Photo by Anna Webber

Beloved and seminal singer-songwriter and guitarist David Crosby, a founding member of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, has died. He was 81 years old.

Crosby’s wife released a statement to Variety, which reads, “It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. 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 began to imprint his mark on the Los Angeles folk-rock scene with bandmates Michael Clarke, Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark and Chris Hillman during his tenure with the Byrds from 1964 through 1967. After a tremulous collaboration, Crosby formed a friendship with Stephen Stills and Grahm Nash of Buffalo Springfield and the hollies, respectively and launched Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968 to a reception of superstardom. The band would eventually welcome Neil Young to their ranks, adding to their commercial success, which swiftly became platinum and would eventually come to a close during the 1970s.

Crosby continued to create and record music until his final days and recently recorded a live album at The Capitol Theatre titled David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band Live at the Capitol Theatre.

This is a developing story.