The astonishing life of David Crosby

The late David Crosby lived a colorful life full of ups and downs. He died on January 18, 2023.

Many will remember him for setting up two major bands in the 1960s. Firstly, 'The Byrds', a folk-rock group who reached the charts with their cover of 'Mr. Tambourine Man.' Crosby was renowned for his guitar-playing and vocal harmonies.

Then later, he co-founded 'Crosby, Stills and Nash' who made one of their first appearances at Woodstock in 1969. Their hits included hippy anthems 'Almost Cut My Hair' and 'Deja Vu'.

David was renowned for his guitar-playing and vocal harmonies - and his moustache, of course. But other elements of his life have given this musician a real story to tell.

The hell-raiser musician had many rollercoaster years and his story is filled with fascinating tales of prison, drugs, death, and adoption. We look at the most astounding facts about the musician.

David Crosby was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on two separate occasions.

His father was Oscar-winning cinematographer Floyd Crosby, famous for 'High Noon'.

Photo: Still from 'High Noon'

His longtime girlfriend was killed in a car crash in 1969: Christine Hinton.

"I had no way to deal with that, nothing in my life had prepared me for that," Crosby wrote in his autobiography.

In 1997, he reunited with the son he had put up for adoption. His son had grown up to become an accomplished pianist. Along with the session guitarist Jeff Pevar, they formed a jazz-rock band.

Crosby and his wife also helped actress Drew Barrymore when she was only 14 years old by letting her stay with them for a while as part of her programme of recovery from alcohol and drug abuse.

In 2000, it was revealed Crosby was the biological father, via donation, of his friend's two children. This was the singer Melissa Etheridge and her then-partner, Julie Cypher.

He was named by Rolling Stone magazine as 'Rock's Unlikeliest Survivor'.

Due to his image - that of a twinkle-eyed stoner with a free spirit - he was said to have been a model for the biker played by Dennis Hopper in the movie 'Easy Rider.'

He spent nine months in a Texas prison in 1982 on drug and weapons charges.

The musician is survived by his wife and four children. Crosby's wife told Variety that he died "after a long illness" while surrounded by family. "His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music," her statement added.

Many shared their fond farewells on social media. Christina Applegate summarised how many might be paying homage: "Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and neighborhood will howl and then blast CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend. If you do this, please send me videos... RIP David Crosby!! We love you," she wrote.