30 Greatest Living American Songwriters

Blog - Shelly Peiken · May 4, 2026

Click on image to read article

This was just stupid.

But it was catnip for music lovers, musicians and especially songwriters. Irresistible click bait.

You want to know what I think of the compilation? Okay. Twist my arm.

First of all “living” and “American” certainly narrows the pool – makes it easier for the curators to escape the wrath of … us.

Like what about Paul? … He’s British!

John? … He’s British too. And dead!

Okay, then. Billy Joel. He’s American. And alive.

And it sure feels like they had to include current less legendary artist/writers. Good for them if they’ve cracked a Tik Tok…