Songwriters: Who’s Your Favorite Unsung Hero?
Without songwriters, we wouldn’t have any songs, but they hardly receive the recognition they deserve for the contributions they make. We have the greats that are obvious like Harlan Howard, Cindy Walker, and even Hank Williams that are hard to pass up–and they really aren’t all that lacking in the accolades–so let’s limit this to more current songwriters who are primarily known for their songwriting to keep this from getting too predictable. Let us know who your favorite songwriter or singer/songwriter (just one) is and your favorite couple of songs that they’ve written.
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Current Discussion
- Jon: @K, thanks for the further explanation. As near as I can tell, there are at least as many mediocre ...
- K: “I would hope that the legacy of a great singer is rewarded more richly than a great writer.” After reading my ...
- Jon: PS – Its too bad Amie Comeaux wasn’t born years later so she could have been a contestant on American ...
- Joe: Great guilty pleasure. I'll enjoy hearing this on the radio.
- Michelle: I love That's My Job by Conway Twitty, but I can't listen to it with others in the room.
- Michelle: Two stars? Whatever!
- Michelle: I love this song. I would love to climb up in his lap and drive his big green tractor!
- sam (sam): Perhaps the best way to fix a bad song is to drink a bit of wine and then listen again. ...
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May 24, 2008 at 10:56 am Permalink
probably Billy Yates who wrote “Choices” (a Possum classic) and “My Infinite Love” (a song recorded by George Strait on his 2003 HONKYTONKVILLE album – foolishly, it wasn’t released as a single but it my be the best song Strait ever recorded)
May 24, 2008 at 11:04 am Permalink
Walt Wilkins & Bruce Robison will be known as two of the best of all time. Both live & write in Texas…..
May 24, 2008 at 11:07 am Permalink
Bruce Robison and Jamey Johnson
May 24, 2008 at 11:08 am Permalink
Taylor Swift and best songs Our Song, Cold as you, Teardrops on my guitar, stay beautiful, and perfectly good heart.
May 24, 2008 at 11:19 am Permalink
I will forgive him for “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and say Jamey Johnson.
The best song he’s written? I love “High Cost of Living”, “My Saving Grace”, and “Leave You Alone”.
May 24, 2008 at 11:46 am Permalink
Just one? that’s not easy. I’d have to say Todd Snider. He can do funny, serious, and make a point at the same time (Ballad of the Kingsmen, Broke). He can do politics AND religion without sounding like a preacher, a politician, an athiest, or a Marxist. He can do rock, country, dixieland, etc. without missing a beat.
Runners up would be Robbie Fulks, Bruce Robison, Jamey Johnson, Chris Wallin, Bobby Pinson…
I tried thinking of a good mainstream choice, but they all seem so pigeon-holed. It’s all so specialized…
May 24, 2008 at 11:52 am Permalink
Todd Snider is a great one, but how ’bout Darrell Scott? His versions of his hits (“Long Time Gone”, “Great Day to be Alive”) are better than the covers in my opinion. His “Uncle Llyod” is a masterwork!
May 24, 2008 at 11:57 am Permalink
Without hesitation, Bobby Pinson and Bruce Robison.
Bobby is the absolute BEST current one. I think he is going to have a Jeffrey Steele Explosion in the next three years where EVERYONE will be cutting his songs. He is getting more and more cuts everyday. Do yourself a favor and purchase either one of his albums…preferably his first one, “Man of Me”, one of my fav CDs of all time.
Bruce is just a legend. No one writes a song like him. The Way he paints these complex pictures by just using simple words is amazing. His best song is “When It Rains” Soooo BEAUTIFUL!
Jamey Johnson and Anthony Smith are also up there
May 24, 2008 at 12:26 pm Permalink
Matraca Berg
May 24, 2008 at 12:30 pm Permalink
Matraca. Berg.
My favorite songs of hers are “Dreaming Fields,” “Back When We Were Beautiful,” and “The Resurrection”–but just about everything she touches is brilliant. “Along For The Ride” is a killer mid-tempo.
“If love was like a roller coaster/pretty as a circus poster/would you pay for a day at the fair/I’d like to sit in the very last car/Baby don’t hold on to the bar/Just throw up your hands in the air.”
