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Here are our top 5…

1. Bob Dylan
2. Paul McCartney
3. David Bowie
4. Joni Mitchell
5. Prince

The best songwriters of all time 

1. Bob Dylan (1941 – )

There’s really only one place to start, isn’t there? Bob Dylan. He’s not just a songwriter. He’s a storyteller, and his lyrics have echoed through decades of change. His first single, “Mixed-Up Confusion,” came out in 1962, but it was “Blowin’ in the Wind” that really made people sit up and listen.

Since then, he’s released 50 albums and gone through all sorts of phases, including a gospel stint in the late ’70s. In 2016, he became the first songwriter to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. He’s sold over 125 million records and written some of the most iconic songs ever. His work has been covered more than 6,000 times by some of the world’s greatest artists. Not bad for a guy with a guitar and a harmonica.

2. Paul McCartney (1942 – )

Paul McCartney isn’t just a musician; he’s a cultural icon, and his songs have shaped generations. With The Beatles, he co-wrote some of the most loved tracks of all time. But his solo career is just as impressive. A week after The Beatles called it quits, he released his first solo album, McCartney, playing every single instrument himself.

Since then, he’s kept going strong, performing at Live Aid and the Super Bowl, and releasing everything from pop hits to classical pieces like Liverpool Oratorio. That album tells the story of his early years in Liverpool and blends pop with orchestral sounds.

He has teamed up with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Mark Ronson, even scoring a top-five hit with Rihanna and Kanye West. With number one albums, a knighthood, and two Hall of Fame inductions under his belt, there’s no doubt he’s one of the all-time greats.

3. David Bowie (1947 – 2016)

There’s no star brighter than Bowie. Even now, years after his death, he’s still inspiring artists all over the world. But he wasn’t just a musician. He was a songwriter who helped shape glam rock with his wild alter egos and unforgettable sense of style.

I’ve got to admit, I’m from Hull and a big Mick Ronson fan, so maybe I’m slightly biased. But Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era, and his rise with the Spiders from Mars, was nothing short of iconic. Two albums, a string of standout singles, and a look that turned heads. Ziggy had it all.

Bowie made music his own way. From the gritty edge of Diamond Dogs to the huge success of Let’s Dance, his sound was always evolving. There were pop hits, quirky deep cuts, and full-blown anthems.

And then there was Blackstar, his final album. Mysterious and powerful. It felt like the perfect send-off. As he once said, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise I won’t bore you” (1997 Madison Square Gardens).

4. Joni Mitchell (1943 –

Back in the early ’60s, playing in coffeehouses in Saskatoon, Joni Mitchell might have seemed like just another folk singer – but it didn’t take long for her talent to shine through. Her first album, Song to a Seagull, didn’t get the attention it deserved, but she kept going and kept writing.

Her 1971 album Blue is probably the best example of some of the finest songwriting. The lyrics are full of raw emotion, and she used alternate tunings and unexpected piano chords to create something entirely her own.

5. Prince (1958 – 2016)

Self-taught on multiple instruments, Prince wrote and produced his own music from the very beginning. His Purple Rain album sold over 13 million copies in the US alone and held the number one spot for 24 weeks straight. The film that went with it won him an Academy Award and pulled in more than $68 million at the box office.

Prince was hugely admired. He wrote songs that many artists would be desperate to have, then he casually gave them away. “Nothing Compares 2 U”, “Manic Monday”, “Jungle Love” – they’re all his. Plus, he challenged all kinds of ideas around gender and masculinity, and he did it while oozing confidence and star power. No one else did it quite as he did.

Along with unforgettable guitar solos, Prince wrote lyrics that could be playful, political, or deeply emotional. On stage, he was magnetic. Every show felt like a moment.

6. John Lennon (1940 – 1980)

John Lennon’s most famous solo track, “Imagine”, is a perfect example of a song that’s both poetic and political, and that’s stood the test of time. In fact, in 2004, Rolling Stone named it the third greatest song of all time.

