Readers Speak: Unveiling the 100 Greatest Living American Songwriters, According to You

Unveiling Musical Genius: HowTimes Readers Pick the 100 Greatest Living American Songwriters

When the call went out to identify the 30 most impactful living American songwriters, we anticipated a passionate response. What we received was an overwhelming outpouring of enthusiasm, opinion, and heartfelt advocacy. More than 25,000 music aficionados cast their ballots, contributing to a monumental poll that resulted in nearly 12,000 distinct artist selections. The process was a testament to the power of music and the profound connections people form with the words and melodies that shape their lives.

The Epic Journey to Crown Songwriting Legends: Our Methodology

Compiling a definitive list from such a vast and diverse pool of nominations was no small feat. Each voter could nominate up to ten names, leading to an intricate process of standardization. We meticulously combined variations (like "Al Yankovic" and "Weird Al") and carefully vetted eligibility, ensuring all candidates were both living and American (a criterion that, for instance, excluded the likes of Giuseppe Verdi). This rigorous approach ultimately distilled the choices into a curated list, reflecting the true breadth of reader appreciation.

This endeavor was more than just a tally; it was a deep dive into the public's musical conscience. It highlighted a fascinating truth: recognizing a songwriter often means first recognizing a performer. Many of the top contenders are primarily known for performing their own compositions, crafting what feels like a direct emotional conduit from their experiences to our ears. This emphasis meant certain genres, like traditional R&B, which often separates the roles of writer and singer, were less represented in the highest echelons.

A Symphony of Tastes: Consensus Versus Individual Brilliance

The poll vividly illustrated the current landscape of music appreciation. While a select few artists garnered widespread recognition, attracting thousands of votes, the vast majority received fewer than 100. This stark contrast revealed a small, highly recognized core surrounded by a sprawling universe of individual tastes. It was within these thousands of unique, lesser-voted choices that the true depth and diversity of readers' musical passions truly shone.

These weren't obscure picks; they were foundational figures and even chart-topping artists across various genres. The list of those receiving ten votes or fewer included luminaries like jazz pianist and producer Robert Glasper, Midwest emo pioneers Mike and Tim Kinsella, hip-hop icons Ludacris and Del the Funky Homosapien, metal's Corey Taylor (Slipknot), and indie-rock's Karen Peris (The Innocence Mission). The 25-to-50 vote bracket featured influential figures such as Ron Mael of Sparks, prolific hitmaker Desmond Child (co-writer of "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Livin' la Vida Loca"), and pop polymath Charlie Puth. Regardless of how many votes they received, every artist sparked fervent, insightful commentary from their devoted fans.

The Top Selections: Spotlighting theTimes Readers Pick the 100 Greatest Living American Songwriters

Here, we delve into the most celebrated names, starting with the top 30 and continuing through the full 100, enriched by voter insights and intriguing patterns. Links to fan-recommended songs are available for those eager to explore.

Bob Dylan

A true titan, Dylan achieved overwhelming consensus, appearing on a full third of all ballots. His astounding 8,265 votes surpassed the runner-up by nearly 2,000, cementing his unparalleled influence. Voters, some even humorously blaming him for aspects of their parents' generation, showcased their deep connection to his work. Intriguingly, one ballot even included votes for his various pseudonyms, such as Blind Boy Grunt and Boo Wilbury.

Paul Simon

Simon, a quarter of all voters agreed, is a master of lyrical craft. His words, described by one fan as “sometimes flirty, often playful, always insightful,” gracefully “float across melodies like river water rippling over rocks.”

Bruce Springsteen

“He doesn’t feed you a story. He makes you feel it,” articulated one voter, capturing the essence of Springsteen’s emotional resonance. A notable correlation emerged: ballots featuring Motown legends like Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson were disproportionately likely to also include The Boss.

Carole King

King's votes predominantly honored her work as a singer-songwriter, particularly the songs she performed herself. While her indelible 1960s co-written classics like “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” were often overlooked in comments, her solo career’s impact was undeniable. She stands as one of only four artists to appear on over 20 percent of ballots.

Billy Joel

Notably absent from our critics' original list, Joel's omission sparked immediate and vocal reader outcry. “Shame on you for leaving off the Piano Man. For shame,” one ballot declared. Joel’s popularity was particularly strong among voters who also chose Garth Brooks, Don McLean, or Barry Manilow.

