Top 10 Best Singer/Songwriters of All Time

The Top Ten

John Lennon

John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940-8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the... read more

I often wonder about people's knowledge of songwriting and what criteria they base their judgments on. John Lennon is the greatest songwriter ever, winning by a country mile. No one comes close to him, not even Dylan. He transformed the Beatles into prophets and led them forward. McCartney's greatness shined only when he was guided. Most other songwriters are limited and predictable. Lennon was far more diverse and had more up his sleeve.
I get so fed up hearing about Dylan as a songwriter. He wasn't one. He used music to convey his poetry. He was essentially a protest writer and became an icon of that movement. I don't understand why the music industry is so obsessed with him. What else did he have? Nothing. He was envious of Lennon's intellect and influence.
Some of Dylan's songs lacked a chorus and bridge. His version of Norwegian Wood was a joke, and his Christmas album was embarrassing. In the '80s, he produced nothing of note. Lennon, on the other hand, was more prolific and consistent in both lyrics and melody. So when someone thinks of the Beatles, it's Lennon's vision and leadership that made them great.
Please don't come back with petty arguments, like saying it was Dylan who did this or that, because those points won't wash with me. And in any case, I will counteract anything you say.
Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and artist who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. He gained fame in the 1960s with songs that became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in... read more

Why Bob Dylan? Because there was no other artist who has performed this consistently over the course of over 50 years. I will generously ignore his "Reborn Period" in the 80s. Even during that time, he wrote "good mainstream music", but it wasn't anything extraordinary or interesting.
The only two artists who rival his songwriting are obviously Lennon and McCartney. However, neither of them performed this consistently. Lennon died too soon (Roll On John), and even he had a bad period. McCartney just wasn't the same after the Beatles breakup.
Why is it that Dylan keeps reinventing himself over the years, transitioning from Protest Folk singer to Rockstar, then back to Folk, to Country, to Blues, to Gospel, and then to some unique music style? Only to release a Sinatra cover album and shift to a more jazzy style afterward? Yes, the Beatles' music was more diverse, and Dylan never ventured into the more eccentric genres (Looking at you, I Am The Walrus). But the Beatles seemed to experiment with different styles, often moving on after just one or two songs.
It's challenging to argue against the Beatles musically because this is where they outshine Dylan. Nevertheless, Dylan explored a vast range of styles, and his songwriting is impeccable. When the Beatles put their array of instruments aside and didn't produce an album like Sgt. Pepper, Dylan was just more effective.
Or is it because his lyrics are simply unparalleled? I've seen many claim that Lennon wrote superior lyrics, but I disagree. Dylan's rhyme schemes were more intricate, his imagery richer. He could convey the essence of a song without being explicit. Compare songs like Mr. Tambourine Man and Desolation Row to anything Lennon penned. While Lennon was a talented lyricist, he often kept things simple. He wasn't a poet in the same vein as Dylan.... read more
Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame as a member of the rock band The Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop... read more

I will give Dylan his due for being a great songwriter, but McCartney has him beat. By your own admission, he is the most successful songwriter in history. That should say it all. He wrote more great songs than Lennon, and even on some of Lennon's best songs, Paul co-wrote many of them.
I could agree with McCartney as number one. It's a toss-up between Lennon and Dylan for the second spot, and I would give it to Lennon. Both were great, but Lennon wrote more hits.

While one could debate the complexity of his lyrics in some of his songs (primarily his earlier ones), Paul McCartney combined his musicianship with his songwriting in a way that even John Lennon didn't achieve. Every word in his songs seemed to harmonize perfectly with the music. It's as if the lyrics he wrote and the melodies accompanying them were puzzle pieces that fit seamlessly together.
Paul Simon

Paul Frederic Simon is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He first rose to fame as one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, formed in 1964 with Art Garfunkel.
Following the duo's split in 1970, Simon launched a highly successful solo career. He is known for incorporating world music... read more

Paul Simon has produced a remarkable body of work both as a solo artist and in collaboration with Art Garfunkel and other outstanding musicians. Bridge Over Troubled Water is among the greatest songs ever, rivaling classics like Danny Boy.
Although Art Garfunkel took the lead on Bridge Over Troubled Water, I didn't realize the depth of Paul's vocal talent until I watched him on YouTube performing George Harrison's Here Comes the Sun alongside David Crosby and Graham Nash. Their performance was simply unparalleled.
Additionally, Paul's guitar work is mesmerizing. I've been a fan since around 1975. Rock on.

