Many Americans were left in mourning this week upon learning that two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee David Crosby had passed away. 

According to Variety magazine, died on Wednesday at the age of 81, a fact which "came as a surprise to those who followed his very active Twitter account."

Band mate Graham Nash left with "deep sadness" over Crosby's death

Crosby's passing was quickly acknowledged by the alumni of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, one of the two bands he rose to stardom with.

"It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed," Variety quoted Graham Nash as saying in a social media post.

"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," he continued.

"David was fearless in life and in music," Nash stressed, adding, "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," Nash declared.

Stephen Stills spoke up as well, tweeting, "David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls."

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. 2/3

— Stephen Stills Official (@Stephen__Stills) January 20, 2023

"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," Stills insisted.

"The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun. I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure," he concluded.

A career that spanned across six decades

Beach Boys founding member Brain Wilson was among the many other performers who expressed fond memories of Crosby.

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 pic.twitter.com/Hjht7LeGiv

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 19, 2023

The future music legend was born in 1941 to Hollywood cinematographer Floyd Crosby after which he was raised in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Variety noted that Crosby's first major success came as a member of the Byrds from 1964 until 1967, after which he joined forces with Nash and Stills as well as Canadian musician Neil Young.