It's been nearly three months, but for many, it still doesn't seem real.
Singer-songwriter David Crosby, who performed the iconic "Ohio" with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young following the events at Kent State of May 4, 1970, passed away in mid-January at the age of 81.
Crosby maintained a passion for the four students who died and nine who were wounded on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on the Kent Campus following an anti-war rally.
Crosby reflected on the day during a visit to campus in 2017 when he toured the May 4 Visitors Center and then offered an interview in which he described how vivid his memories are of the events that led a nation into mourning and he and his band into the studio.
Crosby said he had lost track of how many times he had performed in Kent and visited the campus over the years. He had been scheduled to perform at the 50th Commemoration in 2020, but the concert was canceled during the pandemic.
The popularity of the 1970 release of "Ohio," which was written by Neil Young, spread quickly across the globe, and for many, the song has remained an ongoing anthem to the tragedy itself while also insuring future generations know how the shootings changed America.
On the 50th anniversary of the song's release, Rolling Stone noted how "Ohio" made a lasting impact on the country while also keeping Crosby and the rest of the band together.
Crosby, Stills & Nash performed an acoustic version of the song on the Commons at Kent State during the May 4 annual commemoration on May 4, 1997. Crosby was scheduled to perform in Kent as part of the 50th Commemoration of May 4, but the pandemic canceled all of the planned events.
The 53rd Commemoration is set for May 3 and May 4 with a schedule of events that includes the annual Jerry Lewis Lecture Series, a special screening of the film “Young Plato” and panel discussion with filmmakers, the Candlelight Walk and Vigil, and the noon gathering on the commons.
Following his passing, many local and national tributes began appearing including reflections from eyewitness and survivor Roseann "Chic" Canfora, May 4 historian Laura Davis and former student reporter Taylor Pierce.
Crosby was also inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009 and had continued to devote his time and songwriting to issues of social conscience.
Top Photo was provided by David Crosby ahead of the 50th Commemoration of May 4 in 2020.