What a brilliant picture to paint of love.
May 24, 2008 at 12:35 pm Permalink
ms. bobbie cryner
her own song “the girl of your dreams” and “real life woman” for trisha yearwood are beautiful slices of life.
May 24, 2008 at 12:58 pm Permalink
I can’t tell if Mark is serious or not about Swift.
Anywho, A guy that I can’t believe didn’t become a mega star is John Hiatt.
I’ll let the names of the people that have done his songs speak my point for me…
Bob Dylan, Willy DeVille, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Jesse Brand, Joan Baez, Paula Abdul, Buddy Guy, the Desert Rose Band, Jimmy Buffett, Mandy Moore, Three Dog Night, Iggy Pop, Emmylou Harris, Kathy Chiavola, Rodney Crowell, Nick Lowe, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Rosanne Cash.
May 24, 2008 at 1:33 pm Permalink
Jon Randall
May 24, 2008 at 1:39 pm Permalink
Some of my favorites have already been mentioned, so I’ll add someone new to the mix: Paul Thorn.
Check out these lyrics from his latest album-Long Way to Tupelo-song called A Woman To Love:
Fearless and sixteen
I prayed for a car
I thought that freedom
Was a 69 Dodge yeah
I felt like a movie star
With the wind in my hair
But when I looked beside me
Nobody was there
He can go from that to “Its A Great Day to Whip Somebody’s A$$” without skipping a beat. Brilliant, funny, and real.
Have you ever had one of those days
When nothing goes right?
You’re wife starts bitching
About whatever it was
She was bitching about last night
So you escape into the bathroom
Just to sit there on your throne
But after you finish your business
The toilet paper’s gone
Well it’s a great day
For me to whup somebody’s ass
May 24, 2008 at 1:45 pm Permalink
I am serious about Taylor Swift Ben J
May 24, 2008 at 2:15 pm Permalink
Adding a couple more to the list…
Robert Lee Castleman. Favorite: “Gravity.”
Colin Gilmore. Favorite thus far: “Llano.”
May 24, 2008 at 2:31 pm Permalink
Jackson Browne by far………….. even on a bad song (and there aren’t many) he’s better that most everyone else…….
May 24, 2008 at 3:18 pm Permalink
jackson browne. absolutely. he’s an underrated singer/songwriter, despite being in the rock and roll hall of fame. he’s one of the greatest, bar none. a superb musician.
May 24, 2008 at 4:03 pm Permalink
Taylor Swift!?! Really? Great? Unsung? She’s actually really neither- unless you define “unsung” as “can’t sing,” and them maybe you have half a point. I’m not saying she won’t be a great songwriter. I think she has all the tools. But to put her in the same conversation with Bruce Robison and Matraca Berg at this point in her career is insulting. Really? Taylor Swift?
May 24, 2008 at 4:10 pm Permalink
That is why she is unsung because she is already better then matraca berg and bruce robinson.
May 24, 2008 at 4:33 pm Permalink
First of all, I like Taylor just fine for what she does. However, saying that she’s unsung or better than Berg or Robison is simply laughable and ridiculous. Perhaps you enjoy her songs more than ones written by them, but they certainly are not actually of higher caliber.
Moreover, I’m think that you, Mark, aren’t clear on the definition of “unsung.” I understand that you’re a fan and that you see the promise of her work, but she is well known and her songs receive plenty of accalades and recognition. Therefore, the definition is simply not applicable to her.
May 24, 2008 at 4:36 pm Permalink
Mike’s right–it’s insulting. And I’m a Taylor fan. I’m one of the few non-fluff critics who actually think Swift’s record contains some substantial music. But it is insane to imply that she is anywhere near the levels of Berg and Robison, who are perhaps two of the finest contemporary songwriters on the face of the planet. I mean, these folks are in another league altogether.
Swift is good, and hits on some important emotional issues, but “Back When We Were Beautiful,” deserves to be mentioned in the short-list of most well written songs in country music history. And let’s face it, “Mary’s Song,” just doesn’t measure up.