On guitar, Lennon was never flashy but always purposeful. “I can make a guitar speak,” he once said (Rolling Stone, 1980). That says a lot. He saw the guitar as a tool for emotional expression, something that could drive the music forward without relying on complex solos.

He was an honest man who rarely wrote about himself, but instead created art that would encourage a peaceful world. His legacy is huge. He literally helped create modern pop music with The Beatles, then carved out a solo career that was sadly cut short. He’s one of the greats and always will be.

7. Neil Young (1945 – )

If you’ve listened to After the Gold Rush, Harvest, or Rust Never Sleeps, you’ll most likely agree that Neil Young is one of the finest songwriters ever.

As a figurehead of rock, country, and folk, not least the “Godfather of Grunge”, he was one of Kurt Cobain’s most notable influences, and he still inspires the likes of Noel Gallagher and Eddie Vedder today. In fact, he collaborated with Pearl Jam on Mirror Ball – and is a part-time member of Crosby, Stills & Nash (Crosby Stills, Nash & Young).

8. Björn Ulvaeus (1945 – ) and Benny Andersson (1945 – ) (1946 – )

We’re cheating a little by pairing two names, but with ABBA, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson were always a package deal. Andersson brought the melodies, Ulvaeus the lyrical detail, and together they created some of the most iconic pop songs ever written.

The world first met ABBA when they won Eurovision in 1974, and they’ve been in our heads ever since. They weren’t casual hitmakers. If you were to think of one band that has created some serious anthems and sing-along classics, it’s ABBA. They’ve sold nearly 400 million albums, had 17 number one hits, and have millions of streams every week, even now.

If the fact that they’ve been made eternal with ABBA Voyage is anything to go by, let alone a whole musical inspired by their discography, these two are one of the greatest songwriting duos in pop history.

9. Paul Simon (1941 – )

All good nights end with a bit of Paul Simon. He’s easily one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Simon has a way of telling stories that feel personal and universal at the same time. Love, ageing, family, and society… he writes about it all in such a unique way. Each song he releases has a delicateness to it, which makes them even more emotional to listen to. It’s a real art.

Over the years, he’s picked up 12 Grammys, including three for Album of the Year, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with Simon and Garfunkel. He’s a household name across multiple generations and is still widely considered one of the best.

10. Stevie Wonder (1950 – )

There’s a Stevie Wonder hit we all love. His music is joyful and timeless, and it resonates across generations – whether it’s a song about love or everyday life. Wonder signed to Motown at just 11 years old and quickly became a force in music. He’s a phenomenal pianist and plays on most of his own tracks.

In the 1970s, he released a string of groundbreaking albums, including Talking Book, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life. He was one of the first artists to put synthesizers and keyboards at the heart of his sound, blending soul, funk, R&B, jazz, and pop.

11. Bruce Springsteen (1949 – )

There’s nobody more American than Bruce Springsteen in my eyes. His 1973 debut, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., introduced a voice shaped by small-town struggle and restless ambition. As his career grew, so did his sound, evolving into stadium-filling anthems like “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Dancing in the Dark”.

We’re big fans of his gear, too. Springsteen’s signature guitar, a customised blend of a 1950s Fender Esquire and Telecaster, has become just as iconic as the man himself. You can achieve a similar sound with the Fender Player II Telecaster MN. 

12. Bob Marley (1945 – 1981)

For many people, Bob Marley was their first introduction to reggae.

His songs explore politics, culture, and spirituality. They speak to the oppressed and to those searching for meaning. So what makes Marley one of the greatest songwriters? He took the roots of reggae and gave them a global voice, blending rhythm with raw, honest lyrics.

There was always a groove, but there was also a message: peace and love. Marley became a global icon, bringing reggae to the world and leaving a legacy of unity.

13. Dolly Parton (1946 – )

Dolly Parton is my favourite country star, and like many people, she was my first introduction to the genre. She released her first single at just 13 years old and has since gone on to have an incredible career.

