Story perspectives

NYT Names Top 10 Living American Songwriters, Omits Some

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York Times published a list of 30 greatest living American songwriters.
Six senior NYT critics narrowed 700 nominees by lyrical innovation, generational influence and song independence.
The top ten include Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar.
The methodology omitted commercially dominant artists like Billy Joel, Garth Brooks and Randy Newman, sparking controversy.

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Story summary

The New York Times published a list of 30 greatest living American songwriters.
Six senior NYT critics narrowed 700 nominees by lyrical innovation, generational influence and song independence.
The top ten include Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar.
The methodology omitted commercially dominant artists like Billy Joel, Garth Brooks and Randy Newman, sparking controversy.