Legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member David Crosby passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind an incredible musical legacy featuring numerous hits through his career spanning nearly 60 years.
Crosby began his career joining the Byrds in 1964 and performing on their first five albums. In 1968, he formed Crosby, Stills & Nash along with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, releasing their debut album in 1969 and going on to win a Grammy for Best New Artist that same year. The group would later go on to include Neil Young and changed their name to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with the quartet debuting in August 1969.
“David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls. I was happy to be at peace with him. He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun,” Stills said of Crosby’s passing.
In addition to his illustrious music career, Crosby was a well-known user and advocate of cannabis, openly smoking while on stage and often using his platform to discuss the benefits of cannabis. Crosby was a key component in getting cannabis legalized in California through Proposition 64 by appearing in several advertisements and speaking at events to encourage voters to vote in favor of the measure. He was also instrumental in making California the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996 through his support of cannabis as a therapeutic drug and by speaking out in favor of the legislation.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) shared their thoughts following the passing of Crosby, who joined NORML’s Advisory Board in 2018. Crosby said upon formally joining the board that he would like cannabis to be legal everywhere and he feels “a responsibility to stick up for people who have been jailed for it unfairly, and that is why I’m partnering with NORML to lend my name and talents to help end our multi-decade failure that is prohibition.”
“David Crosby was a genuine American original and an outspoken advocate for ending our nation’s failed war on cannabis consumers. We were ecstatic to have him join NORML’s Advisory Board in 2018 and have him lend his platform and voice to the ongoing fight for cannabis freedom after a lifetime of personal advocacy,” stated NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri. “NORML extends our sincerest condolences to David’s family, friends, and fans. He will be missed, but there is no question he leaves behind an indelible mark on the social and cultural landscape.”
Before his passing, Crosby was in the process of launching his own cannabis brand, Mighty Croz. The brand first announced their launch in 2018, with the plan to use Crosby’s name and image to help drive interested buyers.
“I’m launching a weed brand for a few reasons. First, because people all around the world have been asking me to do this – forever. Other than music, it’s what I’m known for. After all, my friends including The Beatles and even Willie would say I always had the best weed. I’ve been enjoying cannabis for over sixty years – so I have a lot of experience. Also, I’m doing this because it’s fun. Weed is fun, people who like weed are fun – and I like to have fun in my life. I have a PHD in fun,” Crosby said in a Q&A when asked why he was starting his own cannabis brand.
