Dash Crofts, the mandolin-playing half of the soft-rock duo Seals & Crofts, has died at 87 from heart failure in Austin, Texas. The duo found enduring success in the 1970s with hits like "Summer Breeze," "Diamond Girl," and "We May Never Pass This Way Again." Crofts and Jim Seals met as teenagers in Texas and formed their partnership in 1969.

Their biggest hit, "Summer Breeze," peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Rolling Stone later ranked it No. 20 on its list of greatest summer songs. The track's gentle melody and memorable opening guitar lick became a soft-rock staple. Seals & Crofts blended bluegrass, country, folk, classical, and jazz influences, with Crofts on drums, piano, and mandolin complementing Seals' guitar and fiddle.

The duo's career faced controversy in 1974 with their album "Unborn Child" and its provocative title track opposing abortion. Some radio stations refused to play it, and protesters picketed their concerts. Though Warner Brothers warned against the release, Crofts stood by their decision, saying they were "doing it to save lives" rather than make money. Seals & Crofts broke up in 1980 but reunited for tours and released a final album in 2004.