[Playing the guitar: Credit to Pxhere]

David Crosby passed away on January 18, 2023 at the age of 81.

David Crosby was a well respected rock icon and a music genius who paved ways in the genre of rock.

He was largely known as the vocal guitarist and founding member of both the “Byrds” and “Crosby, Stills & Nash”.

He was also seen as emblematic of the counterculture of the 1960s.

His outspoken personality, politics and personal trouble contributed to his significance in the era.

His personal problems, which included drugs, alcohol and arrests were also symbolic.

He truly was an iconic figure.

On August 14, 1941, David Crosby was born in Los Angeles where he learned and practiced his music skills at clubs and coffeehouses as a teen.

David Crosby attended Santa Barbara City College, where he initially studied drama but moved to music.

Afterwards, he traveled to cities performing and learning from other musicians.

He met Roger McGuinn, a folk singer, and they went on to develop folk-rock.

The two and Gene Clark, Micheal Clarke and Chris Hillman formed the Byrds.

They saw success from their influential sound with songs such as Eight Miles High.

David Crosby was however kicked out from the Byrds in 1968 as he had a habit of interrupting loud performances with political comments.

Now alone, Crosby met Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield and started jamming with him.

Crosby and Stephen found a group with Graham Nash of the Hollies, naming their three-man group Crosby, Stills & Nash.

With their debut album, the group saw huge success, even winning best new artist at the Grammy Awards.

In 1970, with their songs “Ohio” and “Teach your children” they became icons of the counterculture movement through their anti-war messages.

The song “Ohio” was a protest song for the Kent State Shootings, spurring the public on to eventually stop the Vietnam War.

Crosby had a prolific career with 12 studio albums with The Byrds, 8 with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 3 as Crosby & Nash and 8 solo albums.

Traveling constantly, his life was lived on the road.

David Crosby gained many health issues throughout his long journey.

ON USA TODAY in 2021, he said "I miss being on the road because I did it for 50 years, but I don't think I'll do it again,". "Both of my hands have tendonitis ... I'm at 85% of what I used to do, and there isn't anything you can do about it." 

Crosby had a 2 year rest from touring as he suffered three heart attacks, a liver transplant, and diabetes. 

Despite his health issues, Crosby continued playing music, active until 2023, the year he passed.

With a complicated and busy life, David Crosby was able to spread music to the world, one that never would be forgotten.

As Crosby’s wife, Jan Dance says,  "His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music.”