May 24, 2008 at 4:45 pm Permalink
she is unsung for the fact even though the songs are better they get compared to being songs for middle schoolers. An example would be on the review of should’ve said no.
May 24, 2008 at 4:46 pm Permalink
Could someone post a Berg or Robinson song so i could compare.
May 24, 2008 at 4:53 pm Permalink
Elizabeth Cook – What can I say, Elizabeth’s ability to write some truly excellent traditional country songs in this day and age is what I admire the most.
Honorable mention to: Ashley Monroe, Sunny Sweeney, and Sarah Buxton.
Token male artist: Jamey Johnson for songs like “Alabama” and “Beulah Land”. I didn’t think there were still folks around who could write with that much country heart…..
May 24, 2008 at 4:55 pm Permalink
Well…since you don’t seem to know any Berg or Robbison songs…I’m thinking you are not qualified to make any more judgments as to whether or not Taylor Swift is a better songwriter than either of them. I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt that perhaps you were just confused about the definition of “unsung”, because I would have preferred that explanation over someone who is obviously spouting off ridiculous arguments for the sake of argument or blind support of an artist.
May 24, 2008 at 4:59 pm Permalink
thats y I’m ask for some of their lyrics so i could re do my judgment. So get over it. there was no need to post that comment.
May 24, 2008 at 5:05 pm Permalink
Like all right-minded people, I’m inclined to mention Matraca Berg and Bruce Robison, and I’ll enthusiastically second Kelly’s mention of Darrell Scott.
A current-generation favorite of mine who hasn’t been mentioned yet is Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive-By Truckers and currently making great music as a solo act. “Outfit” (from the Truckers’ “Decoration Day”) and “Dress Blues” (from his solo debut) are two of the finest-written country songs of the last several years. His work should be to the liking of those who mentioned Bobby Pinson, as well.
May 24, 2008 at 5:09 pm Permalink
Mark,
I’m sorry for being so harsh. You’re right that being so indignant was unnecessary. I realize that an apology with a “but” is lame, but I can’t resist. I just got annoyed that you would say that Swift was already a better songwriter than Berg and Robison without even know what they’ve written. It seemed, to me, that you were commenting for the sake of commenting rather than commenting to contribute to the conversation.
I’m sorry if I misjudged your intention.
May 24, 2008 at 6:00 pm Permalink
Jonathon: I didn’t include Jason because he’s more singer than songwriter. That’s also why I did not include Rodney Crowell.
May 24, 2008 at 6:05 pm Permalink
Bruce Robison…hands down. Honorable mention to Sarah Buxton
May 24, 2008 at 6:12 pm Permalink
I know this isn’t a “Best Of” list or anything, but has Sarah Buxton really put out enough material to be considered?
May 24, 2008 at 6:16 pm Permalink
Brady, I wondered the same thing about my Jon Randall contribution…
May 24, 2008 at 6:32 pm Permalink
Jim Malec – next subject please.
May 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm Permalink
I assume Guy Clark doesn’t fall under the label of a more current songwriter and a lot of my other favorites are already mentioned, so I’ll throw Chris Knight out there. I like a lot of his songs, but a few of my favorites include the obligatory “It Ain’t Easy Being Me,” “Rita’s Only Fault” and “Love and a .45.”
May 24, 2008 at 8:07 pm Permalink
I watched this young man (MARK NESSLER) as he performed in our band take events and turn them into very good songs and now he has grown up and continues to be the best songwriter in my world.
May 24, 2008 at 10:08 pm Permalink
Brody, I was also going to mention Knight. The fact is, it is too big of a question to ask for just one response. “Love & a 45″, “Becky’s Bible”, “Enough Rope”, “Long Black Highway” are my faves from Knight.
May 24, 2008 at 10:10 pm Permalink
Tony Arata, Keith Stegall when he writes with Alan Jackson, Dean Dillon (who probably collects one of the most ridiculous amounts of royalty checks thanks to George Strait), Kent Blazy, Kenny Beard.
