In this article, David Crosby tells an anecdote about him and Buffet having lunch. Crosby says “Jimmy Buffet’s a much bigger star than I am, right?”
I don’t know. I know I’m showing my age, but I know both of them pretty well. I wouldn’t have said one was a bigger star than the other.
What do dopers think?
I would say Jimmy Buffet is a bigger star. He’s more mainstream (how often do you hear solo David Crosby on any radio station?), he’s more of a household name, he’s written books which were very popular, and he owns a chain of successful restaurants.
But Crosby is the better musician and the cooler guy.
David Crosby was at least twice the size of Jimmy Buffett, the last time I saw him. <rimshot>
I think Buffett is bigger today because he tours annually and is a media/marketing mogul, but in the 60s and early 70s it was Crosby.
Who is this “Jimmy Buffet” to whom the OP refers? Jimmy Buffett, with two T’s, is one of my favorite performers. 
Southern Yankee nailed the question though. Buffett has continually marketed himself much better than Crosby has, and Buffett has perfected his very enjoyable southern beach bum Marguaritaville schtick/persona.
I don’t think I have ever listened to a Jimmy Buffett song on purpose.
Country stars are vying to get Jimmy Buffett vocals/references into their singles. Melissa Etheridge tapped David Crosby as a sperm donor. Edge goes to Buffett.
My teenage nieces and nephew know who Jimmy Buffett is. They don’t know who David Crosby is.
I think that everybody on the entire planet not only knows “Margaritaville,” but can tell you who wrote and sang it. That is something few singers can claim.
OTHO, I don’t know one song written and sung by a solo David Crosby.
Similarly, which song is better? Judy Blue Eyes or Margaritaville? Definitely, Judy Blue Eyes in my book. Margaritaville is just catchy, not musical genius.
Also, Jimmy Buffett has covered CSN’s Southern Cross. If Buffet is covering Crosby, then who is really more famous?
This is deadpan comedy, right?
This is deadpan comedy, right?
Since both Suite JB and Southern Cross were written by Steven Stills, IIRC…
Sung by all… Including Mr. Crosby. You don’t think David had any influence on either song? He was like the Garfunkel of that configuration. He made sure it had meat.
Not unlike these filler songs and tributie talkies that certain country musicians have sung in duet with Jimmy.
I purposely listen to CSN stuff. And I’ve bought an album. Never bought a Buffett record, but I always enjoy listening to Margarita vile when somebody is playing it. Now I know, it’s my own damn fault. Hard to say Jimmy is great music.
The question wasn’t “who’s the better musician?” It was “who’s the bigger star?” Answer has to be Buffett.
Exactly. Esp. in the year of our lord 2009, when Buffett is still performing regularly to sell-out crowds.
OTOH, if I were walking down the street and saw one or the other of them, I’d recognize David Crosby first – he has a more distinctive look.
Never heard of either of them.
I like both artists, own and play music created by each, and would be equally thrilled to be introduced to either one socially.
That said, Jimmy Buffett’s renown reaches a larger segment of the population. Crosby’s demographic is primarily baby-boomers.
It’s Pinacoladaberg, damnit. That son of a son of a bitch stole it.
Let’s put this in a measure everyone can understand, money.
In an interview in 2003 David Crosby was talking about his bankruptcy and said that he probably made $25 million over the course of his carreer.
Jimmy Buffet’s empire is pulling in an estimated $100 million dollars per YEAR according to Wikipedia. And he’s still going strong and concerts are always sold out.
I will probably be accused of threadshitting - if so, I understand why and apologize…
IMHO - who cares? Both are involved the in the production of pleasant music that entertains. Crosby hitched a ride on Woodstock and the association with the Byrds and Neil Young gives him a hint more credibility, but not much more. Buffet is a very creative writer who has been able to turn his basic appeal into a cottage industry - and more power to him for doing so.
Artistic star-by-association: Crosby
Bigger business/celebrity star: Buffet