Best Songwriters of All Time

Music has an uncanny ability to touch our souls, often through the powerful combination of melody and lyrics. Ever wondered about the masterminds behind these enchanting tunes? The credit here goes to the songwriters. Enter the world of songwriters—the magicians who weave emotions into words and experiences into melodies.

Are you ready to explore? Let’s delve into the lives and works of some of the greatest songwriters of all time, whose genius has profoundly shaped the soundtrack of our lives.

List of Best Songwriters

1. Bob Dylan

Date of Birth: May 24, 1941, Minnesota, US

Awards:

• 10 Grammy Awards
• Nobel Prize in Literature (2016)
• Oscar Award (2001)

Best Works:

• The Freewheelin’ (1963)
• The Times They Are a-Changin’ (1964)
• Bringing It All Back Home (1965)

Bob Dylan is an American singer, painter, and songwriter who has been a major figure in popular culture for over 60 years. He is known for his influential contributions to folk and rock music and is often recognized as one of the best songwriters ever.

“You want to write songs that are bigger than life,” he wrote in his memoir, Chronicles. “

Setting a new bar in songwriting, Dylan debuted with his album “Bob Dylan,” which showcased his blend of traditional folk and original compositions. It achieved a breakthrough by selling 5,000 copies within a year.

Furthermore, Dylan was named among the Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century and has authored several books, including “Tarantula,” “Chronicles: Volume One,” and “The Philosophy of Modern Song,” showcasing his literary prowess alongside his musical genius.

2. Leonard Cohen

Date of Birth: September 21, 1934, Canada

Date of Death: November 7, 2016, Los Angeles

Awards:

• Genie Award (1986)
• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)

Best Works:

• New Skin for the Old Ceremony (1974)
• The Future (1992)

Leonard Cohen, aka Leonard Norman Cohen, was a Canadian singer-songwriter and novelist of the 20th century. Along with being a writer and novelist, he was also a great poet of his time. Cohen published his first book of poetry, Let Us Compare Mythologies, in 1956.

Cohen was well known for his song “Suzanne,” which was recorded by Judy Collins and became a hit for many years. His first album, “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” was released in the US in 1967.

Cohen was honored with induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada.

3. Paul McCartney

Date of Birth: June 18, 1942, Liverpool, England

Awards:

• 8 BRIT Awards
• 18 Grammy Awards

Best Works:

• Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976)
• Run Devil Run (1999)
• Flowers in the Dirt (1989)

James Paul McCartney, a British songwriter, vocalist, composer, and bass player, is a testament to the power of early passion. Recognized as one of the most famous and best songwriters of all time, McCartney’s interest in music blossomed at a young age. His journey to fame began with the group ‘The Beatles, ‘ where he shone as a lead vocalist and writer, alongside the legendary John Lennon.

McCartney became the unofficial leader of the Beatles with the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and explored various creative projects. His renowned songs, including ‘And I Love Her,’ ‘Yesterday,’ and ‘Eleanor Rigby,’ are remembered and celebrated in music history. However, with the growing tensions between John Lennon and him, he split from the band in 1970 and started his career as a solo artist with the album McCartney.

McCartney is a self-taught musician known for his piano and guitar skills. He has influenced numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, and Carl Perkins. He is also recognized as one of the UK’s wealthiest musicians and owns a music publishing catalog that includes the works of popular musicals like “A Chorus Line,” “Annie,” and “Grease.”

4. Joni Mitchell

Date of Birth: November 7, 1943, Alberta, Canada

Awards:

• 10 Grammy Awards
• ASCAP Pop Award (2005)
• 2 Juno Awards

Best Works:

• Song to a Seagull
• Court and Spark
• Wild Things Run Fast

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter widely recognized as one of the most famous folk music artists of the 20th century. She experiments with her songs, often writing them on piano and using open tunings on guitar, with over 50 tunings in her repertoire.

Mitchell got her breakthrough in 1967 with the album Songs to a Seagull. In 1980, she created a piece addressing global issues named “Dog Eat Dog,” released in 1985 and produced by Thomas Dolby. She released her second album, “Clouds,” in 1969, featuring her versions of songs that had already been recorded by other artists, including “Chelsea Morning,” “Both Sides, Now,” and “Tin Angel.

She has been honored with the Canadian Music Hall of Fame for her work, titled as a “Companion of the Order of Canada,” and received an honorary doctorate in music from McGill University, among other accolades.

5. Paul Simon

Date of Birth: October 13, 1941, New Jersey, U.S.

Awards:

• 16 Grammy Awards
• 2 Brit Awards
• American Music Awards

Best Works:

• Hearts and Bones
• So Beautiful or So What
• Graceland

Paul Simon is one of the best songwriters, widely known for his creative work spanning over 30 years. He is an American singer-songwriter who has garnered many honors for his works, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002 and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Simon collaborated with Art Garfunkel, producing hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” He began his solo career in 1970 and created iconic songs such as “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” and “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.”