May 24, 2008 at 10:39 pm Permalink
While someone did mention Rodney Crowell a bit, I think he should be honorable mentioned as well. He’s a singer yes, but he’s also gifted on some levels of showing intimacy. Case in point: Keith Urban’s push for “Making Memories of Us” will perhaps remain top-of-the-line for years to come. I have two of Rodney’s CDs and think they’re phenomenal. Now for everyone who has already mentioned, I’d just like to reiterate the songwriting gangs of Garth Brooks (Tony Arata, Stephanie Davis, etc.) and George Strait (Dean Dillon, Darrell Scott, etc). Finally, away from Country Music scene Jackson Browne is definitely awesome. His stuff is simple yet purely lasting.
May 24, 2008 at 10:57 pm Permalink
Jason Boland – Somewhere Down in Texas, Proud Souls, Backslider Blues
Randy Crouch – Hope You Make It, Big Shot Rich Man, On the Illinois
May 25, 2008 at 3:15 am Permalink
Chris Knight’s first album is incredible, but his later material doesn’t hold up, IMO. But I just love “House and Forty Acres,” and “The River’s Own.”
May 25, 2008 at 5:14 am Permalink
cant believe nobody mentioned toby keith. wrote angry american and writes most of his music.
May 25, 2008 at 7:54 am Permalink
Gotta give a shout out to my Uncle here, Tony Lane. Writer, or co-writer of “A Little Past Little Rock,” and “Now You See Me (Now You Don’t)” (Lee Ann Womack), “Run” (George Strait0, “Letters From Home” (John Michael Montgomery)”I Need You” (Tim McGraw/Faith Hill)and “Wanna Feel Something.” and “I Came Here to Live” (Trace Adkins) and more…
Then I would include James McMurtrey and Scott H. Biram as two of my other favorites. Also both in Texas….
May 25, 2008 at 7:54 am Permalink
What???? No mention of Vince Gill???? What the Cow Girls Do…When I Call Your Name…Look at Us…Go Rest High…just to name a few!Vince is the man!
May 25, 2008 at 8:26 am Permalink
As much as I love Vince Gill (and I do!), I hardly think he or Toby Keith are “unsung heroes” at this point. They are rather sung.
May 25, 2008 at 9:46 am Permalink
Another favorite of mine is Scotty Emerick! I know he has written TON of Toby Keith songs many of you probably don’t like, which I enjoy, but his solo projects and songs are always PHA-NOMINAL!
Give George Strait’s “If Its Gonna Rain” a listen(Ronnie Milsap also cut it) which Scotty Penned.
Also, it was never released, but you can find it on E-bay every now and then, but his first Solo Album is fabulous.
May 25, 2008 at 10:08 am Permalink
Marcus Hummon (“Bless The Broken Road,” ahh hell, just look at my review of his first (and only major label CD) at the lost highway. FOUR songs off of that record were recorded by other major artists, two were big hits “Road” and “One Of These Days” by Tim McGraw.
Other favorite writers are Rodney Crowell (though veteran country fans know him), Berg, Johnson, Billy Yates (his own self-released records are great), John Hiatt and I’ll say Rory Lee Feek who’s now on that CMT show with his wife (He’s had a few hits known as Rory Lee).
May 25, 2008 at 11:36 am Permalink
I for got to mention Billy Joe Shaver. None better…
May 25, 2008 at 12:48 pm Permalink
Since he hasn’t checked in, I’ll predict that Hollerin’ Ben would sing the praises of Aimee Mayo! (lol) If any of you are watching the “Duet” competition on CMT, keep any eye on judge Aimee during performances as she qualifies as a full fledged Rascal Flatts ready bobblehead!
As far as Top 40 country songwriters go, I’d like to give kudos to Leslie Satcher for writing and co-writing some unique and interesting songs. Her “Eight Crazy Hours (In The Story of Love)” on Shelly Farchild’s debut “Ride” album was a breath of fresh air….
May 25, 2008 at 2:33 pm Permalink
un·sung
–adjective
1. not sung; not uttered or rendered by singing.
2. not celebrated in song or verse; not praised or acclaimed.
[Origin: 1375--1425 for def. 1; 1660--70 for def. 2; late ME]
May 25, 2008 at 2:44 pm Permalink
Liz Rose is a great writer.
May 25, 2008 at 3:50 pm Permalink
Of those already mentioned, Todd Snider and Chris Knight are particular favorites.