Stevie Wonder

Wonder's music, for many, transcends mere listening. One voter passionately described it as residing “in my soul, my psyche, my consciousness, my heart, my mind, my everything. He lives inside me.” This sentiment echoes Erykah Badu’s own profound appreciation for his genius.

Taylor Swift

The youngest artist in the readers’ top 30, Swift proved a polarizing figure among critics but earned the ardent admiration of 16 percent of voters. Nearly half of her supporters placed her in their top ten, alongside Bob Dylan, a testament to her widespread impact across generations.

Joni Mitchell (Reader's Note)

Many readers vehemently argued for the inclusion of Joni Mitchell, a Canadian-born artist deemed ineligible by our criteria. With over 4,000 votes, she would have secured a prominent spot, indicating a strong desire for her recognition had she been considered eligible.

Dolly Parton

“Her songs speak to the ‘everyperson’ in all of us, and her voice backs up the integrity of the lyrics,” a voter observed. Parton, appearing on 14 percent of ballots, found particular synergy with voters who also selected Missy Elliott.

James Taylor

As the second-highest-ranked artist not on the critics' list, Taylor’s enduring appeal was clear. “His music doesn’t demand attention,” a voter noted, “it earns it, lingering long after it ends.” His support was especially strong among Kenny Loggins fans.

Willie Nelson

At 93, Nelson holds the distinction of being the oldest songwriter in the readers’ top 100. Voters drawn to his work often also chose Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, or Paul Anka. One fan summed up his timeless appeal: “I’ve listened to ‘On the Road Again’ religiously for three-quarters of my life, and it still puts a smile on my face every time I hear the intro.”

Jackson Browne

Many admirers cited “The Pretender” and “These Days” (penned at 16) as standout tracks. Browne’s votes showed a strong correlation with those who also supported his former Eagles associates, with whom he co-wrote “Take It Easy.”

Tom Waits

Waits’ voters frequently highlighted the crucial contributions of his wife and musical partner, Kathleen Brennan. One memorable ballot even named “Kathleen Brennan, Without Whom We Wouldn’t Really Care That Much About Tom Waits.” His appeal spans genres, with notable overlap among fans of Randy Newman, Jonathan Richman, and Public Enemy.

Smokey Robinson

Michigan emerges as a disproportionately prolific state for great songwriters, second only to New York and California in our geographic analysis, thanks in large part to Motown legends like Robinson.

Neil Young (Reader's Note)

Similar to Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, whose career began in Canada, also received a significant number of votes. His 2020 naturalization as a U.S. citizen adds complexity to his eligibility, highlighting the intricate task of defining “American” in a global music landscape.

Randy Newman

“No one has explored the themes of race, capitalism, religion, exceptionalism and the idea of America itself, in all its ironies and complexities, as frequently or as skillfully,” declared one passionate reader, who offered to write an entire essay on why Newman is both the best and most American songwriter. His biting “Political Science” was cited as a prime example of his genius. Voters for Newman often also supported Rickie Lee Jones, Jimmy Webb, or Todd Rundgren.

David Byrne

A significant segment of voters from punk and indie-rock backgrounds converged around Byrne. His expansive body of work, from Talking Heads to art-rock and experimental music, resonated deeply. One voter noted how he “tilts the room until you notice the strangeness of being alive,” while another likened him to American satirists Kurt Vonnegut and Richard Pryor. Votes for Byrne frequently correlated with choices like Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, and R.E.M.

Stevie Nicks

Disentangling votes for individual artists from band collectives (e.g., Fleetwood Mac) proved challenging. This entry specifically reflects votes for Nicks, though broader groupings might have nudged her slightly higher. She notably resonated with fans of Madonna, Paramore, Jack Antonoff, and SZA.

Kendrick Lamar

Lamar stands as the highest-ranked rapper on the readers’ list, with one voter hailing his albums as “audio cultural landmarks,” and specifically praising “The Heart Part 5.” While some ballots referenced his lyrical sparring with Drake, 13 surprisingly included both artists.

Lucinda Williams

Her album “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road,” one voter eloquently stated, “doesn’t just describe a life — it reconstructs it, briefly, so you can step back inside,” capturing memory with intense physicality.

Jason Isbell

While former Drive-By Truckers members Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley garnered strong support, Isbell was the clear standout, accumulating nearly 1,500 votes for songs like “Cast Iron Skillet” and “Elephant.”

