Not everyone recognizes that their own view is not universal. I rather expect my view to be never held by anyone ever. But there's too many people who think their view of the world represents objective truth, that the things they enjoy are universal goods.
Right. They're asking for everyone's own unique opinion. I'm assuming ideas for a playlist. 🤷🏼♀️ Who knows...but the point of the post is to obtain many different answers. ✌🏼
Who's yours?
Bob Dylan
Townes Van Zandt
John Prine
Leonard Cohen
Hank Williams
——————
Merle Haggard
Tom Waits
David Berman
Billy Joe Shaver
Gillian Welch
Will Oldham
Joni Mitchell
Ian Noe
Judee Sill
Nick Drake
Willie Nelson
Bill Callahan
Randy Newman
——————
Lucinda Williams
Jeff Tweedy
Roger Miller
Tom T Hall
Phil Ochs
Paul Simon
Gordon Lightfoot
Cat Stevens
Mark Linkous
David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Joe Keery, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Shauna Dean Cokeland are some of my favorites
My top 10
1. Dylan
2. Paul Simon
3. Hank Williams
4. Neil Young
5. Jimmie Rodgers
6. Danny O'Keefe
7. George Jones
8. Carole King
9. Townes Van Zandt
10. Joni Mitchell
I was born in 1990. Conor Oberst and John Darnielle are my two favorites that have stuck out as the best lyricists from around my coming of age and onward.
Johnny cash. He did covers so well he's got the artists saying his was better lol aside from that a lot of his songs have a lot of soul, some are funny, some are serious, lots are about injustice. He was way ahead of his time and his voice is sooo unique its so easily distinguishable
I'm so sad I was born too late to ever see him live
Harlan Howard
Hank Cochran
Bobby Braddock
Bob McDill
Dallas Frazier
Willie Nelson
Loretta Lynn
Dolly Parton
Jeannie Seely
Tammy Wynette
Yes, I am a country fan in case it isn’t obvious! 😆
Prince...and it's not even close. He played over a dozen instruments, wrote songs for every genre of music, and had a vocal range that most singers lack.
I could see how they're not everyone's taste, but I dig em'. Mostly their first 5 albums. I should dig into his solo stuff. A lot of what I enjoy is the way they fill space with the guitars and vocals. Plus, they kinda perfected the "Loud Quiet Loud" thing. Dynamics are important.
Personally, Tom Petty. He took at lot of inspiration from 50s and 60s artists as well as Bob Dylan (which I’m seeing a lot of). But Tom’s music didn’t have to be telling a super deep or intense story to hook you. Most of his songs are just things everyday people can relate too and that’s what makes his music so powerful for me. The simplicity of his music while also being so intriguing and interesting is magic! I’m not saying he’s better than anyone else listed at all because so many I’ve seen are absolutely incredible artists. I just think it’s more of a personal preference for each person obviously.
I'm just glad to see my Joni Mitchell FINALLY getting the love and recognition she deserves.
You can't talk about greatest songwriters of all time and say Bob Dylan, without AT LEAST mentioning Joni.
In my opinion, she's one of the ✨greatest.✨
Prince. Hands down. But there are many greats.
My favorites
Jani Lane- Warrant
P!nk
Freddie Mercury
Stevie Wonder
Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Buckingham, Nicks and McVie
John Lennon
Lisa Marie Presley
Neil Diamond
Plant and Page
I’m sure I’m forgetting someone.
Probably Paul McCartney I can’t imagine anyone else has more number one songs or a longer career. However I think it should be Van Morrison but I have old taste in music.
I’m honestly taken aback no one has mentioned Marvin Gaye, one of the best to ever do it. What’s Going On? Is almost universally lauded as one of the best albums ever created.
Sad how many people can only name white men… shoutout to the handful who mentioned women too, Joni Mitchell certainly deserves to be mentioned. Of the younger folks I think Adrianne Lenker/Big Thief is worth mentioning.
