‘Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’ Drummer John Barbata Dies Aged 79

John Barbata, who played drums for numerous rock bands including Jefferson Starship, Crosby Stills, Nash, and Young, as well as The Turtles has reportedly died at the age of 79.

A cause of death for the legendary drummer has not yet been released. News of his death first broke several days ago, though reports about his passing are just now beginning to break into national headlines.

The drummer died on May 8th. Jefferson Starship, who Barbata served as the original drummer for, posted a remembrance for the late star on their Facebook page. That post reads,

We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great John Barbata, Jefferson Starship’s original drummer. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Rock in peace, Johnny!

Jefferson Starship

Rolling Stone reports on his death,

The New Jersey-born Barbata moved in his teenage years to southern California, where the drummer got his start in surf-rock bands in the early Sixties. The Turtles, a year removed from their hit rendition of “It Ain’t Me, Babe” in 1965, enlisted Barbata to replace their founding drummer Don Murray.

Soon after joining the Turtles, Barbata and the band recorded their Number One hit, “Happy Together,” followed by another hit, “She’d Rather Be With Me.”  

Barbata would remain the Turtles’ drummer for the Flo & Eddie-led band’s final three albums together, 1967’s Happy Together, 1968’s The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands — where Barbata earned a co-songwriting credit for the hit “Elenore” — and 1969’s Turtle Soup. 

Rolling Stone

Having played for some of the most memorable bands of his era, Barbata helped create a sound that will far outlive his own life.

It is sad to have to say goodbye, but the memories created by Barbata through his music are something that all of us, even his loved ones, can look back on forevermore.

Rest in peace, John Barbata, a rock legend, and a wonderful man!