Simon's work has been consistently excellent for over five decades, with many of his songs becoming timeless standards. His body of work can now be compared to that of the world's most celebrated composers and poets throughout history. His lyrics are not only exceptional and poetic but also deeply moving and profound.
Furthermore, his melodies have significantly influenced the evolution of popular music post-1960. His creations always offer intriguing insights into the human experience, always underscored by a deep love for humanity.
Josh Groban

Joshua Winslow "Josh" Groban is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. His first four solo albums were certified multi-platinum. In 2007, he was the best-selling artist in the United States, with 8.8 million units sold that year.

Artists like Dylan, Mitchell, and Cohen are mere footnotes compared to this monumental songwriting talent. Thanks to those who voted wisely on this top 10!
Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

He did write most of his songs, and if you disagree, then I suggest doing some research. Here are just some of the songs written entirely by him: Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Earth Song, Will You Be There, Speechless, Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Wanna Be Startin' Something, Workin' Day and Night, Morphine, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Do You Know Where Your Children Are, Much Too Soon, Stranger in Moscow, D.S., Who Is It, and Another Part of Me. He wrote 4 out of the 9 songs on Thriller and 9 out of the 11 songs on Bad.
Not to mention, he co-wrote songs like Black or White (only the rap part wasn't written by him), Remember the Time, Ghosts, Unbreakable, You Rock My World, Hollywood Tonight, Xscape, Love Never Felt So Good, Keep the Faith, Is It Scary, Scream, Tabloid Junkie, Break of Dawn, Whatever Happens, Dangerous, and Blood on the Dance Floor. It's true that he has hit songs that weren't written by him, such as You Are Not Alone, Thriller, and Man in the Mirror. However, most of his hits were definitely written by him.
Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and humanitarian. Known as "The Boss," he's the leader of the E Street Band.
He's celebrated for his poetic lyrics, working-class themes, political messages tied to his native New Jersey,... read more

I hate the fact that everywhere I see the top songwriter list, I see Bob Dylan. Now, I'm a Dylan fan. But this whole "Dylan is the greatest" notion is pissing me off. I like "Blowing in the Wind." I like "The Times They Are a Changing." I like "Tambourine Man," but I don't know what the hell it means. And I love "The Hurricane." But what are his top songs? Why are they considered the greatest ever?
Every time I see one of these lists, people expect me to believe that these Dylan songs are superior to "The River," "Darkness on the Edge of Town," "Stolen Car," "Born in the USA," "My Hometown," "Nebraska," "Reason to Believe," or any regular old Springsteen song?
We're just supposed to believe that Dylan is the greatest?
Anybody who's a music lover probably loves Dylan. I do too. But anybody who's ever tried to write a song knows who he or she is trying to emulate.
This "Dylan = number 1" notion is just ridiculous.
Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury was a Zanzibar-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen. He achieved fame for his flamboyant stage persona and remarkable four-octave vocal range.... read more

Freddie Mercury is an amazing singer and a superb songwriter. His songs are all original, and he can write across a range of genres from hard rock to ballads to opera. He wrote Bohemian Rhapsody, one of the greatest songs ever, and We Are The Champions, one of the best anthems ever, among others.
It's worth noting that he wrote Crazy Little Thing Called Love in about 10 minutes in a bathtub with a guitar, even though he wasn't proficient at playing the guitar and was limited to a few chords. Such talents are rare. Freddie Mercury should be considered one of the greatest - if not THE greatest - singer/songwriters ever.