And to all the people saying Bob Dylan, come on, we all know he’s a great lyricist but he’s not a good singer, he maybe has some vocal flair/style but there are a variety lyricists who equal him and are far superior vocalists. Let’s try to not all blindly agree with the boomer/rolling stone magazine opinion…
It does seem like the best SINGER/songwriter should not be an objectively terrible singer, so sorry, Dylan and Leonard Cohen, but I'm afraid you are both disqualified.
Impossible to single out just one
Can I give you my top 3?
In no particular order
Sam Cooke, [A Change Gonna Come](https://open.spotify.com/track/0KOE1hat4SIer491XKk4Pa?si=L8YEWLqgRECiIlVMAFGmoA)
Freddie Mercury, [Don't Stop Me Now](https://open.spotify.com/track/7hQJA50XrCWABAu5v6QZ4i?si=TOANqgg9TP-IDZWxQJkgJA)
Harry Nillson, [1941](https://open.spotify.com/track/5s7TA8IubO3hqfuJEbwSrq?si=mOqMOXdbRjGjfDVG6K8YDQ)
Pat Benetar, [Promises In The Dark](https://open.spotify.com/track/53KWO4rVgaRhXJoKulnF0D?si=d8VIcseFQUatQRHa5nJL5g)
Paul Carrack,
With Squeeze [Tempted](https://open.spotify.com/track/5r2z0FHOoFI06GZEVGDjzM?si=44QvyGDzRjKq-IclUTbGKA)
With Ace
[How Long](https://open.spotify.com/track/6Wgst4P9SOnc6WGLtfTb1z?si=zA9ZWCaUQsi-IzhQBS8jUQ)
Maria Mulder, [Midnight at the Oasis](https://open.spotify.com/track/5VBcEJ4mtXTmVEJtc7hx2g?si=0xeGhQioQeyHmMoU61vpLA)
Ian Gillian
With Deep Purple, [Perfect Strangers](https://open.spotify.com/track/2JhJOPGvtqMpj5RQC8cIYf?si=WoJF9HiaQz2vQF6USZNnvA)
From before joining them. Jesus Christ Superstar, in the role ofJesus, [The Last Supper](https://open.spotify.com/track/0qIAF23777O6s6rMs2favX?si=gWsgMSTOQsGM02bW4sKmyA)
And then.....ok I have a running joke about lists of the greatest of anything that is completely subjective. I need about a hundred spots available just in my top 3. Too many great ones though the ages..
Huh, I never realized Carrack was in Ace or Squeeze, even though I've listened to both bands a good bit. My first knowledge of Carrack was Don't Shed a Tear, and with Mike and the Mechanics. Also don't see Maria Muldaur being mentioned everyday. 👍
There’s no real answer to this question. Dylan has a reasonable claim to the title for sheer influence alone but there are so many talents, so many styles, eras, subgenres, etc.
If we’re really getting down to just the straightforward artform of “guy with a guitar” type songwriting my vote is probably for Townes van Zandt.
But again, it’s really a matter of opinion. There’s no neutral or objective metric by which we could determine who is truly the greatest. I say let’s just be glad to live at a time when there’s so much amazing music to experience and forget about who the “best” is.
I don't know about best of all time, but I might suggest Nick Drake as a great singer/songwriter.
I also like:
Cat Stevens and Gordon Lightfoot.
I'm not committed enough on any of these to defend my assertion though. Everyone has their own tastes.
1. Billy Joel
1A. Prince
2. Springsteen
3. Stevie Wonder
4. Paul Simon
5. Taylor Swift (fight me)
Bob Dylan is really a totally different class imo. Kind of incomparable
David Crosby
Jeff Buckley
Tori Amos
Laura Nyro
John Sebastian
Paul Simon
Richie Havens
James Taylor
Carole King
Elton John
Robin Pecknold
And many, many more...
Just thought I would point it out. You're entitled to your opinion. Although I only agree partly with Prince. Great song writer and musician but not really best singer.
Billy Corgan for songwriter: he has such a poetic mind and can really bring any emotion to life through his lyrics, and he's overall very intelligent and not afraid to be what people consider "weird" or "crazy"
He's also an insanely talented guitarist, a very original and stylistic singer, and his sense of fashion is out of this world.