Jeff Tweedy

The Wilco frontman garnered broad appeal, supported by both indie-rock adherents (e.g., Stephen Malkmus voters) and country-Americana enthusiasts (e.g., Gillian Welch voters). Remarkably, the poll's sole vote for viral sensation Bhad Bhabie appeared on a seemingly earnest ballot that also championed Tweedy.

Brandi Carlile

Carlile’s position remained strong regardless of how votes for her collaborators, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, were counted. Many readers lauded the trio's collective efforts or the Hanseroths specifically, with “The Joke” being a frequently praised track. Carlile’s support often came from fans of Indigo Girls, The Avett Brothers, Pink, or Sara Bareilles.

Donald Fagen

This entry encompasses votes for Steely Dan as a collaborative unit, including the late Walter Becker. One voter suggested Fagen’s solo album “The Nightfly” demonstrated that Steely Dan's “musical signatures” were uniquely his. His songs were described as sounding like “the seediest, most stylish ’70s neo-noir,” appealing to those who also voted for Todd Rundgren or members of the Doobie Brothers.

Neil Diamond

While critics might deem him “campy,” one voter asserted, “you know they can sing every single word of ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the top of their lungs.” Diamond's enduring popularity, even independent of songs made famous by others like “I’m a Believer,” secured him over 1,000 votes, illustrating the rapid decline in consensus beyond the very top artists.

John Fogerty

The Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman's output from ’68 through ’70 (six albums!) was highlighted by one voter as “perhaps the single most prolific period of sustained songwriting brilliance we have ever seen.”

R.E.M.

The band’s democratically credited songs, spanning from “So. Central Rain” to “Nightswimming,” earned them a strong showing. One voter lauded them as “the absolute blueprint for channeling articulate discontent into cryptic, melancholic and structurally perfect alt-rock.” Individual members also received votes.

Patti Smith

“When Patti growled that Jesus died for someone’s sins, but not hers,” one voter recalled, “I felt like she opened a door for me that I thought was a wall.” Smith, herself an admirer of Bob Dylan, frequently appeared on ballots alongside Iggy Pop, Public Enemy, or Jonathan Richman.

Don Henley

The intricate web of Eagles-related votes, encompassing the band and various individual members and combinations, made Henley's placement complex. While a combined Eagles vote would approach the top 10, nearly half of those votes were linked to Jackson Browne, underscoring the collaborative nature of their songwriting.

Lionel Richie

“So emotional, he’s played at weddings, engagements and even funerals,” a voter remarked. Despite some critical resistance to his presence, countless readers celebrated the profound tenderness of songs like “Easy” and “Hello.”

Brian & Eddie Holland

Collating votes for these Motown legends — two-thirds of the iconic Holland-Dozier-Holland team — was a meticulous task, revealing the many affectionate ways readers paid tribute to their enduring contributions to soul music.

Jimmy Webb

Webb stands as the highest-ranking artist primarily known for writing songs performed by others. His classics, particularly those popularized by Glen Campbell (“Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston”), along with “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “MacArthur Park,” received abundant praise.

Beyond the Top 30: Celebrating the RemainingTimes Readers Pick the 100 Greatest Living American Songwriters

While our critics’ list was capped at 30, readers enjoyed the freedom to explore the full spectrum of American songwriting. Below are some highlights from the broader top 100, a testament to the diverse and passionate tastes of our audience:

Eminem

The second-highest-ranking rapper on the list, Eminem’s voter correlations were surprisingly eclectic, linking him with artists like Trent Reznor, Dave Grohl, and Billie Joe Armstrong, beyond typical hip-hop choices.

Fiona Apple

Often considered a “critic’s darling,” Apple resonated strongly with readers, nearly landing her in the top 30. Songs like “Every Single Night” were frequently lauded.

Tracy Chapman

One voter declared that Chapman would deserve a spot for “Fast Car” alone, highlighting the immense impact of a single, iconic song. Votes for Chapman showed a strong correlation with those for Suzanne Vega.

Diane Warren

“Warren might be Top 10 just with her songs that start with ‘I’,” a voter mused, citing hits like Belinda Carlisle’s “I Get Weak” and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” a testament to her unparalleled catalog of power ballads.

Sufjan Stevens

“Don’t ever trust a Sufjan Stevens song with a holiday in its title,” warned one voter, noting how “Fourth of July” and “Casimir Pulaski Day” have a way of making listeners “an emotional wreck.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Readers filled a void left by the critics, who largely overlooked musical theater. Miranda, for one voter, “accomplished something with ‘Hamilton’ that still seems impossible,” earning him a top spot.