Beyond music, Simon appeared in TV shows and films like “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme” and “The Great Buck Howard.”

6. Bruce Springsteen

Date of Birth: September 23, 1949, New Jersey, U.S.

Awards:

• 20 Grammy Awards
• 2 Golden Globe Awards
• Special Tony Award

Best Works:

• The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle
• Darkness on the Edge of Town
• Born to Run

Bruce Springsteen, also known as ‘The Boss’ and the ‘rock ‘n’ roll poet,’ is an American singer, songwriter, and bandleader. His music is a unique blend of rock, folk, and Americana styles, a fusion that sets him apart in the music industry. Springsteen’s lyrics are known for their storytelling, and his high-energy concerts have the power to captivate and drive audiences wild.

Spingsteen’s two albums, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” and “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle,” released in 1973, left a great impact and influence on several artists, including Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and Stax/Volt Records.

Some of Spingsteen’s popular albums are listed in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, including Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska, and Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.

7. John Lennon

Date of Birth: October 9, 1940, Liverpool, England

Date of Death: December 8, 1980, US

Awards:

• 7 Grammy Awards
• 2 Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Oscar (Academy Award)

Best Works:

• John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
• Milk and Honey
• Roots : Sings The Great Rock & Roll Hits

John Lennon stands out as perhaps the best songwriter of all time. He gained legendary status as the co-founder of The Beatles. Lennon’s influence extends beyond awards. He has been honored with inductions into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

John Lennon was a British singer, songwriter, and musician. In addition, he authored many books, including “A Spaniard in the Works” and “Skywriting by Word of Mouth.” His songs like “Yer Blues” and “I’m So Tired” from The Beatles’ 1968 album, as well as his work on “Double Fantasy,” show that he was inspired by Yoko Ono. Her influence is evident in the themes and style of his music during this period.

8. Chuck Berry

Date of Birth: October 18, 1926, Missouri, U.S.

Date of death: March 18, 2017, U.S.

Awards:

• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1984)
• BMI Pop Awards (2002)
• Kennedy Center Honors (2000)

Best Works:

• Concerto in B. Goode
• One Dozen Berrys
• Rockin’ at the Hops

Charles Edward Anderson Berry, also known as Chuck Berry, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was among the most popular, and influential artists, recognized as the “Father of Rock and Roll.” Berry established rock and roll musical forms with songs like “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Rock and Roll Music,” and “Johnny B. Goode.”

Berry’s career climaxed with the 1955 hit “Maybellene,” co-created with Johnnie Johnson, which sold over a million copies and topped the Billboard charts. From 1964 to 1969, Berry continued to captivate audiences with albums and songs like “No Particular Place to Go” and “Nadine,” securing spots on the Billboard Hot 100.

His innovative style and songs have left an indelible mark on his legacy in the music industry, making him one of the best songwriters.

9. Smokey Robinson

Date of Birth: February 19, 1940, Michigan, U.S.

Awards:

• 3 Grammy Awards
• Soul Train Music Awards (1991)
• Kennedy Center (2006)

Best Works:

• Touch the Sky
• Where There’s Smoke
• Smokey’s Family Robinson

Smokey Robinson is an iconic American R&B singer, songwriter and producer. He is a beloved and influential figure of the soulful music industry. His contributions and dedication towards music were honored with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2016.

Robinson formed the group “The Miracles” and along with musicians he acted as a producer and songwriter of the group in 1955.The Miracles released their first single, “Got a Job,” in collaboration with Berry Gordy, achieving great success with this record.

Robinson’s solo work, including hits like “Cruisin’,” “Let Me Be the Clock,” and “Warm Thoughts,” achieved great success and climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list.

10. Bob Marley

Date of Birth: February 6, 1945, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica

Date of death: May 11, 1981, Miami

Awards:

• Grammy Awards (2001)
• Image Awards (NAACP) (1987)

Discography:

• Soul Revolution Part 2 (Rhythm)
• The Wailers – Burnin’

Robert Nesta Marley aka Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is remembered as one of the most influential and inspirational artists and among the best songwriters ever.

His contribution made Jamaican music famous worldwide. He was recognized as a Rastafarian icon for his spirituality in music culture. Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. The BBC considers his song “One Love” the Song of the Millennium.

Bob Marley created impactful albums like “Natty Dread,” “Live!,” and “Uprising.” His songs, sung in different voices, such as “No Woman No Cry” and “Exodus,” were deeply personal yet resonated globally. Marley passed away due to cancer but will always be remembered as an influential figure for many generations to come.