Reader’s Choice: Top 100 Greatest Living American Songwriters

The New York Times previously published a list of the greatest living American songwriters using input from over 250 music insiders and six Times critics. However, many readers expressed dissatisfaction with the choices. To address this, the publication conducted a public poll to gather readers’ opinions.

This initiative resulted in a special readers’ choice list featuring the top 100 American songwriters. “As soon as we decided to create a list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters, we anticipated a mixed response from readers, who would be eager to let us know which of their favorites were overlooked,” the Times explained.

The New York Times sought to capture this public sentiment by inviting readers to participate in a formal poll. This effort attracted over 25,000 ballots, resulting in approximately 12,000 unique nominations. These were then distilled into a final list of 100 musicians.

Bob Dylan topped the list, followed by Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen, with Carole King and Billy Joel completing the top five. The publication noted that Bob Dylan was featured on a third of all ballots submitted.

“We didn’t want all that passion to go undocumented. So we invited readers to assemble their own list — with a formal poll,” the publication stated.

Several artists who were not included in the original list made the readers’ choice list, such as R.E.M. at No. 25, Jack White at No. 49, Pearl Jam at No. 52, Beck at No. 56, and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails at No. 83. These musicians are recognized for their significant contributions to their respective genres, and their inclusion reflects the wide appreciation from the public.