David Crosby put his pandemic lockdown time to good use. The title of his 2021 new album For Free comes from Joni Mitchell's "For Free," a track that Crosby covers on the record. "Joni's the greatest living singer-songwriter, and ‘For Free' is one of her simplest," Crosby said in a statement. It's one of my favorite songs because I love what it says about the spirit of music and what compels you to play."

The album opener, "River Rise," features Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, who co-wrote the song with Crosby's son and producer/collaborator James Raymond. Other contributors on the album include Steeley Dan's Donald Fagen, who teams with Crosby on "Rodriguez for a Night."

Crosby says the past couple of years haven't been easy. The pandemic made it impossible for him to tour, and his fianancial situation grew dire enough to threaten his house. The tendonitis plaguing his hands has advanced to the point it makes it difficult for him to play guitar. He also lost his biological son, Beckett Cypher, who was raised by Melissa Etheridge.

Yet despite the pain and suffering the set of songs on For Free are cheery and optimistic. "I needed an uphill climb," the soon-to-be 80-year-old says, "I needed something that enlightens me, enlivens me, and makes me feel whole. This music has been a lifesaver for me."