The MSM at it again: The NY Times Greatest Living American Songwriter list
Just published.
Babyface
Bad Bunny
Bob Dylan
Brian & Eddie Holland
Bruce Springsteen
Carole King
Dianne Warren
Dolly Parton
Fiona Apple
Jay-Z
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Kendrick Lamar
Lana Del Rey
Lionel Richie
Lucinda Williams
Mariah Carey
Missy Elliott
Nile Rodgers
OutKast (André 3000 & Big Boi)
Paul Simon
Romeo Santos
Smokey Robinson
Stephin Merritt
Stevie Wonder
Taylor Swift
The-Dream
Willie Nelson
Young Thug
Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, & Josh Osborne (representing Nashville's modern songwriting core)
Off the top, is Tay Tay or even Lionel Ritchey better than Randy Newman, John Fogerty, or Jason Isbell. Joni Mitchell is a dual national for decades and spent more of her life in So Cal and without her there would be no Tay Tay or Lana Del Rey (really, Lana). I’d take Stevie Nicks and Carly Simon over Swift and Del Rey. No Dave Grohl?
Donald ***en still breaths, too, though that may be a controversial choice.
** Edited by Va AandM at 4/28/2026, 6:10:19 PM
20 Replies
3mo
that made it to Broadway should automatically be on this list. That shows depth of the music/songwriting and appeal. There are many several that left off. Frankie Valley, the Avett Brother, and several more.
(In response to this post by Va AandM)
3mo
(In response to this post by MAHokie69)
3mo
Earle is a great songwriter.
(In response to this post by Va AandM)
3mo
** Edited by MAHokie69 at 4/29/2026, 9:43:25 PM
(In response to this post by santafe)
3mo
My mistake!
** Edited by santafe at 4/30/2026, 5:33:59 AM
(In response to this post by MAHokie69)
3mo
Art Garfunkel
Bob Seger
John Hiatt
(In response to this post by Va AandM)
3mo
(In response to this post by Va AandM)
3mo
(In response to this post by Va AandM)
3mo
(In response to this post by PhotoHokieNC)
3mo
Please!
(In response to this post by Va AandM)