She’s dabbled in plenty of different areas of the industry, including music for film. Her hit song “9 to 5” was written for the comedy film of the same name, in which she starred. It ended up winning her two Grammys, one for Best Country Song and another for Best Country Vocal Performance. She’s also been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

 Country music is all about storytelling, and nobody tells better stories than Dolly Parton. She once said she sees songs as a way to keep memories alive, and that’s exactly what hers do. They connect across generations.

14. Max Martin (1971 – )

You might know the name, or you might be wondering who he is. Max Martin is the brains behind some of the biggest pop hits of the ’90s and ’00s, including Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”. With over 400 songwriting credits and more than 25 number-one singles, his track record speaks for itself.

Martin’s strength lies in the precision and care he brings to each song. You can hear his love for music in the details. In 2016, he won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award for the sixth consecutive time and received Sweden’s Polar Music Prize. He has shaped the sound of modern pop and shows no signs of slowing down.

15. Madonna (1958 – )

Think of ’80s pop, and you’ll probably think of Madonna. She earned her first top 10 hit in 1984 before becoming an unstoppable force. Her sound blended post-disco with dance and pop, which felt fresh at the time, especially with the rise of MTV pushing music and visuals closer together.

Madonna’s bold videos helped capture attention, but the music drove her success. She recorded many of the decade’s defining anthems and shaped the modern pop star, one whose image and sound evolve together. Plus, she refused to rely on past success, constantly updating her style.

She has won multiple Grammys, including Best Pop Album for Ray of Light and Best Dance Recording for the album’s title track, and starred in films like Evita, earning a Golden Globe. She truly helped define the sound and style of modern pop.

16. Burt Bacharach (1928 – 2023) and Hal David (1921 – 2012)

There have been many great music duos, but Burt Bacharach and Hal David are possibly two of the 20th century’s finest songwriters. Their first hit came in 1957, but they truly dominated the ’60s, writing over 200 songs together, many performed by artists like Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, and Dusty Springfield.

Though their partnership ended in the ’70s, they left behind a lasting legacy, with seven number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Their creative process was unique, often working long sessions in Los Angeles or even collaborating over the phone.

Hal David stated on his website, “Unless I can create an emotion to which I can respond, I throw the lyric away.” That emotional honesty still resonates in their timeless music today.

17. George Harrison (1943 – 2001)

George Harrison may not have written as many Beatles hits as Lennon or McCartney, but he was a brilliant songwriter who contributed several memorable songs to the band and his later solo work.

He was the first Beatle to release solo music, putting out two experimental albums before developing a style that blended Bob Dylan’s influence with pop and a distinctive slide guitar sound. With the rise of spirituality and Indian music in the mid-’60s, his musical horizons broadened.

He later collaborated with Jeff Lynne, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty and was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once with the Beatles and once as a solo artist posthumously).

18. Marvin Gaye (1939 – 1984)

Marvin Gaye was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century American music. As a vocalist, he was unmatched. His voice could be smooth and angelic or haunting. Songwriting-wise, he had countless successes throughout his career; my personal favourite is his duet with Tammi Terrell, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. It became a soul classic and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Gaye was not afraid to confront serious issues either. With What’s Going On, he challenged Motown’s creative control and opened the door for more artist freedom. Though his life was cut short, his influence on music and culture remains undeniable.

19. Elton John (1947 – ) and Bernie Taupin (1950 – )

20. Radiohead (1985 – )

Radiohead have been pushing the boundaries of rock music since the ’80s and ’90s, blending electronic, ambient, and classical elements into their rock sound. They’ve more or less trademarked emotionally charged music, with self-loathing anthems and moody prog rock that set them apart.

They were definitely the odd band out during a decade full of alternative rock and radio-friendly hits. The group met at school in Oxfordshire and started playing together in 1985, but things really took off in 1993 with the release of Pablo Honey, which included “Creep”. They’ve since had six number one albums in the UK and earned their first US number one in 2000.

Radiohead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. We’re excited to see what they do next.

21. Stevie Nicks (1948 – )

I’m pretty sure everyone loves at least one Stevie Nicks song, whether from her time with Fleetwood Mac or as a solo artist. Her mystical but sweet voice played a huge part in the band’s success.

