David Crosby considered John Lennon the best singer in The Beatles, preferring his gritty, earthy vocal style to Paul McCartney’s more powerful tones. His view was shaped by close encounters with the band, including hearing “A Day in the Life” at Abbey Road during the making of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an experience he described as overwhelming and life-changing.

Crosby said The Beatles inspired him to pursue pop music rather than remain solely a folk musician, while also admiring McCartney’s compassionate songwriting. He particularly praised “Eleanor Rigby” for focusing on lonely, ordinary people and presenting their suffering with unusual kindness and restraint.