One name that hasn’t come up yet is Byron Hill. He had a hand in “Politics, Religion, and Her” for Sammy Kershaw, “Fool Hearted Memory” for George Strait, “Nights” for Ed Bruce, “Nothing On But the Radio” for Gary Allan, and so on. He also has two very good albums of his own that contain some sleeper hits waiting to be cut. You can find out more about him here.
May 25, 2008 at 4:12 pm Permalink
I’ll throw Patty Griffin out there. She’s written some of my favorite songs. She sounds amazing on her own, but most of her songs have been made famous by others — Dixie Chicks (Top of the World, Let Him Fly, Truth #2, Mary), Martina McBride (Goodbye), Miranda Lambert (Getting Ready), Emmylou Harris (Trapeze, One Big Love), The Wreckers (One More Girl), Kelly Clarkson (Up to the Mountain).
May 25, 2008 at 7:39 pm Permalink
Sorry about that….all I read was your favorite song writer…didn’t pay any atention to the un-sung part!So with that said…how about David Lee Murphy?
May 25, 2008 at 7:49 pm Permalink
Joyce, I think David Lee Murphy is a great mention!
May 25, 2008 at 10:12 pm Permalink
There are so many, but here goes…
1) Radney Foster
2) Jamey Johnson
3) Lee Roy Parnell
May 26, 2008 at 1:23 am Permalink
Some newer picks: Connie Harrington (Passenger Seat for SheDaisy, Terri Clark’s Girls Lie Too), Mark Narmore (Craig Morgan) and I love the writing on Ashton Shepherd’s debut.
May 26, 2008 at 2:04 pm Permalink
Walt Wilkins
Walt Wilkins
and
Walt Wilkins and Liz Rose together.
Did I happen to mention Walt Wilkins.
May 26, 2008 at 2:11 pm Permalink
Rebecca Lynn Howard springs to mind.
May 26, 2008 at 8:54 pm Permalink
Okay so some singer/songwriters
Miranda Lambert just because I have loved her from day one.
John Rich
I think Taylor might be able become more mature with her writing if she has some real world experiences. All she writes about are relationships which make great country songs, but they need to be more mature if she wants to reach a larger audience.
May 27, 2008 at 8:44 am Permalink
Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, Jim Dalton (from the Railbenders), Billy Joe Shaver, Joe Ely, Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Scott Miller, Roger Miller, Danny Schmidt, Butch Hancock, Terry Allen
May 27, 2008 at 9:21 am Permalink
Nice list Aaron.
Roger Miller would have topped my list had I considered him unsung. In my opinion, he’s not as famous as he deserves to be, but he’s still pretty well known (if only for King of the Road).
May 27, 2008 at 10:57 am Permalink
Here’s a quick and dirty playlist of some of the songs mentioned thus far. I only included two songs from each songwriter, but it’s a fairly nice list of songs (out of the ones I’ve actually heard).
Billy Yates – “Choices”
Billy Yates – “My Infinite Love”
Jamey Johnson – “High Cost of Living”
Jamey Johnson – “My Saving Grace”
Todd Snider – “Ballad of the Kingsmen”
Todd Snider – “Broke”
Darrell Scott – “Long Time Gone”
Darrell Scott – “Uncle Lloyd”
Bruce Robison – “When It Rains”
Matraca Berg – “Dreaming Fields”
Matraca Berg – “Back When We Were Beautiful”
Bobbie Cryner – “The Girl of Your Dreams”
Bobbie Cryner – “Real Life Woman”
Paul Thorn – “Long Way to Tupelo”
Paul Thorn – “It’s A Great Day to Whip Somebody’s Ass”
Robert Lee Castleman – “Gravity”
Colin Gilmore – “Llano”
Jason Isbell – “Outfit”
Jason Isbell – “Dress Blues”
Chris Knight – “It Ain’t Easy Being Me”
Chris Knight – “Love and a .45″
Rodney Crowell – “Making Memories of Us”
Jason Boland – “Somewhere Down In Texas”
Jason Boland – “Proud Souls”
Randy Crouch – “Hope You Make It”
Randy Crouch – “Big Shot Rich Man”
Tony Lane – “A Little Past Little Rock”
Tony Lane – “Now You See Me (Now You Don’t)”
Scotty Emerick – “If It’s Gonna Rain”
Marcus Hummon – “Bless The Broken Road”
Leslie Satcher – “Eight Crazy Hours (In The Story of Love)”
Byron Hill – “Politics, Religion, and Her”
Byron Hill – “Fool Hearted Memory”
Patty Griffin – “Top of the World”
Patty Griffin – “Goodbye”
Connie Harrington – “Passenger Seat”
Connie Harrington – “Girls Lie Too”
May 27, 2008 at 11:14 am Permalink
Jeremy Spillman, great up and comer. Wrote “Arlington,” “Sinners Like Me,” and Josh Turner’s “Another Try.”
