Paul Simon is on the list. He’s earned it.
Note: Due to travel, I’m going to post on Sunday for the next two weeks. Wishing all a Happy Mother’s Day!
Lists are trouble.
Whenever I see publications release “best of” lists I know they are inviting debate and a fair share of vitriol.
But maybe that’s the point.
So that’s the lens I took when I read the list of 30 best living American songwriters in the New York Times.
It’s an eclectic collection: from Bad Bunny and Jay-Z to Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton.
Like most lists of this ilk, there’s plenty to agree with and plenty to roll your eyes at.
Again, I think that’s the point.
But what’s been wild to witness is the anger the list has unleashed.
On the list of pressing issues facing us today; rising gas prices, stubborn inflation, a generation forced to live in their parents’ basements and war a list of the best American songwriters would seem to be pretty low on the tally of things to get excited about.
Tell that to Rick Beato, a YouTube music influencer who released a critical video to decry the list. Or to Chris Willman who wrote a sizzling piece about the list in “Variety”:
“Where in the Actual Hell Is Randy Newman? And Other Questions Raised by the New York Times’ Greatest Living American Songwriters List.”
Willman was positively flabbergasted.
Take a breath, fellas.
It’s only a list. Perhaps released to spark conversation. Mission accomplished.
The comments on the list from the masses were also equally fierce.
Where’s Joni Mitchell? (Not eligible, she’s from Canada).
Where’s Brian Wilson? (Unfortunately, he passed and the list consists of living songwriters).
Why Springsteen? (Some commenters didn’t like his politics, but regardless he did write “Thunder Road,” “Born to Run” and hundreds of other great songs).
What about Kid Rock? (Really?)
The list included Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Carole King.
It didn’t include Don Henley, Stevie Nicks or John Fogerty. (Shameful). Also missing: Billy Joel, Jason Isbell and the Avett Brothers. (Also shameful).
Still, the list had names I’ve never heard of and I’m a pretty big music fan.
But rather than offend me, I decided to dig into to those I didn’t know. Some were good. Some were head scratchers.
Oh well, it’s just a list.
There is so much more to fret about.
Like why isn’t Don Mattingly and Thurman Munson in the baseball hall of fame? Or why does my friend insist that Dave Concepcion should be included?
Some things are pure mysteries.
That’s where we find the fun.
Here’s the list in no particular order.
Nile Rodgers
Stevie Wonder
Lucinda Williams
Jay Z
Paul Simon
Taylor Swift
Brian & Eddie Holland
Missy Elliott
Dolly Parton
Willie Nelson
Lionel Richie
Young Thug
Diane Warren
Josh Osborne
Brandy Clark
Fiona Apple
Shane MacAnally
Babyface
Stephin Merritt
Romeo Santos
Carole King
Outkast
Mariah Carey
Kendrick Lamar
Valerie Simpson
Bob Dylan
Lana Delrey
The Dream
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Bad Bunny
Bruce Springsteen
Smokey Robinson
Jay-Z but no Billy Joel… oy vey
Billy earned his spot.