who is the greatest American songwriter?

Question

remember---imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. the best songwriter is the guy---or lady---who is being copied and covered by the largest number of people in their own, and other, genres.

Clue---I don't much like the genre that my answer sings in

but my answer is widely copied....and

I could be mistaken----let's hear YOUR answer

Answer 1

Bob Dylan ( you did say American )

Answer 2

I am from Detroit and live near Motown in walking distance.
Being a Native I would have to say Stevie Wonder is the most copied from the 60's and 70's and 80's with the look again at the Piano Man Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen in a distance on the American List Not to next mention a note for
Neil Diamond in the New England areas of the US The Monkeys

You can note the Elton John influence World Wide
Then note I put them up to George Micheal and bring down
Micheal Jackson on the fame ticket. The Beatles

I hope this is a help...

Answer 3

George & Ira Gershwin, Stephen Foster, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Scott Joplin, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Barry Manilow, James Taylor, Marvin Hamlisch, Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, Willie Nelson, Carole King, Carole Bayer Sager and Emmylou Harris.

I can't pick just one. :(

Answer 4

Bob Dylan and Paul Simon

Answer 5

Sean Paul

Answer 6

Irvin Berlin

Answer 7

i gotta say tom waits!! unbelievable songwriter!! just listen to the album closing time! its timeless and he was only 21 when he recorded it.
Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon are all obviously up there but i rate Waits above all of them!

Answer 8

BOB DYLAN. He even influenced John Lennon.

Answer 9

Hank Williams, Sr.
Bob Dylan
Lennon and McCartney
Rogers and Hart

Answer 10

I can't believe no one has mentioned Paul Simon...A Great U.S songwriter for decades...