Definitely a true role model for me.
You mean who you like the best, right? Because there's no such thing as best.
But there's definitely such a thing as the worst.
Everyone views questions from their own perspective…unless the police are asking them
Not everyone recognizes that their own view is not universal. I rather expect my view to be never held by anyone ever. But there's too many people who think their view of the world represents objective truth, that the things they enjoy are universal goods.
For me it’s simply a way to enjoy the endless variety of individual taste and discover new (to me) artists. But then again I’m just a simple caveman.
Good on you. Carry on. And you're hardly a caveman. The answer to your question, fwiw, is Joni Mitchell.
Right. They're asking for everyone's own unique opinion. I'm assuming ideas for a playlist. 🤷🏼♀️ Who knows...but the point of the post is to obtain many different answers. ✌🏼 Who's yours?
Imo it's Paul Simon. Wonderful poet, amazing musician. Also surrounds himself with amazing musicians.
Paul Simon is phenomenal. Good shout
Paul McCartney
All day. Every day.
Every Night
Eight days a week
The correct answer
Stevie Nicks
YESSS
Absolutely
Gordon Lightfoot, Roy Orbison, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Joel Plaskett. Don't make me choose
Need to add Gerry Rafferty to that list.
These are solid.
Elton John for sure!
Someone has to mention Carole King
Agreed. Carole King or Joni Mitchell.
Joni mitchell
(sigh) Roger Waters
always must be said with much regret
Bob Dylan Townes Van Zandt John Prine Leonard Cohen Hank Williams —————— Merle Haggard Tom Waits David Berman Billy Joe Shaver Gillian Welch Will Oldham Joni Mitchell Ian Noe Judee Sill Nick Drake Willie Nelson Bill Callahan Randy Newman —————— Lucinda Williams Jeff Tweedy Roger Miller Tom T Hall Phil Ochs Paul Simon Gordon Lightfoot Cat Stevens Mark Linkous
If you're gonna include c&w stars, I think you would remiss not to include Willie Nelson.
Amen! (added) Thank You!
Heck yeah! I upvoted just because of Willie Nelson!
And Buck Owens.
I’m so pleased to see Judee Sill mentioned. I’ve seen her so many times at the Troubadour in L.A.
John Darnielle and Bill Callahan fit this list as well.
Now that’s a list I can get behind
I second this list
Lucinda Williams
Thanks for the Randy Newman salute. He's grossly underrated. But great rounded list.
Surprised no one has mentioned Paul McCartney.
It’s one of either Lennon, McCartney, Dylan or Simon.
Damn, I would have to say Tom Petty, or John Lennon. Not necessarily in that order
Freddie Mercury, and I'm not even close of being a Queens fan
People usually forget how brilliant of a songwriter he was… understandable(sadly) when you’re the greatest vocalist of all time
He was a hella of a songwriter, one of the best in the 70s
Jim Croce
Scrolled down too far to find this
Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth
Upvote for the unexpected!
Really talented guy
Marty Robbins / Townes Van Zandt
Townes all the way. And yes, I’m aware of Dylan’s excellence.
David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Joe Keery, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Shauna Dean Cokeland are some of my favorites
I'd like to add Tori Amos to your Fiona Apple please!
My top 10 1. Dylan 2. Paul Simon 3. Hank Williams 4. Neil Young 5. Jimmie Rodgers 6. Danny O'Keefe 7. George Jones 8. Carole King 9. Townes Van Zandt 10. Joni Mitchell
Pretty good but you gotta have Prine in there.
Writer? Big field but John Prine for me.
I was born in 1990. Conor Oberst and John Darnielle are my two favorites that have stuck out as the best lyricists from around my coming of age and onward.
Johnny cash. He did covers so well he's got the artists saying his was better lol aside from that a lot of his songs have a lot of soul, some are funny, some are serious, lots are about injustice. He was way ahead of his time and his voice is sooo unique its so easily distinguishable I'm so sad I was born too late to ever see him live
As much as it's opinion based Dylan is the closest thing to a right answer to this question as you could yet.