Let’s be honest, Rumours is the album we all think of when it comes to Stevie. Her breakup with Lindsey Buckingham fuelled some of their most powerful songs and unforgettable performances, still talked about on social media today. That album changed my life! And it inspired so many others, too.

Rumours spent 31 weeks at number one in the US, with “Dreams” becoming their only number one single. As a solo artist, Stevie’s Bella Donna also topped the charts. Her influence spans generations, and her music continues to resonate just as strongly today.

22. Kurt Cobain (1967 – 1994)

Kurt Cobain’s musical success began in his 20s when he became the lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana. His songwriting helped define a decade. The band’s raw, emotional sound and anti-rockstar image made them stand out, and to this day, they’re still one of the most recognisable bands in the world.

Nirvana’s rise was fuelled by MTV, with their MTV Unplugged performance remaining etched into their history and legacy. Cobain wanted to create a funeral-like atmosphere, and his acoustic version of “The Man Who Sold the World” was haunting, to say the least.

He favoured simple song structures and unpolished tones, often playing Fender Jaguars and Mustangs. He famously designed his signature “Jag-Stang” by cutting and taping together two Polaroids of those guitars and sending the design to Fender. If you’re a fan and want to try something similar, check out the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS.  

Cobain is the face of the ’90s in my eyes. His writing provided a level of anger and vulnerability that gave the fans something to call theirs. His ability to put feeling into his music changed rock music forever. 

23. Johnny Cash (1932 – 2003)

Johnny Cash was one of the most influential songwriters in country music. Emerging in the post–World War II era, he helped shape the sound of modern country and remains one of the genre’s most recognisable voices.

With his deep, resonant baritone voice and percussive guitar playing, Cash didn’t fit neatly in Nashville country, honky tonk, or rock and roll. Instead, his music sat somewhere between folk and country’s raw honesty and storytelling and rock’s rebelliousness.

He started writing songs at just 12 years old and was always driven by meaning. His debut single, “Cry Cry Cry” backed with “Hey Porter,” came out in 1955 on Sun Records. Although he had hoped to be a gospel singer, he was encouraged to write something more commercial.

Cash often spoke about his approach to songwriting. Rather than forcing ideas, he would let them sit and develop in his mind. When the time felt right, he would sit down and finish the song, often with weeks or months of reflection behind it. He used acoustic Martin guitars, which became part of his signature sound. If you want to achieve this sound, check out the Martin DX Johnny Cash. 

24. Bono (1960 – ) and the Edge (1961 – )

As the creative core of U2, Bono and The Edge have written some seriously memorable rock anthems. Bono handles the lyrics, while The Edge composes the music.

U2 channelled their love for moody, experimental sounds into ballads that feel both grand and deeply personal, and they’ve always used their platform to speak out on issues like war and politics.

That sense of purpose was loudest on early records like 1983’s War, which gave us “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” one of their most iconic songs.

The Edge is the architect behind the band’s sound. As the lead guitarist, he crafts distinctive tones and textures using layered effects and innovative techniques. I may be a drummer rather than a guitarist, but I can really appreciate how much thought and care goes into every part he writes.

25. Morrissey (1959 – ) and Marr (1963 – )

The Smiths arguably redefined British guitar music in just a few years, with Morrissey and Johnny Marr at the heart of the band. Despite their differences, they created some of indie’s most iconic songs. Marr’s intricate guitar work, paired with Morrissey’s witty, emotional lyrics, gave the band a unique voice.

Rejecting synth-pop, they focused on guitar-driven songs like “This Charming Man,” “How Soon Is Now?”, and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.” Between 1984 and 1987, they released four albums and had three top 10 hits.

The band’s final show was in 1986, but their legacy lives on through beloved compilations and live albums. A reunion is unlikely, but both continue to release music on their own terms.