May 27, 2008 at 11:28 am Permalink
I’d like to add Bruce Robison’s “Can’t Get There From Here” to that playlist. I haven’t thus far mentioned that song’s co-author, Allison Moorer, only because everyone I know is sick of hearing me go on about Allison Moorer. But my two favorite songs of hers would be “Once Upon a Time She Said” and “Believe You Me,” if anyone’s interested.
May 27, 2008 at 12:07 pm Permalink
Although there are two Chris Knight songs on the list, I would add “Down The River.”
May 27, 2008 at 1:36 pm Permalink
Bobby Pinson & Trent Tomlinson together: Walk on Water, One wing in the fire.
Pinson:
Back in my drinkin’ days
If I met God tonight
I’m fine either way
Don’t think I don’t think about it
Tomlinson:
Angels like her
Why can’t I leave her lone (Strait) w/ several other songwriters
May 27, 2008 at 2:09 pm Permalink
Skip Ewing! Hands down, Skip Ewing. I love Skip’s writing and his vocal chops aren’t too bad either. As a singer-songwriter, his emotional relevancy and grasp of the lyric is amazing. And even though he has several solo hits including 3 top 10s – ‘I Don’t Have Far To Fall’, ‘It’s You Again’, and ‘Burnin’ a Hole in My Heart’, Skip has been far more successful as a writer for other singers.
His writing proficiency has earned Skip a GRAMMY Nomination, a TONY nomination, 25 top ten singles and eleven number 1’s, including ‘I Believe’ (Diamond Rio), ‘You Had Me From Hello’ (Kenny Chesney), ‘Something That We Do’ (Clint Black), ‘Love, Me’ (Collin Raye) and ‘Rebecca Lynn’ and ‘I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore’ (Bryan White).
His most recent charting single is the flawless duet with Queen Reba on ‘Every Other Weekend’ – a masterfully crafted tune about the heartache and angst of a divorced couple sharing custody of their young children. Skip and Reba’s performance is heart-wrenching to boot.
May 27, 2008 at 9:59 pm Permalink
I think everyone here is confusing “songwriters” with “co-writers”. A songwriter is just that. Someone who writes a song. It’s singular. A co-writer gets together with 1-4 other people and co-write a song. There is a huge difference. Most of the folks mentioned here have never even written a song by themselves. Strangely enough, most never even mention their co-writers in a discussion. I have always wished there were two different types of award shows. Some of these new artists that get “songwriting” awards just happened to be in the room. That has to be embarrassing, or maybe not.
May 27, 2008 at 10:15 pm Permalink
Hillary Lindsey!!
Hillary Lindsey is my idol. She is a grammy winning songwriter with an incredible voice. She has written “Jesus Take The Wheel”, “Wheel Of The World”, “This One’s For The Girls”, “Stronger”, “Windows On A Train”, “The Clown”, “Backseat of A Greyhound Bus”, “So Small”, yes I could be here forever but she is worth it!
May 28, 2008 at 7:06 am Permalink
Karen Rochelle- she is amazing writer and singer- “Georgia Rain”, “This is Me Your Talking To”, “Let the Wind Chase You”, “Sweet River”
June 2, 2008 at 10:59 am Permalink
The Randy Crouch song I listed, “Hope You Make It” is the hidden track (track 13) on Jason Boland’s “Somewhere in the Middle” CD.
