Music insiders and NYT critics select 30 greatest living American songwriters
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 28
Music insiders and NYT critics select 30 greatest living American songwriters
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 28
Over 250 music industry insiders and six New York Times critics contributed to an unranked list published April 27, 2026.
The list highlights influential figures such as Nile Rodgers, Lucinda Williams, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Paul Simon, Taylor Swift, and Dolly Parton, reflecting diverse genres and eras.
The selection process emphasized living artists, with some nominees passing away after ballots were submitted. The project underscores the evolving definition of the American songbook.
How can John Fogerty be snubbed by the NYT while receiving songwriting's highest honor?
What does the NYT's list reveal about the shifting definition of 'greatness' in music?
Could an AI create a more objective list of great songwriters than 500 experts?
Why were iconic hitmakers like Diane Warren so divisive among the project's experts?
If experts nominate themselves, can we ever trust the objectivity of 'greatest ever' lists?
With several nominees dying, did the 'living' rule make the final list instantly outdated?