Dash Crofts Dead at 85, One-Half of Duo Seals & Crofts, Best Known for ”Summer Breeze”

Following complications from heart surgery, Dash Crofts has died at 85 years old. Crofts gained fame as one-half of the duo Seals & Crofts. Previously, Jim Seals died in 2022 from a chronic, ongoing illness. Seals & Crofts is best known for their 1972 hit “Summer Breeze.” The track peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Crofts’ full name was Darrell George Crofts, shortened to Dash after being entered into a baby contest. He had a twin sister, Dorothy, and was born on August 14, 1940. Originally, Crofts was a drummer when he met saxophonist Jim Seals. Together, the two played in a band called The Champs before forming the soft-rock duo Seals & Crofts. They shared vocal duties, known for utilizing their harmonies on their songs. Crofts was a multi-instrumentalist, contributing guitar, mandolin, keyboards, drums, and drums to the duo’s albums.

After they had a top ten hit with “Summer Breeze,” they followed up that success with “Diamond Girl” in 1973. “Diamond Girl” also peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart, the same positions as “Summer Breeze.” The duo had four gold albums and two platinum. The two parted ways in 1983, but reunited in the 1990’s and again in 2004. Additionally, Dash Crofts released a solo album in 1998 titled Today.

Producer Louie Shelton Announced the Death on Social Media

Louie Shelton took to Facebook to announce Crofts’ death. Shelton posted, “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.” Shelton is mostly known as a session musician, part of the legendary Wrecking Crew, which played on hundreds of hit records in the 1960s. In the 1970s, Shelton became a producer for acts such as Seals & Crofts and Art Garfunkel. He produced the Seals & Crofts albums Year of Sunday in 1971, Summer Breeze in 1972, and Diamond Girl in 1973.

Seals & Crofts’ music often reflected their Baháʼí Faith, touching on subjects such as spiritual unity, peace, and racial harmony. Before his death, Crofts lived in Texas and raised Arabian horses.