Lana Del Rey

One voter aptly described her writing as “a vibe detector of where society is at and going.” Del Rey’s votes showed strong correlations with contemporary 21st-century songwriters like Mitski, SZA, and Olivia Rodrigo.

John Prine (Posthumous)

Despite his passing in 2020, Prine received enough votes to rank highly, thanks to cherished songs like “Angel From Montgomery.” Readers expressed sorrow that he couldn't be formally included, highlighting his enduring legacy.

Steve Earle

Hailed as “a songwriter’s songwriter,” Earle was credited by one voter for “practically invent[ing] alt-country in the ’80s and ’90s” and for penning “more great songs than anybody on this list.”

Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief)

A favorite among music insiders, Lenker also garnered deep appreciation from readers, with “Simulation Swarm” frequently cited. Her votes often linked to other rising artists, showcasing a generational shift in musical taste.

Mariah Carey

To some critics’ surprise, Carey’s songwriting prowess was acknowledged by enough voters to bring her into the top 50. Credited on more No. 1 hits than any other American, her lyrical contributions were clearly meaningful to a significant portion of the electorate.

Bonnie Raitt

While often celebrated for her interpretations, Raitt was also lauded for her original compositions. “She went on a journey and took us all with her in our heads,” one voter articulated, praising songs like the Grammy-winning “Just Like That.”

Rosanne Cash

“She has managed to make songs in a range of different genres that feel distinctly her,” one voter noted, “while also completely appropriate to whatever it is that she is doing.”

John Hiatt

“His catalog is as covered as Carole King, with much less recognition,” a voter observed. Hiatt’s songs have been famously performed by a diverse array of artists, from Bonnie Raitt to Iggy Pop.

Billie Eilish

Eilish, born in the current century, is the youngest person on the readers’ list. She and her brother/collaborator Finneas O’Connell were dubbed “the Lennon-McCartney of this generation” by one voter, with “Happier Than Ever” and “Bury a Friend” among admired tracks.

Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys)

While Wilson was on our critics' list before his passing, combining votes for him, The Beach Boys, and the Brian Wilson/Mike Love partnership would place him high. This complex vote tabulation reflects the intricacies of band dynamics and credited songwriting.

Gillian Welch

Welch was lauded as “a criminally underappreciated genius of Americana” whose “songs sound like they have always been here.” “Look at Miss Ohio” was a frequently cited masterpiece.

Beyoncé

A debate among critics centered on Beyoncé's role as a songwriter versus a visionary producer. Nearly 500 readers affirmed her prowess as a songwriter, recognizing her direct lyrical contributions.

Paul Westerberg (The Replacements)

Despite diverse voting patterns among punk and indie fans, Westerberg was a unifying choice. One voter called him “the last great anti-modernist,” reflecting on his profound impact. His votes correlated with those for Bob Mould.

Jack White

Beyond his work with The White Stripes, White's solo genius was highlighted, with his Beyoncé collaboration “Don’t Hurt Yourself” praised for being “so recognizably a Jack White song.” His correlations included Julian Casablancas and Beck.

Carly Simon

Over 450 ballots mentioned Simon, the sole writer on classics like “Coming Around Again” and “You’re So Vain.”

Aimee Mann

Mann was described as offering “a master class in cynical, incredibly sharp and melodically perfect pop-rock,” with “Deathly” singled out for praise. Her own ballot acknowledged her husband, Michael Penn, as an under-recognized talent.

Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)

The term “dad rock” finds new meaning with Vedder, whose votes correlated with a distinct generational cohort, including Billy Corgan, Dave Grohl, and members of Metallica.

Phoebe Bridgers

Bridgers was praised for songs like “Funeral” and “Motion Sickness.” Combining her votes with those for her trio boygenius would significantly elevate her ranking, underscoring the collective power of their work.

Juan Luis Guerra

Hailed for “masterpieces” like “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” Guerra’s songwriting was described as inspiring many Puerto Ricans to learn their history. One voter provocatively claimed Caribbean songwriting surpasses North American in memorability and sophistication.

Stephen Stills

This entry reflects individual votes for Stills, the only living American songwriter among the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young collective, suggesting his true support is even higher when accounting for group votes.

Beck

Beck’s mastery “across numerous genres, breaking ground in each while avoiding formulism,” captivated voters. His choices were disproportionately linked to fans of Black Francis or Kim Deal.

