OT: Best Country Music Songwriters

[LVC11]

Some of you know much better than I do about older artists and their songwriting, so I’d like to know from everyone: who do you think are the best country music songwriters?

Chris Stapleton got me thinking about it, so I’ll offer up Garth Brooks and Chris. The GOAT goes first.

Fiiiiiiiiiirrrreeee away.

 

[wta21080]

Kristofferson and no one else is close.

 

[Steven B. Janowski]

Billy Joe Shaver. He's every bit as prolific as Kris, and I love Kris...

 

[TigerMusic 79]

Jason Isbell is outstanding but he leans toward Americana.

 

[kmtiger]

Don Gibson.

 

[Clem'sSon]

Jamey Johnson has written some outstanding stuff, as well.

Hard to pick just one....

 

[Hollydoo]

Willy Nelson
Hank Senior

 

[JSpears5]

Shel Silverstein

 

[Hollydoo]

Loretta Lynn

 

[wta21080]

Jamey Johnson has written some outstanding stuff, as well.

Hard to pick just one....

He gives you a few GREAT names at the end of this song. Bob Mcdill being one of my personal favorites.

 

[BHSRebels89]

Who wrote “achy breaky heart”?!?

 

[4toTampa]

Kenny Chesney
Florida Georgia Line
Dan and Shay
Taylor Swift
Dixie Chicks
Sam Hunt
Darius Rucker
Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

 

[Upstatecajun]

Hank Williams Jr. and Toby Keith

 

[83CUTiger]

Don Williams
Paul Overstreet
Woody Guthrie
Ed Bruce
Toby Keith
Merle Haggard

 

[BullsMan20]

Hank Williams, Sr.

I think Merle Haggard is a good choice as well.

 

[sregit18]

Off the top of my head my favorites are:
Willie Nelson
Johnny Cash
Kris Kristofferson
Robert Earl Keen
Don Williams

Honorable mentions:
Pat Green
David Allen Cole
Lyle Lovett
Randy Travis

 

[exit57tiger]

I think John Prine would be in this group. Not many songwriters as prolific and imaginative as him. Just great lyrics.

 

[Cats and Jammerz 48]

Hank Williams Sr. and it ain't even close. Willie Nelson places, Kristofferson, Harlan Howard, Shel Silverstein and Rodney Crowell show.

 

[615mike]

Man that's tough. I wouldn't put Garth or Chris on my list.

I do think J Isbell is the best lyricist writing today. My list in no particular order...

Radney Foster
Rodney Crowell
Rivers Rutherford
Tony Arata
Don Schlitz
Kris Kristofferson
Willie
Diane Warren
Jeffrey Steele
James Dean Hicks
Ryan Adams
Gretchen Peters
Guy Clark

 

[exit57tiger]

 

[615mike]

Who wrote “achy breaky heart”?!?

Don Von Tress

 

[wta21080]

Have to add Chris Knight. This thread can’t go on without his name being mentioned.