Who is the Great American Songwriter?

[SteelBlue]

Originally Posted by Black Diamond Bay

I like his voice, and it's singing...not reciting words.

My guess is that Dylan would be the first guy to tell you that he can't sing worth a damn.

[Archaea]

I would say he talk sings, meaning, his voice is not lyrical or necessarily wide ranging in musical ability, but given his iconic stature, the subject matter of his work and the acceptance of it, one must consider him a singer. However, if you picked a trained musician from another era and brought him here, they would not recognize him as a singer.

[YOhio]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Remember, these are my subjective opinions. I am interested in yours.

I have to admit that I am pretty much an ignoramous when it comes to music. I honestly can't offer anything else to this conversation.

[YOhio]

Originally Posted by creekster

Y-Ohi raises a good point.

Thanks C-Reek.

[mpfunk]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

The person who best embodies the unique American experience through his original music? The person whose ballads define an era?

3 people come to mind off the top of my head.

Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan.

If you are talking about great American music you have to start with jazz music. I will go with Coltrane as the person who embodies the unique American experience through his music.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by mpfunk

If you are talking about great American music you have to start with jazz music. I will go with Coltrane as the person who embodies the unique American experience through his music.

that's a whole different thread.

I'm talking about the Great American troubador. No lyrics, or very few lyrics means "do not pass go, do not collect $200"

[Fumamota McChopperdave]

A few I'd throw in:

Lou Reed: The Velvet Underground was hugely influential. His influence has waned since then, and some of his solo stuff is crap, but his 'voice' is oft imitated and played a major role in the direction of popular music.

Joni Mitchell: Groundbreaking singer/songwriter. Gotta throw a woman in the conversation somewhere...

Danzig: How can you not include the Satanic Elvis in the conversation?

[Solon]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

The person who best embodies the unique American experience through his original music? The person whose ballads define an era?

Maybe the wrong era, but I don't think anyone can argue with Stephen Foster for 19th century America.