He is a good songwriter and singer. He should be in the top 10 list. I didn't like the singer in the number 1 spot. Maybe some people who voted for him are teenagers or young, and he's famous now, which is why he's number 1 on the list.
Personally, I would vote for the vocalists and songwriters from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s because their songs are more beautiful and meaningful than many of today's popular songs. I'm 24 years old, but I prefer songs from the past. Philippines.
Neil Young

Neil Percival Young is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, musician, producer, director, and screenwriter. He gained fame both as a solo artist and as a member of bands such as Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Known for hits such as Heart of Gold and Rockin' in the Free World... read more

It's great to see Neil in the top 20. What stands out about this list, with the exception of Groban, is that those featured are not only excellent songwriters but have also influenced other talented songwriters. This list doesn't include fleeting successes. Aside from the questionable inclusion of Groban, it's a solid list.

Needle and the Damage Done, Heart of Gold, Are You Ready for the Country, Down by the River, and Like a Hurricane are just a few examples of his beautiful lyrics. Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, and Neil Young should easily be at the top, but unfortunately, artists like Josh Groban have taken those spots. Neil Young deserves to be in the top 5.
Roger Waters

George Roger Waters is an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He is best known as the co-founder, secondary lead vocalist, and bassist of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Waters was also the band's principal lyricist and conceptual leader through much of its most influential... read more

I think Roger should be ranked higher than 7. He wrote all the lyrics for The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, and Animals. All four of those albums are some of the greatest albums of all time. In addition, he has also had an amazing solo career and is a phenomenal live act.

Even though he brought Pink Floyd's reign to an end with his overpowering ego, his songwriting and lyrical genius cannot be denied by anyone. This applies to both his work in Pink Floyd and his solo career.

Pink Floyd became the biggest rock band of all time because of the inspiration of Syd Barrett, the guitar work of David Gilmour, and the brilliant songwriting of Roger Waters.

The Newcomers

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Musiq Soulchild

Taalib Hassan Johnson, professionally known as Musiq Soulchild or simply Musiq, is an American singer and songwriter. His musical style blends R&B, funk, blues, jazz, and gospel influences with hip hop. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits such as Love and Halfcrazy.

Definitely one of the best songwriters in R&B, well at least he used to be. Nowadays not so much, but still he deserves a spot on the list.
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Dave Mason

The Contenders

Rod Stewart

Roderick David "Rod" Stewart is a British rock singer-songwriter. Born and raised in London, he is of Scottish and English ancestry. Stewart has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a solo artist and once as a member of Faces... read more

"Gasoline Alley", "Every Picture Tells A Story", "Born Loose", "Scarred and Sacred", "I Was Only Joking", and "True Blue" are just a few of his more than 200 self-penned songs. Then there are his songwriting partnerships with Ronnie Wood. Some of the greatest rockers ever written include "Stay With Me", "Pool Hall Richard", "Borstal Boys", and many more. Rod Stewart is still writing. Listen to his albums "Time" and "Another Country" and be amazed.

I love and enjoy the one and only Sir Rod Stewart. He's one of the best entertainers of all time! I adore his voice, dance moves, and humor. Rod is a gentleman, a family man, and he donates to charities. He's truly a good man.
Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, is an English singer, pianist, and composer. He has collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums. John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.... read more

To the person who criticized Elton John for not writing his lyrics, you're correct. However, he composes all the melodies for all his songs, often completing entire songs within 30 minutes. Moreover, he plays the piano and sings all his songs! Instead of criticizing someone you don't admire, go and support your favorite singer/songwriter.

For me, melody is far more important than lyrics. If I'm not a fan of the melody, no matter how exceptional the lyrics are, I won't enjoy the song. Elton John crafts the best melodies ever.
Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Founded in 1987, Nirvana achieved global success in the early 1990s, reshaping rock music with albums like Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero. Cobain died... read more

Kurt Cobain was the backbone of Nirvana. In terms of intelligence, he surpassed many others on this list. Considering his upbringing, he had an impressive vocabulary, and his lyrics harmonized with his music beautifully. He could write about a vast array of topics, but his darker, surreal lyrics and music stand out from the rest. If he were still alive, he and Nirvana would be remembered as one of the greatest bands ever. Rest in peace, Kurt.
Also, Johnny Cash should be on this list. At least in the Top 5.