Lyle Lovett

Lovett was praised for his “excruciatingly deft humor,” evident in songs like “God Will.” His votes correlated with those for Robert Earl Keen, with whom he wrote “The Front Porch Song.”

Tori Amos

Amos “never took the safe or easy path,” one reader said, noting how her music “makes you feel and think and be seen in incomparable ways.” Her poignant lyrics were often compared to contemporary pop.

Madonna

While missing from the critics' list, Madonna’s songwriting garnered strong reader support, particularly from fans of Lady Gaga, and surprisingly, experimental artists like Liz Harris (Grouper).

Indigo Girls (Emily Saliers, Amy Ray)

The duo inspired deep devotion, with one voter wishing for three ballot slots to honor their 31 great songs. Their votes correlated with those for Natalie Merchant, who just missed the top 100.

Noah Kahan

Kahan represents a fascinating intersection of pop, roots, and country, with his votes correlating highly with Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan. “Stick Season” was a clear voter favorite.

OutKast (André 3000, Big Boi)

The duo “started with hip-hop and then flew straight out the stratosphere,” one voter declared. André 3000 was praised for his “unimaginable tangents” and never writing “a bad line.”

Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)

Vernon’s extensive collaborations with artists like Taylor Swift, Ye, and Jay-Z highlight his wide-reaching influence within the music industry.

Frank Ocean

Ocean was credited with “reshaping modern songwriting with nonlinear structure and emotional precision,” offering “Gen Z a language to croon with.” “Self Control” was a voter favorite, and his support correlated with contemporary artists like SZA and Mitski.

James McMurtry

This literary-minded Texan’s votes often appeared alongside those for Robert Earl Keen. “Ruby and Carlos,” inspired by a “dysfunctional” Waffle House, was a standout song for many.

Adam Schlesinger (Posthumous)

Though he passed away in 2020, Schlesinger was a much-loved songwriter for Fountains of Wayne hits like “Hackensack” and his work in film and TV.

Jason Mraz

Mraz “never seems to get the flowers he deserves,” one voter remarked, while another called him “Springsteen you can dance to,” praising his catchy yet profound songwriting.

Neko Case

Case, who nearly made the critics’ list, was praised by readers for songs like “Hold On, Hold On” and “I’m an Animal.” Her compositions are “pared down to their essence, and leave enough space for you to find yourself inside them.”

Joan Baez

Commenters often compared Baez's veneration to Bob Dylan's, with many praising “Diamonds & Rust,” a song partly inspired by their relationship.

Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)

Hynde's appeal spanned genres, with strong correlations among voters for Paul Westerberg and Bob Mould. Her song “Kid” was lauded as “Beatles level.”

John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats)

Darnielle inspired intense passion, with many forming personal connections to “This Year.” He “tells stories like no other, touching on every human emotion (and many inhuman)!”

Chris Stapleton

One ballot credited Stapleton's writing with “more real-life emotion, more poetry and wit, than the rest of current Nashville.” His numerous collaborations and songs recorded by other stars were also highlighted.

Ye (Kanye West)

Ye “blew me away with his fresh perspective,” one voter said, praising his first five albums. Another noted how he repeatedly “reshaped popular music in his own image,” sometimes “to his detriment.”

Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

The soul classics penned by this iconic duo received appreciation, often from those who also voted for Philadelphia soul architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.

Patty Griffin

Griffin is “always serving the song — not herself,” one reader noted, while another simply stated, “No one tells a story like Patty.”

Ani DiFranco

DiFranco was admired for her blend of “pointed commentary, seething sarcasm and poignant storytelling.” Her “personal-as-political feminist songs paved the way for the Swifts and Eilishes of today.”

Bob Seger

One voter praised “Night Moves” for capturing “teenage yearnings and adult bittersweet memories.” Another called Seger “probably the best rock songwriter in history,” referencing his wistful line, “Wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then.”

Diane Warren

Warren’s ability to craft “entire albums that could double as greatest-hits collections” was lauded. Her “unwavering moral commitment” and “decades-spanning career” led one voter to place her firmly in the top 10 of living American songwriters.

Nile Rodgers

Voters praised Rodgers’ songwriting with Bernard Edwards, but also his indelible mark as a player and producer on hits for David Bowie, Madonna, and Duran Duran.

Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes)

Oberst, alongside Phoebe Bridgers, appears in the top 100, though their collaborative project, Better Oblivion Community Center, received no joint votes. “First Day of My Life” was a particular reader favorite.