26. Billie Joe Armstrong (1972 – )

We’ve all heard of Green Day. They’re arguably the biggest punk band around, and Billie Joe Armstrong has been at the centre of it since the start. He wrote his first song at age five and got his first electric guitar, the now iconic “Blue,” at 11. He still plays it today, alongside several replicas. He’s still currently using Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings for this guitar. 

Armstrong writes alone, focusing on what he wants to say. He has turned punk’s raw energy into a lasting legacy, with Dookie, Insomniac and Nimrod still held in high regard.

He has also written for the Go-Go’s, Rancid, and Iggy Pop, and he shows no sign of slowing down.

27. The Bee Gees (1958 – 2012)

The Bee Gees (Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb) were always playing through the speakers in my house growing up. They’ve written some of the biggest songs of all time, both for themselves and for other artists.

Starting in Australia in the late ’50s, they went on to become psychedelic pop stars in ’60s England, disco icons in the ’70s, and adult contemporary favourites in the ’90s. Early hits like “Holiday” and “To Love Somebody” (originally written for Otis Redding) helped launch their career, followed by chart-toppers like “Massachusetts.”

They wrote massive hits including “Stayin’ Alive,” Diana Ross’s “Chain Reaction,” Frankie Valli’s “Grease,” and “Islands in the Stream” for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

28. James Brown (1933 – 2006)

James Brown changed the course of popular music with the creation of funk. Known as the Godfather of Soul, he helped transform R&B into soul, and later soul into funk. His performances were explosive, full of gospel-driven vocals, sharp choreography, and complex rhythms.

Brown’s determination set him apart. After years on the Chitlin’ circuit, he broke through in 1958 with “Try Me” and quickly became a regular on the R&B charts. In 1968, he released “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” a defining anthem of the civil rights era. That same year, he famously performed a live television concert in Boston to help calm tensions after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

He remains the most sampled artist in music history.

29. Tom Petty (1950 – 2017)

Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became a true American rock and roll icon, best known for his work with the Heartbreakers. He released 13 studio albums with the band, along with three solo albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards and selling over 85 million records.

Petty also collaborated with legends like Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Johnny Cash. His raspy voice was instantly recognisable, and he effortlessly blended rock, folk, and country in his songs.

In terms of gear, Petty frequently used Rickenbacker 12-string guitars and Vox AC30 amps to create his signature chiming rock sound. From heartbreak to rebellion, Petty’s music captured life’s highs and lows with simplicity and soul.

30. Willie Nelson (1933 – )

Willie Nelson is still considered one of America’s greatest songwriters. In fact, the Country Music Hall of Fame calls him “one of the most versatile, enduring, and influential talents in country music.”

He began writing at a young age and first found success writing for others. In the 1960s, he penned classics like “Crazy,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” and “Hello Walls,” leading him to become one of Nashville’s most gifted songwriters.

In the 1970s, Nelson found major success performing his own songs, breaking away from Nashville’s conventions. His phrasing, wiry baritone voice, and willingness to blend country, pop, jazz, folk, and blues helped define a new era of American music.

31. Elvis Costello (1954 – )

Elvis Costello is often described as one of the most intelligent songwriters of all time. He broke through in 1977 with My Aim Is True and quickly moved beyond punk, showing his lyrical sharpness and musical range. His 1979 album Armed Forces featured tracks like “Oliver’s Army” and “Accidents Will Happen,” marking his shift toward more melodic and genre-blending work.

Costello thrives on change, with a career that touches nearly every corner of popular music. While he often writes solo, he’s also collaborated with Burt Bacharach, Paul McCartney, Allen Toussaint, and The Roots. His ability to reinvent himself has earned him a loyal following and a lasting legacy. Decades later, he is still writing, recording, and evolving.

32. Neil Diamond (1941 – )

Neil Diamond might be the only person who can get an entire country singing along with just one song, and yes, we all know which one that is. He began his career in the early 1960s as a songwriter at New York’s Brill Building before stepping into the spotlight with hits like “Solitary Man” and “Kentucky Woman.”

