“I remain proud to have worked with a special talent. I’ll even miss the ‘downs,’ but mostly remember the ‘ups’”: Strawbs mastermind Dave Cousins remembered

Dave Cousins 1940-2025.

Strawbs co-founder Dave Cousins enjoyed a musical career spanning more than six decades. The singer, songwriter and guitarist and has been named by many musicians as a key influence and inspiration. Following his death at 85 on July 13, 2025, Prog reflect on his rich legacy.

Dave Cousins’ death marked the end of a long and fruitful career in music that began with the formation of the bluegrass-picking band The Strawberry Hill Boys in 1964 – but he found his original voice once the outfit morphed into Strawbs in 1967.