He is simply one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He established a genre and became the voice of an entire generation. He voiced all the angst that covered teenagers. He accomplished many things in his life. Kurt Cobain is amazing.
Barry Gibb

Barry Alan Crompton Gibb is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to international fame as a co-founder of the Bee Gees, one of the most commercially successful and influential groups in music history. Known for his distinctive falsetto voice, Gibb has been inducted into the Rock... read more

In objective terms, based on hits and record sales, Barry Gibb should be number 2 behind McCartney/Lennon. Gibb's songs were more intricate than those of the Beatles. He also wrote numerous hits for other artists in diverse styles. He's often dismissed as "disco," but he had great success both before and after that period.

History speaks for itself. They didn't always produce my kind of music, but you can't argue with their success. Actually, the Bee Gees wrote some beautiful acoustic-type ballads before they transitioned to disco. To Love Somebody, Gotta Get a Message to You, First of May, Massachusetts, and Holiday were all beautiful ballads.
Pete Townshend

Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the rock band The Who. He is considered one of the most influential rock guitarists and composers of all time. Townshend has also... read more

Baba O'Riley, Won't Get Fooled Again, My Generation, and I Can See For Miles (the first metal song) are just a few of the more than 100 songs he wrote for the band. Where are Mick Jagger and Keith Richards? They should be at least in the top five.

I can't believe he's not in the top ten. He's my favourite songwriter of all time! He writes from the heart, expressing all the anger he feels through his songs. He is angry with the world and himself.

Why isn't he in the Top 10? Just listen to his songwriting on albums like Tommy, Who's Next, Quadrophenia, and The Who Sell Out. This list is an insult!
Billy Joel

William Martin Joel is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. Commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man," he began his music career in the 1960s and gained popularity with his breakthrough 1973 hit of the same name. He released numerous successful albums throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s... read more

I'm unsure of the age demographic of the posters here, but Billy Joel has both written and performed some of the most iconic songs in history. Additionally, he has composed numerous tracks for other artists.

Billy Joel is phenomenal! Among my favorite songs of his are Piano Man, Angry Young Man, The Entertainer, and Say Goodbye to Hollywood. We Didn't Start the Fire, Honesty, My Life, and Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway are also exceptional.

He's truly incredible! His mastery of the harmonica, piano, and vocals is commendable. He has crafted numerous timeless songs, solidifying his title as the piano man.
James Hetfield

James Alan Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963. He is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for being the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter for the American thrash metal band Metallica. He helped form the iconic thrash metal group in 1981 after answering... read more

What an amazing musician. Metallica wouldn't exist without him. He is the main songwriter, the writer of guitar riffs, a great guitarist, and of course, a fantastic vocalist. He began creating legendary metal songs when he was 18.

Listen to songs like One, Fade To Black, Enter Sandman, UnForgiven, The Day That Never Comes, and Master Of Puppets. You will understand that he is the best lyricist, with profound meanings within his compositions.

It's so true. His songwriting skills are sublime. Roamer? One? The Unforgiven trilogy? I don't know where to start.
George Harrison

George Harrison (25 February 1943-29 November 2001) was an English musician, singer, and songwriter who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Sometimes called "the quiet Beatle," Harrison embraced Indian culture and helped broaden the scope of popular music through his incorporation... read more

Just imagine, he was given only two or three songs per album when he was with the Beatles. Yet three of his most popular Beatles songs almost always acquire a spot in top ten lists. Had he gotten more songs, then the John-Lennon songwriting duo would be seriously under threat.
But then George Harrison's solo career is also proof he was equal to John and Paul. All Things Must Pass is still the greatest album by a solo Beatle. He may not have given hit after hit like Paul when all four of them were in their prime, but it's George Harrison who gave the first and last US number one hit. So take that!
Many still argue that George Harrison has the best solo career. I also believe that.
Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. was a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s. His most popular songs include If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, and The Wreck of... read more

Very meticulous songwriter and still a good live performer even in his late seventies. He really researched The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald to the point where everything in the song is pretty much accurate. He also did great ballads like Beautiful, If You Could Read My Mind, and Early Morning Rain.

