David Crosby, a folk-rock pioneer and founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, has died at the age of 81, CNN reported Thursday, his family said.

“It is with great sadness (we announce) that after a long suffering, our dear David (Crose) Crosby has passed away. He was surrounded by love by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django,” the Crosby family said in a statement obtained by CNN from a spokesperson.

“Although he is no longer with us, his humanity and gentle soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will live on through his legendary music,” the source was quoted as saying.

Representatives for Crosby declined to comment to CNN.

David Crosby entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Crosby was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Byrds in 1991 and then Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1997 with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.

Born in California, he is the son of Oscar-winning director Floyd Crosby. Crosby originally moved to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara with the intention of becoming an actor.

In 1963, he formed the rock group The Byrds with Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark.

The band was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1965.

Among other hits, The Byrds released the song “Turn! Tower! Tower!” in 1965, became popular again in the mid-90s thanks to the movie Forrest Gump.

In 1970, Crosby won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist as part of Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Crosby, Stills & Nash achieved great success after performing at Woodstock in 1969.

In 1970, together with Neil Young, the group became known as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and released “Déjà Vu”, which included the hit “Woodstock”.

In addition to his solo albums, Crosby collaborated with other musicians such as Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzman and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. He is credited with discovering Mitchell, with whom he had a relationship. (news.ro)