Over the next five decades, Diamond built one of the most iconic catalogues in American music. Blending rock, pop, folk, country, and blues, his songs have been covered by artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Frank Sinatra. He also wrote major hits for others, including The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

With over 128 million records sold, Diamond remains a true legend of American pop.

33. Eminem (1972 – )

34. Dave Grohl (1969 – )

As a drummer myself, it’s no surprise that I am hugely inspired by Dave Grohl. He first rose to fame with Nirvana, contributing riffs and co-writing a few hidden tracks. But it was after Kurt Cobain’s death that songwriting became a personal outlet.

Initially intended as a solo project, Foo Fighters began with Grohl recording songs alone as a way to process grief. Those recordings became their debut album. Grohl is now the band’s primary songwriter, and Foo Fighters have since won 11 Grammy Awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Through it all, Grohl continues to push himself and remains one of modern rock’s most admired frontmen. He plays Gibson guitars and DW drums, and he endorses Zildjian. His Zildjian Dave Grohl Signature Drumsticks are a solid choice for drummers who prefer something with a bit more weight.

35. Sam Cooke (1931 – 1964) 

I was first drawn to Sam Cooke because of his beautiful voice, but actually, the more I’ve listened, the more I’ve realised it’s his songwriting that truly sets him apart.

Cooke began as a gospel singer, leading groups like the Highway QC’s and the Soul Stirrers, where he wrote classics such as “Touch the Hem of His Garment.” In 1957, he stepped away from gospel and began recording love songs and pop hits, finding huge success with tracks like “You Send Me” and “(What A) Wonderful World.” Rather than simply switching genres, he blended soul, gospel, and pop.

He was also a pioneer behind the scenes, founding his own label and publishing company. Cooke significantly impacted the Civil Rights Movement, using his platform and business success to support Black artists and challenge segregation. His anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come,” inspired by his own experiences with racism, is possibly one of the most powerful songs of hope and equality one could ever listen to.

36. Ed Sheeran (1991 – )

Ed Sheeran’s debut album, +, solidified him as a talented songwriter in folk and indie genres. Since then, he’s gone on to create globally renowned pop songs, including the likes of “Shape of You.”

What I love most is how personal his songwriting is. His track “Visiting Hours” is a favourite of mine. It’s raw and emotional. He’s also written huge hits for artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. If you’re interested in his process, I highly recommend watching his documentary, Songwriter. It gives a great behind-the-scenes look at how he puts his music together.

On stage, he builds entire songs live using just a looper pedal and an acoustic guitar. It’s such a key part of his sound that he even created his own Sheeran Looper X Multi-Track Looper Workstation, made to handle gigs of any size.

37. John Fogerty (1945 – )

John Fogerty rose to fame in the ’60s as the driving force behind Creedence Clearwater Revival. Blending rockabilly, R&B, country, and swamp rock, the band’s sound was raw and soulful.

While inducting Creedence Clearwater Revival into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, Bruce Springsteen said, “Creedence was not the hippest band in the world, but they were the best,” crediting Fogerty’s voice and songs for that legacy. After Creedence split in 1972, Fogerty took a step back before returning with his 1984 solo album Centerfield.

38. Curtis Mayfield (1942 – 1999)

Next on our list is a major figure in soul music, Curtis Mayfield. While he may not have crossed over to pop audiences as widely as some Motown stars, his legacy is immense. As leader of the Impressions, he helped shape 1960s soul, and as a solo artist, he brought social and political commentary into the genre with songs like “People Get Ready,” “Freddie’s Dead,” and “Superfly.”

Mayfield was one of the first soul artists to write his own material and speak openly about Black pride and struggle. Even after a tragic accident in 1990 left him paralysed, his impact was undeniable. In 1994, artists like Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John honoured him in an all-star tribute concert, showing just how deeply he inspired the music world.

Even after his passing, his distinctive tenor voice and exceptional catalogue of music are adored by many.

39. Chrissie Hynde (1951 – )

It’s impossible to listen to the Pretenders and not admire Chrissie Hynde. She’s always been the heart and soul of the band as their lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and, of course, songwriter.

