[Noozhawk’s note: One in a series on the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation’s 2024 Champions of the Valley who will be honored for their volunteerism and community service Oct. 13 at Rancho Carmina in Los Olivos. Click here for more information, or click here to purchase tickets online.]
David Crosby’s artistry, his passionate belief in the power of music and his bold leadership left an indelible mark on the lives of people around the world — and within his beloved Santa Ynez Valley.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Santa Barbara, David rose to international fame as a singer, songwriter and musician.
He and his wife, Jan, later chose the scenic Santa Ynez Valley as their home, raising their son, Django, in the tranquil beauty of the rural foothills.
When David learned of a determined group of parents advocating for the restoration of music education as part of every child’s education in Santa Ynez Valley public schools, he wholeheartedly embraced and amplified their mission in an extraordinary way.
Alongside Jan, he became deeply involved in the grassroots coalition Let There Be Music, which led to the creation of the remarkable Valley Music Festival concert series.
“From the start David and Jan were a visionary team, David charged with enlisting the guest artists and Jan orchestrating logistics, amenities and ambiance,” said K.C. Murphy Thompson, a Santa Ynez resident who helped produce the concert series.
For six consecutive years, David invited a roster of talented family and friends to perform, not only showcasing their musical talents but also sharing personal stories of how music teachers had shaped their lives.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the community, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation is honoring David — who died at his Santa Ynez home in 2023 at age 81 — with the Stuart C. Gildred Sr. Visionary Award, named for the foundation’s founder.
This posthumous recognition marks the fourth time the award has been given to individuals who have provided extensive service to the Santa Ynez Valley and its residents.
Throughout its run, the Valley Music Festival brought the community together and showcased a stellar lineup of artists. Each year, David’s band, CPR, opened the show.
The festival debuted with performances at Solvang Festival Theater by Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald and in subsequent years featured major talents Melissa Etheridge, Jackson Browne, Clint Black (with his full 10-piece band) and Graham Nash, culminating in a grand finale at Firestone Vineyard in 2003 with Neil Young.
In addition to performing, David generously covered the costs of backup musicians, road crews and other professionals, ensuring the festival’s success year after year.
Over its six years, the festival raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, all of which were invested in creating and sustaining multiyear music education programs for all students in local public schools.
These funds ensured music remained a core part of local school districts’ budgets.
“David Crosby’s vision, boldness, dedication and love gave the lifelong gift of music to thousands of young people,” recalled Linda Stafford-Burrows, a leader in the Let There Be Music effort.
“He brought the community together to focus on enriching the lives of all our children through the arts.”
David’s commitment to his craft extended beyond performance. He used his platform to champion causes he deeply believed in, including expanding the use of the Solvang Festival Theater.
“A lot of times, this isn’t about the genius of the moment,” David once remarked. “It’s about persistence.”
His persistent vision helped make the theater a vital space for many local organizations, which now enjoy the beautifully renovated facilities.
“David and Jan saw local community needs and they generously addressed them, not only through the Valley Music Festival but also through other benefit events for The Family School and many other local nonprofits, schools and movements that aligned with their hearts, passions and priorities,” Murphy Thompson added.
“David was an icon of the activist generation whether within his respective bands or with his life partner, Jan, who lovingly served as his North Star for his many good deeds. They made a formidable and consequential team, and they brought a light and love to every endeavor they took up.”
Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, reflected on his lasting influence.
“David’s visionary leadership in enriching students’ lives has left a profound and enduring mark on our community,” she said.
“Together with Jan, their commitment not only inspired those around them but shaped future generations.”
David’s legacy lives on through the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation’s newly established David & Jan Crosby Scholarship.
“This scholarship is a powerful testament to the Crosbys’ devotion to artistic expression, creativity and social change, supporting aspiring students who share their passion and vision,” Bates said.
Champions of the Valley
Since 1995, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation has been honoring exceptional local volunteers whose tireless community commitment enriches the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos, their residents and a wide range of local organizations.
This year’s Champions of the Valley honorees are Charlotte Dicke Becerra, Dave Bemis, Donna Hinsbeeck, Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, and Debra and Brad Vidro.
Youth Community Champions are Lizbeth Ortiz Aguilera, Rafael Beleski and Emma Tesdahl.
Sherry Musgrove will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the late David Crosby will be honored with the Stuart C. Gildred Senior Visionary Award.
The awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at Rancho Carmina in Los Olivos. Click here for more information, or click here to purchase tickets online.
The Champions of the Valley celebration is sponsored by U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Noozhawk, The Landsby, Allan Hancock College, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley and Montecito Bank & Trust.
The honorees were chosen by a panel of foundation board members and former honorees, based on nominations made by the community.
The honorees each receive a $1,000 grant to support a nonprofit organization of their choice. The Youth Community Champions each receive a $1,000 scholarship to further their education.
Santa Ynez Valley Foundation
The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation is dedicated to a mission centered around grant-making, extending financial support and resources to a diverse array of local organizations and initiatives in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos valleys.
The grants are strategically channeled into key sectors, including health and human services, support for seniors, arts and culture, youth development, and education.
The foundation also administers a robust College Scholarship Program designed to empower ambitious college-bound local students.
More than 60 students are beneficiaries of this program, receiving scholarships to facilitate their pursuit of higher education and, in turn, contributing to the overall advancement of the community.
