriend Joni Mitchell.
An outspoken political activist, Crosby has advocated for issues like gun control, abortion rights, and more over the years. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once for The Byrds in 1991 and as a member of CSN in 1997.
David Crosby Net Worth
Given his successful five-decade career at the forefront of folk rock music, David Crosby has amassed a net worth of approximately $10 million, according to most estimates.
In addition to lucrative record sales, Crosby has earned income from live performances, merchandising, and royalties. He likely made millions from CSN’s prolific touring and chart success. While not quite a multimillionaire, Crosby has acquired a comfortable net worth from his iconic music.
Though his drug abuse took a toll on his finances in the 1980s, Crosby staged an impressive comeback. His continued work allowed him to amass a net worth of $10 million by the latter stages of his career.
Fun Facts About David Crosby
- Introduced The Beatles to marijuana in 1964
- Produced Joni Mitchell’s acclaimed album Song to a Seagull
- He was a co-owner of the yacht Mayan before selling his share to the other band members
- He Has a distinctive walrus mustache that became his trademark
- He appeared as himself on several TV shows, including The Simpsons, Star Trek: Enterprise, and Roseanne
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009
David Crosby is an inspiration with talent, resilience, and staying power. He overcame adversity and remained prolific well into his 70s, cementing a net worth reflective of his legendary musical career.
FAQ’s?
What is David Crosby’s age?
David Crosby was born on August 14, 1941. As of January 2024, he is 82 years old. Crosby has had an extensive career spanning over 60 years.
Who is David Crosby?
David Crosby is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as a founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young). Crosby is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
What are some popular David Crosby songs?
Some of David Crosby’s best-known songs include “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” with The Byrds, and “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” and “Woodstock” with Crosby, Stills & Nash. He also wrote “Guinnevere” and “Almost Cut My Hair.”
Is David Crosby still alive in 2024?
As of January 2024, David Crosby is still alive and making music. He has dealt with some health issues recently but continues touring and recording into his 80s.
How many children does Crosby have?
David Crosby has four biological children – two sons named Django and James and two daughters named Donovan and Erika. He also adopted a son named Raymond, who became his musical collaborator.
What groups was Crosby part of?
The two most famous groups David Crosby was part of were The Byrds and Crosby and Stills & Nash. He also formed Crosby & Nash and was sometimes part of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Who is David Crosby’s wife?
Crosby’s first wife was Jan Dance, from 1987 to 1988. His current wife is Jan Raymond, whom he married in 1994. Raymond was a mother who placed her son up for adoption; the son grew up to be musician James Raymond, who Crosby later reunited with.
What David Crosby documentaries are there?
Some documentaries focusing on David Crosby include the 2014 film David Crosby: Remember My Name and David Crosby: If I Could Only Remember My Name in 2020, detailing his 2019 album of the same name.