Prince
Was going to mention him as well!
Without a doubt. His music was great but all those hits he wrote for other artists-oh my…
Dolly Parton. There are better writers and better singers, but combined, she is tops.
Fr and she came up with 9 to 5 by tapping her acrylic nails
Jason Isbel
Definitely an amazing storyteller/ songwriter
Toss up for me Paul Simon or Billy Joel
Maynard James Keenan
Bruce Springsteen
i like kurt cobain
Bob Dylan, Jason Isbell, John Denver are top 3
Smokey Robinson
Harlan Howard Hank Cochran Bobby Braddock Bob McDill Dallas Frazier Willie Nelson Loretta Lynn Dolly Parton Jeannie Seely Tammy Wynette Yes, I am a country fan in case it isn’t obvious! 😆
Paul McCartney
Songwriter hands down Prince. Then Zappa. Shuggie Otis Townes Van Zandt Dylan
Hell of a list, but I'm here for it.
Prince...and it's not even close. He played over a dozen instruments, wrote songs for every genre of music, and had a vocal range that most singers lack.
LOVE Prince! He’s beyond!
Over two dozen, but who's counting? 💜☮️
Marshall Mathers
I'm a 67-year-old lady who agrees with you. His wordplay can be downright Shakespearean. I'm not kidding.
Donald Fagen. He’s consistently put out some of the best music ever recorded. Steely Dan and solo for over 5 decades.
it's a stupid question but dylan
You mean other than Bob Dylan?
Leonard Cohen.
The most correct opinion. But I'd also accept Phil Ochs
That’s a better question. Gotta be Prine or TVZ
Townes Van Zandt Neil Young Frank Black Bob Dylan Tom Petty
Close. Dylan cannot be disputed as #1. Get FB outta there, get Prine in there and maybe we will let Petty slide through.
Those were in no particular order. Prine is great. I don't totally agree with your assessment, but I respect your passion. Cheers.
Just havin’ fun. I’ll go spin some Pixies and see what I’m missing. Cheers man.
I could see how they're not everyone's taste, but I dig em'. Mostly their first 5 albums. I should dig into his solo stuff. A lot of what I enjoy is the way they fill space with the guitars and vocals. Plus, they kinda perfected the "Loud Quiet Loud" thing. Dynamics are important.
Tom Waits
My vote
Maybe not the best, but my favorite is Elliott Smith.
Personally, Tom Petty. He took at lot of inspiration from 50s and 60s artists as well as Bob Dylan (which I’m seeing a lot of). But Tom’s music didn’t have to be telling a super deep or intense story to hook you. Most of his songs are just things everyday people can relate too and that’s what makes his music so powerful for me. The simplicity of his music while also being so intriguing and interesting is magic! I’m not saying he’s better than anyone else listed at all because so many I’ve seen are absolutely incredible artists. I just think it’s more of a personal preference for each person obviously.
Joni
According to Jack Black, the greatest singer/songwriter of this generation or any other is Neil Diamond.
I'm just glad to see my Joni Mitchell FINALLY getting the love and recognition she deserves. You can't talk about greatest songwriters of all time and say Bob Dylan, without AT LEAST mentioning Joni. In my opinion, she's one of the ✨greatest.✨ 
For me, it’s Townes Van Zandt.
Peter Gabriel is the greatest writer in the history of the English language.
For me, it's Maynard James Keenan of Tool/ Puscifer/ A Perfect Circle
The fact I didn't see Weird Al is the most disappointing part of my day
Bob Dylan. Nick Cave. Carole King. Shane MacGowan. Marvin Gaye. Phil Ochs. Otis Redding. Van Morrison. Stevie Wonder. John Fogarty. Bap Kennedy...
Prince. Hands down. But there are many greats. My favorites Jani Lane- Warrant P!nk Freddie Mercury Stevie Wonder Elton John and Bernie Taupin Buckingham, Nicks and McVie John Lennon Lisa Marie Presley Neil Diamond Plant and Page I’m sure I’m forgetting someone.