June 5, 2008 at 1:28 pm Permalink
Cindy2… I finally got around to the Paul Thorn recommendation. Color me impressed. Why is this guy pretending he’s a rock act? Looking at his catalog I noticed he wrote a song that Sawyer Brown covered “Mission Temple Firework Stand.” And the guy sings just like Mark Miller (with a bit deeper voice). Really, really enjoyed his current disc and will be going into the back catalog as well. Big thumbs up. He explores a lot of familiar country themes, but manages a new perspective every time.
June 6, 2008 at 2:28 am Permalink
Chris Knight is a favorite of mine. Some that have been recorded by others include “She Can’t Change Me” Montgomery Gentry, “It Ain’t Easy Being Me” Blake Shelton (like Chris’s version way better) and “Highway Junkie” Gary Allan. “North Dakota” and “Goin Down The River” give me goosebumps, “William” is so sad I can’t listen to it. On You Tube I found a video of him doing “Enough Rope” live on GAC, awesome (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHGXtkSyFAg). I’d also like to throw in Kevin Welch, didn’t see his name mentioned. Maybe his most famous would be “Til I’m Too Old To Die Young” by Moe Bandy. Other’s include “Crying For Nothing” Gary Allan, “That’s What I like about You” Trisha Yearwood, “Pushing Up Daisies” Garth Brooks.
June 9, 2008 at 7:08 am Permalink
My “most favorite” changes every few months, but I’d have to second the Bobby Pinson nomination. His “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” is a gut punch, and “Taking Up Space” fires me up a lot of my mornings. It’s that grail of having a unique take on a universal idea, bullseye imagery and (at least the sound of) authenticity. Good stuff.
But my favorite “unsung” song is Lance Miller’s cut of “In Style Again” by Miller and Austin Cunningham. It’s as classic as you can get, a gorgeous wrist-slitter of a poignant ballad. And so not happyhappy drivetime music but man…
You can hear it full-length on YouTube if you search for it. Guys who can write that probably get more songs right, too, I’m guessing.
June 10, 2008 at 3:19 am Permalink
there’s a lot of amazing songwriters already listed, but i don’t have time to read every single comment, so i’m just gonna put my favorites down… i’ll probably repeat some, but i guess that’s ok. however, i won’t repeat taylor swift… lol! not “unsung” at all, she’s a teenage millionare with more fans than money… and her songs are catchy, but to put her in the same category as these other writers is pretty senseless, and that’s all i’m gonna say about that. here’s my list…
Bruce Robison (wrapped, traveling soldier, desperately, angry all the time, etc.)
Radney Foster (it just comes natural, kiss me in the dark, nobody wins, just call me lonesome, etc.
Todd Snider (ballad of the kingsmen, tension, you dot away with it, alright guy, long year, etc.)
Chris Knightn (rural route, enough rope, it ain’t easy bein me, framed, etc.)
Ryan Adams (come pick me up, oh my sweet carolina, etc.)
Mike McClure (via dolarosa, between two thieves, saints in the twilight, stupid hole, etc.)
Bobby Pinson (stay, man like me, one more believer, don’t ask me how i know, etc.)
Jefferey Steele *if he’s still “unsung”* (half of rascal flatts songs or more… ha!)
Eric Church *if he’s still “unsung”* (the world needs a drink, lightning, sinners like me, these boots, etc.)
Jack Ingram *if he’s still “unsung”*… he did win an ACM award, so maybe not (great divide, make a wish, i won’t go with her, barbie doll, [the last two he co-wrote with todd snider], etc.)
Kent Finlay (the hill country, plastic girl, i’ve written some life i’ve lived some songs, that’s where i’m gonna stay, etc.) [also he was instrumental in helping get both george strait and randy rogers started, as well as many others like bruce robison and todd snider, look him up]
there are a lot more than this… i could go on forever, but i think that’s enough for now. if i think of anymore that i just have to add, i’ll post another comment…
June 10, 2008 at 3:28 am Permalink
Hayes Carll, can’t believe i forgot to put him… (the long way home, wish you hadn’t stayed so long, little rock, it’s a shame, and many many more)
June 12, 2008 at 11:08 pm Permalink
Songwriters — how about darrell brown …. he wrote you’ll think of me and raining on sunday for keith urban….. nothin better to do and what i can not change for leann rimes….. artists that have cut his songs… willie dixon / dolly parton / mavis staples / brooks and dunn / faith hill / rascal flatts / and more he also produced the unbelievable radney foster cd ” see what you want to see” saw him at tin pan south last year….truly an unsung songwriter//
June 12, 2008 at 11:54 pm Permalink
Todd Snider, with Long Year being a personal fave.
