‘Summer Breeze’ singer Dash Crofts dead at 87
Darrell ‘Dash Crofts, the singer who made up one half of Seals and Crofts, has died aged 87.
His death was announced by the band’s producer, Louie Shelton, who took to Facebook to confirm the sad news on March 26th.
Shelton wrote on Facebook, “Sad to hear our dear brother and partner in music has passed away today. Sending love and prayers to all his family and many fans. R.I.P. my brother…..Dash Croft.”
A family member has since informed TMZ that Crofts died following complications that arose from heart surgery.
His daughter, Lua Crofts Faragher, has also eulogised her father, writing on Facebook, “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beloved father and husband Darrell ‘Dash’ George Crofts, who passed away March 25, 2026 at the age of 87 surrounded by the love and prayers of his devoted wife and children.”
Crofts Faragher continued her post, “With sorrow and gratitude, we mourn a man whose loving-kindness, remarkable compassion, beautiful and tender voice has uplifted hearts across the globe.”
Her emotional statement concluded, “We extend our gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love and support that we have received from around the world and we celebrate an honor his legacy of service to mankind.”
Crofts began performing with fellow Texan, Jim Seals, in the late 1950s in The Champs, before the pair eventually splintered off to form Seals and Crofts, which would lead to huge success throughout the ’70s.
Their fourth album, Summer Breeze, which featured the titular track, which would go on to define their career, cemented their status as soft-rock pioneers. They then followed up on the success with their next album, Diamond Girl, which charted at four in the US and is the best-performing record of their career.
However, despite their huge popularity in the early ’70s, their star began to fizzle as the decade came to a close, and they disbanded following 1980’s The Longest Road.
Eventually, the pair reunited in 2004 for one final album, Traces. Seals died in 2022, aged 79.
Aside from music, Seals and Crofts were also bonded by following the Baháʼí Faith, but Crofts insisted to Stereo Review, “We’re not selling religion through our music, but the concepts of Baha’i do come out in it – like the concept of the oneness of mankind.”
In addition to his daughter, Lua, Crofts is also survived by two more children, Faizi and Amelia, his second wife, Louise Crofts, as well as eight grandchildren.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.