The greatest songwriters?

[Frank v]

Dear all,
Apart from Gord,who are the greatest songwriters in popular music history?

Frank.

[Janice]

Keep in mind that these are the greatest in my mind and that opinion may not be shared with the masses.

Rodney Crowell
Townes Van Zandt
Jackson Browne
Steve Goodman
John Lennon/Paul McCartney (together and alone)
George Harrison (he doesn't get a lot of Beatles recognition, but he wrote some classics)
Kris Kristofferson
Bernie Taupin (a very underappreciated lyricist, IMO)
Rogers & Hammerstein
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Gershwin (both of them)
Carole King

There are many more, but I'll give others a chance

Janice



[This message has been edited by Janice (edited October 09, 2000).]

[Scott]

Without a doubt (imHo)
the list is not complete without Bob Dylan. His contribution helped transform songwriting There are many fine writers who are lauded for style (which is to some degree within the ear of the beholder). Dylan's work goes deeper. I wasn't around in the 60's when people were going through his garbage to find "clues" to the "mystery". But inspite of the weirdness that has occurred around his career his songwriting remains distinct, even essential. Ask Mr Lightfoot. And all the other songwriters.
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Honda ST1300

[charlene]

Dylan for sure
James Taylor
John Lennon
Paul McCartney
Kris Kristofferson
Joni Mitchell
Joan Baez

Char

[Steve]

I think you have to include Paul Simon on the list.
Also a few of my all time favorites are
Mickey Newberry
Robert Earl Kean Jr.
Don McClean
Roy Orbison

[Scott]

True - Paul Simon is definitely a legend. It could be said Simon has had one of the most consistant careers. I've no idea his age but he continues to come out with fresh sounding material which can't be too easy to do after all these years. Moving into the 80's - Sting and Peter Gabriel.
And maybe not one of the greatest but certainly unique - John Prine.
What about Cat Stevens. Excellent writing there!
Perhaps this is stepping more into a Favourites category rather than Greatest. What would be the criteria for greatness in a songwriter? Comparison to Dylan? How many of the artists mentioned thus far were compared to Dylan when they arrived on the scene?
________
extreme vaporizer

[Scott]

This is great for us insomniacs!

On a different note - Jimmy Page. No better writer of rock riffs.

Prince. Great funk. Has been called a musical genious by many in the industry.

Stevie Wonder.

Van Morrison. Though his songs tend to stick with him. I haven't really heard them from anyone else. Though I'm not complaining.
________
Harley-Davidson CB

[Tom]

Hank Williams Sr.
Bob Dylan
Lennon & McCartney
Jagger & Richards
Barry & Kim "Bubblegum Rock"
Jim Croce
Paul Simon
Tommy James
Benny Anderson & Bjorn Ulvaeus "ABBA"
Roger Waters
Lieber & Stroller
Don Robertson
Pomus & Shuman
Mark James
Stevie Wonder
Buck Owens



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"...If YoU fEeL iT yOu BeTtEr BeLiEvE iT, yOu'Re GoNnA sEe It, YoU nEeD tO kNoW/iT iS rIsInG lIkE a FeAtHeR, dIpPiNg & DaNcInG fRoM bElOw/ThErE's A nEw WaVe ThAt Is BrEaKiNg In ThE wAkE oF a PaSsInG sHiP/eVeRy NaTiOn'S gOnNa Be ShAkEn, PuT iT tOgEtHeR, dOn'T lEt It SlIp..."

[Bill]

add John Prine

How about Robbie Robertson and the late Richard Manuel from The Band!!!!!!!
Timeless abd inspirational.

Also,Jim Croce, Roger Miller, Dylan, and of course GORD!

My picks:

John Hiatt
Bob Dylan
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Lennon/McCartney
Joni Mitchell
Van Morrison
Bruce Springsteen
Roger Waters

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What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.

--R.W. Emerson