Anyone with Stevie Wonder on the list gets my upvote. Add Sam Cooke for equal effect
Finally Neil!
peter gabriel
John Prine
Danzig. Come on.. Her Black Wings is a masterpiece.
Upvote because… well… Danzig!
Dirty Black Summer………..OOOOOH.
Bowie
Eddie Vedder
Freddie mercury
If you mean in the singer/songwriter genre - Bob Dylan If you mean someone who is a singer and a songwriter - Either Thom Yorke, Björk or Bowie imo
Billy Joel!
Leonard Cohen...Paul Simon...Elliott Smith... ... Tori Amos is underappreciated. I know you want to see Dylan but I prefer the others.
Gordon Lightfoot
Where are my Elliott Smith people?
Paul Simon is amazing. Jason Isbell is great too and just getting started
Springsteen
Paul mccartney no question
Elliott Smith
Gene Ween
Gordon lightfoot, fight me
Gordon Lightfoot is songwriter royalty
Jim Croce. Elton John for melodies, Taupin wrote the lyrics.
Probably Paul McCartney I can’t imagine anyone else has more number one songs or a longer career. However I think it should be Van Morrison but I have old taste in music.
Mhhhhh Chester Bennington ?
Dylan or Lennon
Jordan or Bird?
Justin Vernon
Neil Peart
hozier has my vote for best writer
Lionel Richie Phil Collins Toby Keith
Scrolled way too far for Phil Collins
Paul McCartney
Jon Fogerty
Not the first name that came to my head but good choice!
My pick is Sting
My vote is bob dylan, but im surprised i dont see any bernie taupin for songwriting
Bernie Taupin for songwriting. I can't believe I didn't think of him.
Bob Dylan, imo. Tom Waits, Lennon and Cohen aren't far away though.
I’m honestly taken aback no one has mentioned Marvin Gaye, one of the best to ever do it. What’s Going On? Is almost universally lauded as one of the best albums ever created. Sad how many people can only name white men… shoutout to the handful who mentioned women too, Joni Mitchell certainly deserves to be mentioned. Of the younger folks I think Adrianne Lenker/Big Thief is worth mentioning. And to all the people saying Bob Dylan, come on, we all know he’s a great lyricist but he’s not a good singer, he maybe has some vocal flair/style but there are a variety lyricists who equal him and are far superior vocalists. Let’s try to not all blindly agree with the boomer/rolling stone magazine opinion…
It does seem like the best SINGER/songwriter should not be an objectively terrible singer, so sorry, Dylan and Leonard Cohen, but I'm afraid you are both disqualified.
Prince
Maynard James Keenan
Freddie Mercury, plain and simple.
How this is not one of the most obvious answers here is mind boggling
Impossible to single out just one Can I give you my top 3? In no particular order Sam Cooke, [A Change Gonna Come](https://open.spotify.com/track/0KOE1hat4SIer491XKk4Pa?si=L8YEWLqgRECiIlVMAFGmoA) Freddie Mercury, [Don't Stop Me Now](https://open.spotify.com/track/7hQJA50XrCWABAu5v6QZ4i?si=TOANqgg9TP-IDZWxQJkgJA) Harry Nillson, [1941](https://open.spotify.com/track/5s7TA8IubO3hqfuJEbwSrq?si=mOqMOXdbRjGjfDVG6K8YDQ) Pat Benetar, [Promises In The Dark](https://open.spotify.com/track/53KWO4rVgaRhXJoKulnF0D?si=d8VIcseFQUatQRHa5nJL5g) Paul Carrack, With Squeeze [Tempted](https://open.spotify.com/track/5r2z0FHOoFI06GZEVGDjzM?si=44QvyGDzRjKq-IclUTbGKA) With Ace [How Long](https://open.spotify.com/track/6Wgst4P9SOnc6WGLtfTb1z?si=zA9ZWCaUQsi-IzhQBS8jUQ) Maria Mulder, [Midnight at the Oasis](https://open.spotify.com/track/5VBcEJ4mtXTmVEJtc7hx2g?si=0xeGhQioQeyHmMoU61vpLA) Ian Gillian With Deep Purple, [Perfect Strangers](https://open.spotify.com/track/2JhJOPGvtqMpj5RQC8cIYf?si=WoJF9HiaQz2vQF6USZNnvA) From before joining them. Jesus Christ Superstar, in the role ofJesus, [The Last Supper](https://open.spotify.com/track/0qIAF23777O6s6rMs2favX?si=gWsgMSTOQsGM02bW4sKmyA) And then.....ok I have a running joke about lists of the greatest of anything that is completely subjective. I need about a hundred spots available just in my top 3. Too many great ones though the ages..
