The Top Ten Country Songwriters and What We Can Learn From Them

There is no question that country music is one of the most popular genres of music in the United States. Millions of people listen to it every day, and countless singers and musicians have made a name for themselves in this genre. But what often gets overlooked are the songwriters. These are the people who write the songs, and they are often just as talented as the singers and musicians. In this article, we will take a look at the top ten country songwriters and see what we can learn from them.

Songwriting is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is the process of writing lyrics and music for a song. While it may seem like a simple task, songwriting can be quite complex and challenging. There are many factors to consider, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. Songwriters must also decide on a style and genre of music to write in. So as you can imagine, it takes a lot of talent and skill to be a successful songwriter.

The origins of country music can be traced back to the early 1920s when it first originated in the southern states. It wasn't until the 1950s and 60s that it began to gain popularity, and by the 1970s it had become one of the most popular genres of music in the United States.

Our Top Pick for the Top Ten

Now that you have a brief look into the history of songwriting, here are our top ten picks for the best all-time songwriters:

Hank Williams

Hank Williams was one of the earliest and most influential country songwriters. He wrote numerous songs that became hits, including "Your Cheatin' Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," and "Hey Good Lookin'." These songs helped to shape the sound of country music and set the standard for future songwriters.

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson was another early country songwriter. He wrote some of the most famous country songs of all time, including “Good Hearted Women,” and “On The Road Again.” His songs were notable for their emotional intensity and powerful lyrics.

Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn was a successful country singer in the 1960s and 70s. She also wrote many of her own songs, including "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)," "Fist City," and "The Pill." These songs were both personal and political and helped to define the sound of modern country music.

Dallas Frazier

Dallas Frazier was a legendary country songwriter who enjoyed success in the 60s, 70s, and ’80s. He also wrote many hit songs, including "Alley Oop," "Elvira," and "There Goes My Everything.” His songs were known for their heartbreak, tragedy, and humor, and he is often considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Don Schlitz

Don Schlitz was writing hit songs in the ’70s and 80’s. He wrote “For Ever And Ever Amen,” “The Gambler” and ‘When You Say Nothing At All.” He earned two Grammy awards and in 2012 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame 2017.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a successful country singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. She began her career in the 1960s, and has since written such hits as "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "9 to 5." Her songs are known for their positive messages and upbeat melodies

Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard was a country singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s. He wrote such hits as "Okie from Muskogee," "The Fightin' Side of Me," and "Mama Tried." His songs often dealt with gritty subjects such as poverty, crime, and unemployment.

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was a country singer and songwriter who enjoyed great success in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. He wrote such classics as "I Walk the Line," and "Folsom Prison Blues." His songs were known for their heartache and darkness, and he remains one of the most popular country singers of all time.

Lennon-McCartney

Not exactly country songwriters but Lennon–McCartney was the songwriting partnership between English musicians John Lennon and Paul McCartney of the Beatles. Between 5 October 1962 and 8 May 1970, the partnership published approximately 180 jointly credited songs, of which the vast majority were recorded by the Beatles

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson is a country singer, songwriter, and actor who has been active in the music industry since the 1960s. He has written such hits as "Me and Bobby McGee," and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," His songs are characterized by their literary lyrics and down-to-earth melodies.

What have these country songwriters taught us?

These are just a few of the many talented country songwriters who have helped to shape the sound of country music. These writers have all had a significant impact on the genre, and their songs continue to be popular today but what can we learn from these writers? First and foremost, they show us that country music is more than just simple songs about love and loss. These writers also demonstrate the importance of storytelling in country music. Their songs often deal with real-life issues, such as poverty, divorce, and crime. In addition, these writers also show us that country music can be both personal and universal in its appeal. Whether you're a fan of Hank Williams or Kris Kristofferson, there's a country songwriter out there for everyone.

By no means is this list meant to be exhaustive. There are many other talented country songwriters out there, and each one has something unique to offer. These ten writers are simply a starting point for exploring the vast world of country music. So get out there and start listening!

Did we leave someone out? Have a favorite not on the list? Post it in the comments below and let us know! Next month we'll take a look at the new and upcoming songwriters of 2022!

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