Dash Crofts, a pivotal figure in the 1970s soft rock duo Seals and Crofts, has died at either 85 or 87 years of age. His death, attributed to complications following heart surgery, was announced by the duo's producer, Louie Shelton, and later confirmed by a family member. Crofts' musical partner, Jim Seals, passed away in 2022.
Death Announcement
Darrell "Dash" Crofts, one half of the musical duo Seals and Crofts, died on Wednesday. Sources reported his age as either 85 or 87.
The cause of death was stated as complications following heart surgery.
The news was first reported by the duo's producer, Louie Shelton, on social media, with family members confirming the information. Crofts' musical partner, Jim Seals, died in 2022 at age 80. No immediate announcements regarding funeral arrangements were made.
Musical Career and Early Life
Born the son of a Texas cattle rancher, Darrell "Dash" Crofts began his musical journey in the mid-1950s when he invited Jim Seals to join the Crew Cats. Both Crofts and Seals later became members of The Champs in the late 1950s and early 1960s, joining after the band's hit song "Tequila."
During their tenure with The Champs, which lasted until 1965, Crofts played drums and Seals played saxophone. Following this, they relocated to Los Angeles, performing with the Dawnbreakers and Glen Campbell.
Formation of Seals and Crofts
The duo, who would later become Seals and Crofts, transitioned their instrumentation; Seals adopted the guitar, and Crofts learned the mandolin, seeking an instrument to complement the guitar for songwriting.
In 1967, five years before their first major hit, both Crofts and Seals converted to the Baháʼí faith, influenced by their manager, Marcia Day. Crofts noted in a 1971 interview that their sound was "inspired by religion" but not "religious music," describing a shift to "pretty stuff" from hard rock performance. The Baháʼí faith's teachings on unity also influenced their lyrical themes. Their first three albums as a duo, released between 1969 and 1971, initially gained limited public attention.
Breakthrough and Chart Success
Seals and Crofts became prominent in defining the soft rock sound of the 1970s. Their 1972 album, "Summer Breeze," featured the title track, which became a regional and national radio hit, reaching No. 6 on the US Hot 100. This song was later covered by artists including the Isley Brothers and Type O Negative. Their popularity expanded following this success.
In 1973, they released "Diamond Girl," an album that was certified gold, with its title track single also reaching No. 6 on the US singles charts. In 1976, "Get Closer," featuring Carolyn Willis, also reached No. 6 on the Hot 100.
Other songs, such as "We May Never Pass This Way (Again)" (1973), "I’ll Play for You" (1975), "Goodbye Old Buddies" (1977), and "You’re the Love" (1978), charted in the top 10 on the adult contemporary chart.
Notably, none of their songs reached No. 1 on the Hot 100.
They performed songs for the soundtrack of the film "One on One" in 1977.
Controversy and Post-Duo Career
The duo encountered controversy in 1974 with the release of their album "Unborn Child." The title track, reflecting their Baháʼí beliefs in life beginning at conception, was an anti-abortion song. This decision was made despite objections from their label, Warner Bros., and led to backlash and bans from some radio stations following the Roe v. Wade ruling.
Seals and Crofts disbanded in 1980. They had brief reunions in the early 1990s and early 2000s, with their final album, "Traces," released in 2004. After the initial breakup, Crofts moved to Nashville, where he focused on country music and released occasional singles, including the solo album "Today" in 1998. Jim Seals relocated to Costa Rica, where he reportedly managed a coffee farm. Crofts and his family moved to Mexico and later Australia.
Legacy
The genre of yacht rock, which Seals and Crofts helped define, has experienced a recent resurgence, highlighted by a 2024 HBO documentary titled "Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary." The musical legacy of the duo has been continued by family members, with their daughters forming The Humming Birds in 2010, and a cousin and daughter forming Seals & Crofts 2 in 2018.