Adam Duritz

Although he looked to Van Morrison and Bob Dylan for inspiration, Adam Duritz wrote melancholy lyrics more in sync with the world-weary perspective of post-grunge rock & roll. Duritz was born in Baltimore, MD, on August 1, 1964. In 1991, he formed Counting Crows with guitarist David Bryson in San Francisco, performing acoustic sets in coffeehouses. The duo eventually added bassist Matt Malley, guitarist Dan Vickrey, drummer Steve Bowman, and keyboardist Charles Gillingham. The band was equal parts roots rock and R.E.M. jangle, united by Duritz's sad, introspective songs. Two y...