Male Lyricists & Songwriters

Vote for Your Favourite Male Lyricists & Songwriters

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 1 
Michael Jackson
(One of the Most Significant Cultural Figures of the 20th Century Popularly Known as the 'King of Pop')
Michael Jackson
32
Birthdate: August 29, 1958
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States
Died: June 25, 2009

The King of Pop and an international superstar, Michael Jackson was a musical entertainer whose work – both with Jackson 5 and solo – won accolades and hearts worldwide. Equally popular were his unique dance moves that created sensation and shaped future dance styles. Amongst the most successful entertainers of all time, Jackson was later accused of child molestation.  

 2 
Bob Dylan
(One of the Greatest Songwriters of All Time)
Bob Dylan
8
Birthdate: May 24, 1941
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Duluth, Minnesota, United States

Singer-songwriter and author, Bob Dylan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Active in the music industry for almost six decades, he is a major pop culture icon who introduced a range of political, social, and literary influences to pop music. He is a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 3 
Bernie Taupin
(British Songwriter Best Known for His Long-Term Partnership with Musician Elton John)
Bernie Taupin
8
Birthdate: May 22, 1950
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England

Lyricist Bernie Taupin is best known for his collaboration with Elton John for over 30 albums. Their works include the iconic hit Candle in the Wind. Taupin has also had a successful solo career and has performed with the band Farm Dogs. He has also exhibited his original artwork.

 4 
Tom Waits
(Musician, Composer, & Songwriter)
Tom Waits
8
Birthdate: December 7, 1949
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Pomona, California, United States

Tom Waits is a musician and songwriter. His lyrics, which are delivered in his trademark gravelly voice, often focus on the underbelly of society. His story of being born in a middle-class family to becoming one of the greatest songwriters of all time serves as an inspiration to many. He has also influenced several musicians and attained a cult following.

 5 
Prince
(Singer-songwriter & Multi-instrumentalist)
Prince
14
Birthdate: June 7, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Died: April 21, 2016

Singer-songwriter, dancer, and musician, Prince is is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He was considered a guitar virtuoso and could also play several other instruments. With worldwide sales of over 150 million records, he is ranked among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was also well known for his flamboyant persona.

 6 
Jay-Z
(One of the Most Influential Hip-Hop Artists in History)
Jay-Z
10
Birthdate: December 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Jay-Z is an American rapper and songwriter and is one of the world's best-selling music artists. His debut album Reasonable Doubt was hugely successful in 1996 and since then he has gone on to release many more acclaimed and successful albums. He has been charged with assaulting a record executive and was given a three-year probation sentence in January 2000.

 7 
Eminem
(One of the Most Influential and Popular Rappers of All Time)
Eminem
38
Birthdate: October 17, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States

Amongst the biggest rappers of all time, Eminem gained worldwide popularity with the release of albums like The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP. His subsequent albums became huge successes further making him a bigger sensation and one of the bestselling music artists of all time. His fame greatly inspired other white rappers to succeed in popular music.

 8 
Lin-Manuel Miranda
(Actor, Singer-songwriter)
Lin-Manuel Miranda
13
Birthdate: January 16, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
The multiple award winning actor, composer, lyricist, singer and playwright, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has transformed Broadway musicals like never before by combining classic musical theatre with modern musical forms like hip-hop and salsa. His creation Hamilton, a hip-hop musical on Alexander Hamilton, is one of the biggest musicals of all time.
 9 
Paul Simon
(American Singer-Songwriter)
Paul Simon
1
Birthdate: October 13, 1941
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States

One half of the popular musical duo Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon is a singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters of all time. His career, which has spanned more than 60 years, has been so influential that Time named him among the 100 People Who Shaped the World in 2006.

 10 
Neil Young
(Rock Singer-Songwriter Famous As The 'Godfather of Grunge')
Neil Young
4
Birthdate: November 12, 1945
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada

One of rock and roll’s greatest songwriters and performers of all time, Neil Young has worked both solo as well with bands like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The Grammy award winning musician’s notable albums include After the Gold Rush, Harvest, Harvest Moon and Ragged Glory. He strongly backs environmental and disability issues too.

 11 
Buddy Holly
(Singer-Songwriter & Pioneer in Mid 1950's Rock and Roll)
Buddy Holly
2
Birthdate: September 7, 1936
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lubbock, Texas, United States
Died: February 3, 1959

Musician and singer-songwriter Buddy Holly was a central figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. Born to a musical family, he learned to sing and play the guitar as a child. He began his career as a teenager and found much success within a short period. Sadly, he died in an aircraft crash when he was just 22 years old.