John Mayer

The “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” singer-guitarist often received votes from fans of Dave Matthews, Sara Bareilles, or Adam Duritz of Counting Crows.

Ben Folds

Folds was recognized for his 1990s successes and extensive subsequent writing and collaborations. His song “Boxing” was highlighted, later famously covered by Bette Midler.

Sheryl Crow

Crow’s “Redemption Day” was a goosebump-inducing favorite, whether her original or Johnny Cash’s rendition.

Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)

Reznor was credited with “guiding dark electronic music into the mainstream” and “shaping the sonic direction of artists from Kanye West to Billie Eilish.” His votes correlated with fans of Metallica and Billy Corgan.

Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day)

“What millennial hasn’t belted out at least one track off ‘Dookie’, ‘Nimrod’ or ‘American Idiot’?,” one voter asked, praising Green Day’s enduring punk-rock anthems.

The National (Aaron Dessner, Matt Berninger, etc.)

This entry collects votes for all band members, acknowledging their individual musical endeavors. Their influence extends to collaborations, such as Aaron Dessner’s work with Taylor Swift.

The Grateful Dead

While the combined votes for all Grateful Dead members would rank highly, only a handful of votes were cast for the band as an entity or for living members when posthumous contributions were excluded.

Lauryn Hill

Hill’s votes strongly correlated with fans of Erykah Badu and SZA, the latter having attended the same New Jersey high school 15 years later. Lucinda Williams also cited Hill as a favorite.

Barry Manilow

Some voters took care to credit Manilow for his widely heard commercial jingles, like State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor” and Band-Aid’s “Stuck on Band-Aid.”

Alicia Keys

Keys’ writing “is only bested by her humanity,” a voter remarked, noting how she makes the world “a more inspiring and loving place.” One ballot uniquely combined votes for Keys and Jello Biafra.

Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam (Reader's Note)

Several British songwriters, including Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), received enough votes to appear in the top 100 had they been American, underscoring the global nature of musical influence.

Kacey Musgraves

Musgraves, a frequent co-writer with Nashville hitmakers, was celebrated for her unique voice. One reader famously sang, “My idea of heaven / Is to burn one with John Prine.”

Stephen Malkmus (Pavement)

“Malkmus’s songs speak to my inner upset suburbanite,” one voter shared, recommending Pavement’s “Gold Soundz.” Ballots for Pavement often championed other indie figures.

Olivia Rodrigo

Rodrigo, born in 2003, is the youngest songwriter in the top 100, marking a new generation's ascendancy. Her collaborator Daniel Nigro also received votes for his contributions.

Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee)

Crutchfield, who nearly made the critics’ list, was praised for songs like “Ice Cold” and “Tigers Blood,” described as “pared down to their essence” and “made to be belted at full volume.”

Gary Clark Jr.

One reader pointed to “Ever Lovin’ Hand,” declaring it “the most authentic and sweetest love song ever written.”

Dave Matthews

“So many amazing songs (both lyrically and musically) and not nearly enough accolades,” a voter lamented. His favorites included “#41” and “So Damn Lucky.” Matthews, born in South Africa, was largely raised in the U.S.

Joanna Newsom

Newsom, a “taxidermist, a street-lamp-lighter, a siren, a thesaurus,” as one reader described her, evoked passionate praise for her unique artistry. Songs like “Only Skin” and “Emily” were frequently admired.

Sturgill Simpson

“I would put forth his album ‘A Sailor’s Guide to Earth’ as a master class in songwriting,” one ballot asserted, highlighting Simpson’s acclaimed body of work.

Babyface

Most readers followed the critics’ lead in voting for Babyface individually, though some also included his frequent writing partner L.A. Reid.

Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)

“Sarcastic and sincere, grungy and fallible, Dave Grohl has been screaming his case for decades,” a voter noted. David Letterman famously called Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” his favorite song.

Sara Bareilles

Bareilles blends pop success with Broadway acclaim (for “Waitress”). Fans often also supported Billy Joel, demonstrating a connection across piano-driven songwriting.

Emmylou Harris

“Quietly astonishing,” one voter wrote, with many ballots praising “Boulder to Birmingham,” a song covered by numerous artists.

The original critics’ list was constrained to 30, requiring difficult choices. However, every songwriter in the readers’ top 30 was thoroughly considered and debated by our panel. This extensive reader poll provides a rich, democratic portrait of the greatest living American songwriters, showcasing the profound impact these artists have on the hearts and minds of their audience.