David Crosby Biography

Claim to Fame: Singer (The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, & Nash)
DOB: August 14, 1941
Diabetes Type: 1

A pioneering member of the innovative and musically significant West Coast folk-rock sound of the 60’s, David Crosby’s career is a rich mosaic of noteworthy artistic experiences and culturally influential chance happenings. The iconic member of the The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, & Nash, like many of his contemporaries, became part of a generation characterized by tremendous creativity, social change, and relentless self-destruction brought on by drugs, alcohol, and a defiant, anti-establishment mentality.  

Born in Los Angeles, California, David grew up in a highly artistic and creative household. The second son of Aliph Van Cortlandt Whitehead and Academy Award winning cinematographer, Floyd Crosby, he is the younger brother of Ethan Crosby, a fellow musician of lesser fame. David grew up in Los Angeles, but moved between schools until his graduation, never excelling academically. However, he was a talented singer and actor, performing throughout his childhood in various school and youth productions in the area.




Crosby still performs regularly, despite having type 1 diabetes. In an interview with Spinner.com, Crosby addressed his diabetes and spoke openly about his approach to managing his blood sugar while on the road, stating, “My son, James Raymond, plays piano in our band, and we spend a lot of time walking for my health…I gave up bread, and I've lost a bunch of weight, which is very good because I'm diabetic. I'm older than I'd like and I'm creaky, but I'm doing alright."

Find more famous musicians with diabetes.

Last Modified Date: November 28, 2012


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by Carey Potash
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