American singer and guitarist David Crosby, a founding member of the influential 1960s rock bands Byrds & Croppy, Stills & Nash (later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) has died at the age of 81 after a long illness.

This information was confirmed by the artist’s wife, Jan Dance, to the specialized magazine “Variety”.

“It is with great sadness and after a long illness that our beloved David (Cruise) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife, Jean, and son, Django,” the woman said in a statement.

“Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and good spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will live on through his legendary music. Peace, love and harmony to everyone who knew David and who touched him. We miss him so much.”

Jan Danes further asked for privacy “respectfully and kindly”.

With Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke, the musician established the folk rock band The Byrds and Croppies between 1964 and 1967.

In the late 1960s, in Los Angeles, Crosby launched Crosby, Stills & Nash, whose multi-platinum debut in 1968 opened the hit for this rock band. The introduction of Neil Young subsequently increased commercial interest in the band.

Crosby struggled with drug addiction for many years, after he underwent a liver transplant in 1994.

The guitarist also served a five-month prison sentence in 1986 for drug and gun possession.

He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of Byrds and Croby (1991) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (1997).