David Crosby, Folk-Rock Legend, Dead at 81.br On January 19, David Crosby, who helped create some br of the most beloved and influential classic-rock bandsbr of the '60s and '70s, died at the age of 81.br On January 19, David Crosby, who helped create some br of the most beloved and influential classic-rock bandsbr of the '60s and '70s, died at the age of 81.br 'The New York Times' reports that the sister of Mr. Crosby's br wife, Jen Dance, said through a text message that br the artist died "last night," without providing any details.br The founding member of The Byrds br and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was twice br inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. .br The founding member of The Byrds br and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was twice br inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. .br Crosby's jazz-infused style pushed the boundaries br of vocally-driven folk-rock and has become br an inspiration to generations of musicians. .br The 'NYT' reports that Crosby had long struggled br with health problems, including a battle with br Hepatitis C, which led him to a liver transplant in 1994.br Due to his type 2 diabetes, Crosby was br forced to cancel his 2014 tour while undergoing br a cardiac catheterization and angiogram.br The musician was born br David Van Cortland Crosby on br August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.br The musician was born br David Van Cortland Crosby on br August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.br The 'NYT' reports that he br received his first guitar at the age br of 16 from his older brother, Ethan. .br The 'NYT' reports that he br received his first guitar at the age br of 16 from his older brother, Ethan. .br I would learn two chords and go back br and forth between them. What took it br to the next level was, my brother startedbr listening to 1950s jazz: Chet Baker, br Dave Brubeck, people like that. br Listening to jazz really widens your world, David Crosby, via 'The New York Times'.br I would learn two chords and go back br and forth between them. What took it br to the next level was, my brother startedbr listening to 1950s jazz: Chet Baker, br Dave Brubeck, people like that. br Listening to jazz really widens your world, David Crosby, via 'The New York Times'.br I would learn two chords and go back br and forth between them. What took it br to the next level was, my brother startedbr listening to 1950s jazz: Chet Baker, br Dave Brubeck, people like that.