Even as the lineup changed, Hynde kept the band moving forward while also exploring her solo work. Her 2010 collaboration with JP Jones showed a rawer, more vulnerable side, pairing emotional lyrics with folk and blues influences. Her go-to guitar is a 1965 Fender Telecaster in Ice Blue Metallic, which became so iconic that Fender eventually released a signature model in her honour.

To mark her legacy and influence, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

40. The Notorious B.I.G. (1972 – 1997) 

If there’s one artist who left us wondering what could have been, it’s the Notorious B.I.G. In just a few years, he went from Brooklyn street hustler to East Coast rap icon. His debut album Ready to Die turned him into a star, with “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” dominating charts. His single “One More Chance” even tied with Michael Jackson’s “Scream” for the highest debut ever on the pop charts.

Biggie was more than a rapper. He was a writer. What made him so good was his honesty and ability to craft vivid stories out of thin air. It’s even rumoured that later in his career, he stopped writing lyrics down entirely and freestyled in the studio. That kind of talent is rare.

41. Willie Dixon (1915 – 1992)

43. Loretta Lynn (1932 – 2022)

As a woman, I’m hugely inspired by Loretta Lynn. She wasn’t my first introduction to country music, but she made a lasting impression. Her songs were bold, honest, and fiercely real, touching on birth control, cheating men, and standing your ground.

She sang for working-class women like herself and made it clear she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Loretta broke barriers, won major awards, and inspired generations. To me, she wasn’t just a great country artist; she was a trailblazer who changed the conversation for women in music.

44. Kendrick Lamar (1987 – )

Kendrick Lamar is one of the most important voices in modern hip hop. He blends personal experience with broader social themes like racism and poverty.

Growing up in Compton, Kendrick began rapping as a teen and quickly rose through the ranks with albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN. His work on the Black Panther soundtrack and his 2025 Grammy sweep cemented his place as a cultural force.

45. Fats Domino (1928 – 2017) and Dave Bartholomew (1918 – 2019) 

Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew were one of the most influential musical duos of the 1940s and 1950s. Bartholomew discovered Domino in a New Orleans club and helped shape his sound, producing and co-writing hits like “The Fat Man,” which many consider the first rock and roll record.

Together, they blended New Orleans R&B with catchy hooks and tight arrangements, scoring over three dozen Top 40 hits and selling more than 65 million records. Bartholomew’s sharp production and Domino’s charisma made magic in the studio.

Their partnership introduced the sound of New Orleans to the world. With seven number-one R&B hits and a legacy that shaped rock music, Domino and Bartholomew are truly one of the greatest songwriting duos of all time.

FAQs 

Who is the best British songwriter? 

Paul McCartney is widely considered one of Britain’s greatest songwriters. From The Beatles to his solo work, his songs helped shape modern music. He holds a Guinness World Record as the most commercially successful songwriter ever, with hundreds of hits that became global standards. 

What did Bob Dylan say was the best song ever written?

Bob Dylan once called “Wichita Lineman” the greatest song ever written. That is high praise from one of music’s most legendary lyricists. Written by Jimmy Webb and made famous by Glen Campbell, its emotional depth and quiet beauty have made it a timeless classic.

Who wrote the most hit songs in history? 

When it comes to hit songs, Paul McCartney is in a league of his own. According to Guinness and decades of chart data, he has written or co-written more top 10 and number one hits than nearly anyone in music history. From The Beatles to Wings to his solo work, McCartney’s songs have topped charts in both the UK and the U.S. again and again across generations. 

Final thoughts 

There’s no single way to rank the greatest songwriters of all time, and that’s what made compiling this list so interesting! Their styles, backgrounds, and creative approaches are as varied as the music itself. If you want to dive even deeper into songwriting, you can always check out our guide to writing a song. 

From master lyricists to melody-makers and genre-shapers, this list brings together artists who’ve defined and redefined what songwriting can be. Maybe you connect with emotional storytelling. Maybe it’s the hooks that stay with you. Or maybe it’s the way a single line can say everything.