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Graham Nash Recalls Final Voicemail from David Crosby

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Graham Nash opens up in a new interview about the final voicemail he received from David Crosby before he died.

Crosby died on January 19 at age 81. Speaking with AARP just two weeks after Crosby’s death, Nash says his former bandmate actually reached out to him about a week and half before dying.

“The fact is that we were getting a little closer at the end,” said Nash. “He had sent me a voicemail saying that he wanted to talk to apologize, and could we set up a time to talk. I emailed him back and said, ‘Okay, call me at eleven o’clock tomorrow your time, which is two o’clock on the East Coast.’ He never called, and then he was gone.”

When asked whether or not Crosby knew he was dying, Nash responded, “You know, I’ve thought about that myself. He was a very intelligent man. I wouldn’t put it past him to know that he was actually at the very end.” Nash admitted that Crosby’s passing was anticipated for nearly two decades due to his poor health.

Nash touched on how Crosby had contracted COVID for a second time while rehearsing for some upcoming performances. Coincidentally, Stephen Stills’ son, Christopher, was playing in Crosby’s band.

“[Christopher] said that he was so happy that David was happy, smiling and laughing that we had been in contact,” said Nash. “I got the same message from David’s son, James. He said that David was ecstatic that we were back in contact.”

 

David Crosby: Stephen Stills, Graham Nash & More Pay Tribute

David Crosby was able to touch many lives through music. Some of music’s biggest names took to social media upon the news of the singer-songwriter's passing at age 81.

Two of the most notable names were bandmates Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. Stills honored Crosby saying, in part, “David lived a life of deep and enduring gratitude and was an extraordinary, richly sentient being. His music will live on through us all even as he now sails to his eternal sunset.”

Nash’s tribute read, in part, “I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years. David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world.”

The full remarks from Stills and Nash can be read below along with other tributes from the entertainment world.

  • Stephen Stills

    “On behalf of Stephen Stills’ Gold Hill Music family we are devastated to learn of David Crosby’s passing and it is only the memory of such a unique and full life so well lived that must sustain us through this period of profound grief. David lived a life of deep and enduring gratitude and was an extraordinary, richly sentient being. His music will live on through us all even as he now sails to his eternal sunset. We appreciate you respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

    On behalf of Stephen Stills' Gold Hill Music family we are devastated to learn of David Crosby's passing and it is only...

    Posted by StephenStills on Thursday, January 19, 2023

  • Graham Nash

    “It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed. I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years. David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CnnRbZ4rbRL/

  • Melissa Etheridge

    “I am grieving the loss of my friend Beckett and Bailey’s biological father, David. He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure.”

  • Tom Petty

    “Tom counted David Crosby as a friend and a hero. He visited often at his house in the valley. He was funny, provocative and electric with talent. His contribution to music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.”

  • The Doors

    “The world has lost yet another ethereal fixture of the ‘60s peace and love movement; a legend within his own right, and every group he was a part of. Coming up in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and song writing abilities that made him completely unique…”
    https://twitter.com/TheDoors/status/1616210098422173696

  • Stevie Van Zandt

    “RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, 1 of the historically essential Artists that created the Artform of Rock. The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys & Yardbirds, showed future generations like us what was possible. We owe him, and them, everything.”

  • Brian Wilson

    “I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends. Love, Brian.”

  • Marianne Faithful

    “”I don’t like greed, I don’t like ignorance. I really don’t like anger. But I love love.” –
    @thedavidcrosby

    Rest in peace to the brilliant David Crosby. He will be greatly missed.”

  • Jorma Kaukonen/Jefferson Airplane

    “Early this morning I got a text from someone in California who had heard that my old friend David Crosby had passed. I chose at the time not to believe it. There are so many lies on the internet that sometimes it is easy to dodge the truth. This time it turned out to be true.

    I met David at the Offstage on First Street in San Jose, California in 1962 or ’63. He came up from Venice with Paul Kantner to play that little venue and hang out in the South Bay Folk scene for a while. He was always brash and self-confident… two qualities he never lost. He was a great artist who was always true to himself.

    He was my friend and what we shared transcended the music. I will miss him!”

  • Sebastian Bach

    “As much as I loved his music I loved his thoughts on Twitter as well. Rest In Peace David Crosby. Thank you for the lifetime of inspiration.”

  • Hanson

    “We are so sad to hear of the passing of the legendary David Crosby, a man of unbelievable talent. As a small tribute, here’s our cover of CSNY’s “Teach Your Children”. Rest in Peace, David.”

  • Michael Des Barres

    “David Crosby stuck to his guns. A difficult and gifted man. Whose talent and taste was immense. His harmonious voice still echoes in Laurel Canyon. A proud man who said what he said, and felt what he felt with no apology. A brilliant songwriter, and an American Icon, RIP.”

  • Rosanne Cash

    “I can’t begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me. I’m grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he’s gone.”

  • Michael McKean

    “RIP David Crosby.”

  • Jason Isbell

    “Grateful for the time we had with David Crosby. We’ll miss him a lot.”

  • Christina Applegate

    “Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and neighborhood will howl and then blast CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend. If you do this, please send me videos RIP David Crosby!! We love you.”

  • Ben Cohen

    “‘Who are the men, who really run this land? Why do they run it with such a thoughtless hand?’ David Crosby. Rest in power, my friend. Thank you for being an indefatigable voice for justice.”
    https://twitter.com/YoBenCohen/status/1616198349740466176

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter
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