Ranking America’s 30 Greatest Living Songwriters

I was invited by The New York Times to create a ballot for their list of The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters, published today. This list is significant because it showcases influential songwriters currently alive. The term “living” is important as many notable songwriters have passed away since the project began last year.

Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, both featured on my ballot, died shortly after I submitted my choices in June 2025. Other deceased songwriters include D’Angelo and Tom Lehrer, who appeared on different contributors’ lists. These losses highlight the ever-changing nature of the music industry.

Some songwriters included personal connections on their ballots. For example, Aimee Mann mentioned her husband, while Jeff Tweedy listed himself as one of the best songwriters. This shows how personal taste shapes these lists.

Looking back, I realize I missed some of my favourite songwriters, like Gamble & Huff and Miranda Lambert. I now believe they deserve a place on any current list. When creating my ballot, I attempted to represent different styles and eras in music, but that is not always easy.

In conclusion, while I am happy with my list, I know I could improve it by including more contemporary songwriters and those with more varied styles.

How much do you know?

Which publication invited the author to create a ballot?

The Washington Post

Rolling Stone

The New York Times

Billboard

What is the significance of the list mentioned in the content?

It showcases deceased songwriters

It features influential songwriters currently alive

It highlights the best songs of all time

It profiles songs written by one artist

Which songwriter died shortly after the author submitted their choices?

Aimee Mann

Sly Stone

Miranda Lambert

Jeff Tweedy

Who is mentioned as having a personal connection on their ballot?

Brian Wilson

Aimee Mann

D’Angelo

Tom Lehrer

What notable mistake does the author reflect on regarding their ballot?

Including too many songwriters

Missing some favorite songwriters

Not following the theme

Submitting the ballot late

What aspect of songwriters did the author attempt to represent?

Only contemporary styles

Different styles and eras in music

Only popular songwriters

Only deceased songwriters

The list features songwriters who have passed away.

True False

Jeff Tweedy included himself on his ballot.

True False

The author believes they could improve their ballot.

True False

D’Angelo is featured on the author's list of songwriters.

True False

The author submitted their choices in June 2025.

True False

Aimee Mann mentioned her sister on her ballot.

True False

The list of The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters was published by today.

Sly Stone and Brian Wilson died shortly after the author submitted their in June 2025.

Some songwriters included connections on their ballots.

The author reflects on the need to include more songwriters.

Notable losses in the songwriting community highlight the ever-changing nature of the industry.

The author aimed to represent different styles and in music.

This question is required