Some fantastic songwriters aren’t the best singers, and some fantastic singers do better with other people’s songs. Compare Bob Dylan singing anything, or Bruce Springsteen singing “Jersey Girl.”
Who is the best at both?
We’'ll start with the obvious: in their primes, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were great at both.
I’ll nominate Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, too.
The best at both? I’m gonna go Steve Earle. Or Joni Mitchell.
Jackson Browne
Carole King
I’ll nominate two: Harry Nilsson and Lindsey Buckingham.
Kate Bush.
Joni Mitchell.
Recently?
Lennon & McCartney
Prince.
Marvin Gaye.
Elton John.
Dolly Parton
Peter Gabriel.
For now.
John Hiatt
Paul Simon
David Bowie.
Gordon Lightfoot.
Todd Rundgren deserves a mention.
Jim Croce
John Denver
As I scrolled through, I kept going, “Oh, yeah!” It’s really tough to decide.
Immediate thought: Paul Simon
Second thought: Paul Mccartney
Third thought: Paul Stanley
PSYCHE on the last one! Maybe Billy Joel? Not my favorite, but given the criteria he is an outstanding candidate.
Another vote for Paul Simon.
I also nominate Don McLean.
I am shocked that Freddie Mercury hasn’t been mentioned.
Kate Wolf
James Taylor
Mary Chapin Carpenter