June 13, 2008 at 8:02 am Permalink
I gotta agree with Baron, his uncle Tony is one of my favs. Along with, Anthony Smith, Chris Wallin, and Brett Jones.
Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher are also great writers. Tony Mullins is a favorite of my daughter’s (and mine).
Add Leslie Satcher to the mix as well.
Brad’s right about Scotty Emerick. He’s way better than his Toby Keith co-writes.
Buck is partially right when he talks about “co-writing”. There are some who only co-write, and then there are those that can write a complete (and worthy) song all on their own. If you hang around long enough (and go to enough writers rounds) you’ll begin to see the difference.
June 13, 2008 at 8:18 am Permalink
And if you want someone who writes ‘alone’ more than he co-writes …. and has spanned generations – from the 1960’s to present ….. look no further than Bobby Braddock.
June 19, 2008 at 5:52 am Permalink
Harley Allen
Simply one of the best of all time. Aside from his better known cuts (The Little Girl, If Nobody Believed In You, Tough Little Boys, Awful Beautiful Life, High Sierra, Between The Devil And Me, Everything I Love, I’ll Wait For You) he has a catalogue that is loaded with number 1 hits! He is truly amazing!
June 19, 2008 at 8:26 am Permalink
I had not realized Harley Allen was responsible for so many of my least favorite songs.
June 19, 2008 at 9:30 am Permalink
Whoa, Chris, I didn’t realize it either. I don’t think I like any of those songs.
June 23, 2008 at 1:08 pm Permalink
Keith Follese is hands down my favorite writer. He has put out some incredible songs, like ‘The Way You Love Me,” and “Good Man.” I’ve also heard that Midas Records, which he works for, is going to be putting out Adam Gregory’s new album. Hopefully Keith has some songs on there!
June 23, 2008 at 1:20 pm Permalink
Lori McKenna: Witness to Your Life, Fireflies, Ruby’s Shoes, Bible Song, Unglamorous
June 23, 2008 at 2:44 pm Permalink
Keith Follese really did change the country landscape in the late 90’s
June 23, 2008 at 3:12 pm Permalink
You are right about Keith Follese! He is a really great melody man. I love the work he has done with Sam and Annie Tate!
July 28, 2008 at 9:04 pm Permalink
how does anyone mention matraca berg without mentioning gary harrison?…strawberry wine, wild angels,wrong side of memphis and too many others for me to recall at the moment.i saw him play last year and he played two sets of number one records.i really had no idea.that guy needs a publicist….or at least someone to carry his money around.
September 17, 2008 at 7:06 pm Permalink
Without hesitation, Skip Ewing! No singer songwriter has ever made me feel music the way Skip does. Hate that when i sing his praises few people have heard of him, but i love telling them You’ve heard his music, You just don’t know it. Just got his new CD, autographed no less.
The pride of my collection.
May 24, 2009 at 5:24 pm Permalink
Lots of great ones in the Lone Star State. Walt Wilkins is my favorite. But I love Radney Foster, Bruce Robison, Todd Snider, Randy Rogers, Rusty Weir also. And there’s some lesser known ones like James M Taylor from Ft. Worth & Terry Stephenson.
June 7, 2009 at 10:20 pm Permalink
My favorite songwriter, who Jamey Johnson said is one of his heroes, is my little brother Tony Lane. I’d also have to say my good friend Sonny Throckmorton is awsome. He wrote Don Henley’s favorite song The Way I Am.
June 8, 2009 at 7:43 am Permalink
Jim, I also think your little brother is a mighty fine songwriter. Mighty fine. I’ve met him on a couple of occasions when he was in a round with my friend Anthony Smith.
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