Anybody follow or admire specific songwriters?

^Yep.

Listen to Sam Stone, he speaks truth.
mmm
ETA: Elvis Costello, Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett as well

Jeff Lynne

Desmond Child - read this list and you’ll be shocked at all the hit songs he’s written in the last 30 years :

I would agree with Kayaker and other posters about Kris Kristofferson.

However, thinking back, what about Lennon or McCartney?
They were all great.

Garcia/Hunter
Weir/Barlow