If people listened to his earliest few albums before he went mainstream pop, they would probably agree with Dylan that he is one of the best ever.
Also, what happened to Neil Diamond, who wrote more hit songs than anyone except Lennon and McCartney?
Jackson Browne

Clyde Jackson Browne is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has sold over 18 million albums in the United States. He emerged in the 1970s with a series of critically acclaimed albums and hit songs like Running on Empty and Doctor My Eyes. Browne has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall... read more

Jackson Browne is among a handful of top singer-songwriters. To look at those ranked above him reveals that someone doesn't truly understand what it means to be a singer-songwriter. His body of work is extensive and widely recognized.
Moreover, there are very few singer-songwriters who have influenced the careers of others as he has. Browne has certainly influenced artists like Glen Frey, Don Henley, Warren Zevon, Bonnie Raitt, and JD Souther, among others.

Yes, Dylan is a master songwriter, and George, Paul, and John too, but Jackson gets my vote for having the most diverse body of work. His lyrics are profound, hopeful, personal, and politically and emotionally aware.
His singing and arrangements are beautiful. His guitar and piano playing are great. His personal and humanitarian ethics are top notch. He is number one, and it's strange that he doesn't get the recognition he deserves.
David Bowie

David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie (January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016), was an English singer born in London, the son of a sales promotion officer and a housewife.
He earned praise for his experimental and creative music, won numerous awards, and gained admiration from critics... read more

David Bowie was one of the most unique and influential musicians in the music industry. He's a legend. It's so sad that he died. Bowie may be gone, but his music will live on. Rest in peace, David Bowie.

What is wrong with people? David Bowie is clearly one of the best. He should be at least top ten.

The fact that Bowie is so low on this list makes the entire list irrelevant. Ridiculous.
Van Morrison

Sir George Ivan Van Morrison OBE is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. In 2016, he was knighted for services to the music industry and tourism in Northern Ireland. Morrison is known for classic songs such as Brown Eyed Girl and the critically acclaimed album Astral Weeks.

This guy has been turning out awesome music since he was a teenager in Them. He is as fresh and relevant now as he was almost 50 years ago. Nobody sounds like him, and nobody writes like him: Brown Eyed Girl, Jackie Wilson Said, Queen of the Slipstream, Have I Told You Lately, etc. Check out the number of films that have used his music.

How Van Morrison isn't in the top 10 of all time is just a mystery. I think because of his quiet, away-from-the-public lifestyle and his refusal to try and write "Top 40 BS" songs, he is underappreciated in today's world of over-the-top electronic, rap, and bland pop music. It's a damn shame.
Leonard Cohen

Leonard Norman Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist. His work explored themes such as religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships. Cohen died on November 7, 2016, at the age of 82, shortly after releasing his final album, You Want It Darker.

Obvious top 10 material right here. It is disgusting that talentless losers like Bon Jovi are ahead of him.

The more I listen, the more it grows on me. The perfect lyrics and the harmonies.

Should not only be in the top ten, but at number 2, right behind Bob Dylan.
Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a child prodigy and signed with Motown's Tamla label at age 11. Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and is known for hits like Superstition and... read more

People from different generations have loved his many classics. They sound as fresh and soulfully good now as ever. He wasn't only an extremely gifted songwriter. He also recorded and performed live superbly with that God-given voice. The debate is really between him and McCartney in the end.

If you don't believe he ought to be ranked higher, listen to Songs in the Key of Life or Innervisions, two of the greatest albums ever.

Stevie is one of the greatest. He belongs in the Top 10.
Carole King

Carole King is an American composer and singer-songwriter. She is regarded as the most successful female songwriter in the United States during the second half of the 20th century. Between 1955 and 1999, she wrote or co-wrote 118 pop hits that charted on the Billboard Hot 100.... read more

One can gauge the talent of a songwriter by the number of artists eager to cover their songs. Notable performers such as Aretha Franklin, the Osmonds, the Beatles, James Taylor, the Drifters, the Everly Brothers, Steve Lawrence, and Grand Funk Railroad are just a few of the diverse artists who have recorded songs by Carole King. In this respect, I believe Ms. King is on par with legends like Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and possibly Buddy Holly.

I'm not suggesting that this list is biased, but it's puzzling why the top 20 is exclusively male. Women have significantly contributed to the world of songwriting as well.