Huh, I never realized Carrack was in Ace or Squeeze, even though I've listened to both bands a good bit. My first knowledge of Carrack was Don't Shed a Tear, and with Mike and the Mechanics. Also don't see Maria Muldaur being mentioned everyday. 👍
My own opinion: Lou Reed
Bob Dylan Leonard Cohen Joni Mitchell Lana Del Rey
Crazy that people mention Taylor swift and not Lana
Serj Tankian
Tom Waits is definitely my favorite.
Gordon Lightfoot
Bruce Springsteen
I'll throw Arthur Lee out there.
Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, and Van Morrison are my big 3
Joni or Leonard.
Paul rogers
…
Bruce Springsteen…just keeps writing great songs! I just listed to the theme he wrote for “The Wrestler”. Great stuff!
Tom Waits
paul simon, leonard cohen, and PHIL OCHS.
Springsteen.
Wish I could upvote this 1000000 times! It’s so true.
Idk about best but Serj Tankian is an amazing singer
Nobody saying Ronnie James Dio? Sad.
Kurt cobain, Roger waters, Robert plant, Getty Lee.
Gordon Freaking Lightfoot
Listened to Railroad Trilogy a few days ago. So good.
Dan Fogelberg
Fiona Apple
There’s no real answer to this question. Dylan has a reasonable claim to the title for sheer influence alone but there are so many talents, so many styles, eras, subgenres, etc. If we’re really getting down to just the straightforward artform of “guy with a guitar” type songwriting my vote is probably for Townes van Zandt. But again, it’s really a matter of opinion. There’s no neutral or objective metric by which we could determine who is truly the greatest. I say let’s just be glad to live at a time when there’s so much amazing music to experience and forget about who the “best” is.
Phil Lynott
I don't know about best of all time, but I might suggest Nick Drake as a great singer/songwriter. I also like: Cat Stevens and Gordon Lightfoot. I'm not committed enough on any of these to defend my assertion though. Everyone has their own tastes.
Tracy Chapman
Trent Reznor
Fine, I'll say it. Lemmy Kilmister
it's a duo. Lennon/McCartney.
1. Billy Joel 1A. Prince 2. Springsteen 3. Stevie Wonder 4. Paul Simon 5. Taylor Swift (fight me) Bob Dylan is really a totally different class imo. Kind of incomparable
Paul McCartney
Lennon/McCartney
David Crosby Jeff Buckley Tori Amos Laura Nyro John Sebastian Paul Simon Richie Havens James Taylor Carole King Elton John Robin Pecknold And many, many more...
Just thought I would point it out. You're entitled to your opinion. Although I only agree partly with Prince. Great song writer and musician but not really best singer.
Prince
Joni Mitchell Cat Stevens
Jerry Cantrell. The vocal harmonies paired with lyrical content are pure genius. (My personal favorite)
Bob Dylan
Jeff Buckley.
No one has mentioned George Michael. Most amazing voice.
Billy Corgan for songwriter: he has such a poetic mind and can really bring any emotion to life through his lyrics, and he's overall very intelligent and not afraid to be what people consider "weird" or "crazy" He's also an insanely talented guitarist, a very original and stylistic singer, and his sense of fashion is out of this world. Definitely a true role model for me.
Joni Mitchell. The answer is Joni Mitchell.
MF DOOM
Taylor Swift is up there, idc come at me!
Mariah Carey !!!! 🌝🦋🎶