 12 
Hank Williams
(One of the Most Significant and Influential Singers and Songwriters of the 20th Century)
Hank Williams
2
Birthdate: September 17, 1923
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mount Olive, Alabama, United States
Died: January 1, 1953

Musician Hank Williams is widely considered one of the most influential and significant American singer-songwriters of the 20th century. Hank Williams influenced several singers, such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and Charley Pride to name a few. Since his untimely death at the age of 29, many artists have released tribute albums honoring Hank Williams.  

 13 
Paul McCartney
(Co-Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Beatles' and One of the Most Successful Composers of All Time)
Paul McCartney
4
Birthdate: June 18, 1942
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

English singer-songwriter and musician, Paul McCartney, is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time. He gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band, the Beatles. He also enjoyed a successful solo career. Besides music, he has been actively involved in humanitarian causes and animal rights issues.

 14 
John Lennon
(The Founder, Co-Songwriter, Co-Lead Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist of 'The Beatles')
John Lennon
8
Birthdate: October 9, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Died: December 8, 1980

John Lennon was part of the hugely successful and popular music band, Beatles. It became the first British band to break out big in the US. However, they eventually broke up. Subsequently, Lennon went solo, with 1971 album, Imagine, being his most successful and acclaimed post-Beatles efforts. Sadly he was shot dead by a deranged fan in New York.

 15 
Glenn Frey
(Singer-songwriter)
Glenn Frey
3
Birthdate: November 6, 1948
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Died: January 18, 2016

American singer, songwriter and vocalist, Glen Frey was the co-founder of the extremely famous rock band of the 1970s—Eagles. The band delivered hit albums like Hotel California before disbanding after a decade. The six time Grammy award winner then enjoyed a successful solo career with hit songs like Smuggler’s Blues and The Heat Is On before re-joining his band.

 16 
Morrissey
(Frontman of Rock Band the 'Smiths')
Morrissey
5
Birthdate: May 22, 1959
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Davyhulme, Urmston, England
Morrissey, frontman of the 1980s’ rock band The Smiths, is known for his anti-establishment lyrics and themes such as isolation. He has dabbled in music journalism and has had a successful solo career, too. A cultural icon, he is an animal rights activist and has a huge gay fan base.
 17 
The Notorious B.I.G.
(One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time)
The Notorious B.I.G.
6
Birthdate: May 21, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: March 9, 1997

The Notorious B.I.G. was a rapper and songwriter and is considered one of the best ever. His debut album Ready to Die in 1994 was critically acclaimed. He was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in September 1996. His album Life After Death was released two weeks after his death. 

 18 
Kanye West
(One of the Greatest and Most Influential Hip Hop Musicians of All Time)
Kanye West
0
Birthdate: June 8, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Creative from a very young age, Kanye West dreamed of becoming a rapper since very early in his life. He became an award winning American rapper whose creativity in music is widely appreciated by critics. However, his outspoken views, comments and behaviour have quite often landed him controversies.

 19 
Nikki Sixx
(Co-Founder and Bassist of Heavy Metal Band 'Mötley Crüe')
Nikki Sixx
8
Birthdate: December 11, 1958
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: San Jose, California, United States

Nikki Sixx, the co-founder, songwriter, and bassist of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, has also worked with side bands such as Sixx:A.M. Sixx owns a clothing line, has been part of radio shows such as Sixx Sense, and has written a bestselling memoir. He is also a talented photographer.

 20 
Neil Diamond
(Singer-songwriter Known for the Hit Song 'Sweet Caroline')
Neil Diamond
3
Birthdate: January 24, 1941
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Neil Diamond has sold more than 125 million records and has had 10 Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary chart-topping singles. The Lifetime Achievement Grammy-winner was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His song Sweet Caroline was preserved in the National Recording Registry for being culturally relevant.
 21 
Mick Jagger
(British Singer-Songwriter and Founding Member of the Rock Band 'Rolling Stones')
Mick Jagger
3
Birthdate: July 26, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dartford, England, United Kingdom

Mick Jagger is widely regarded as one of the most influential frontmen in rock & roll history. Known for his energetic performances on-stage and multiple relationships off-stage, Mick is frequently portrayed as a countercultural figure. He is an inductee to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and UK Music Hall of Fame.

 22 
Bruno Mars
(First Artist to Receive five Diamond-certified Songs in the U.S.)
Bruno Mars
0
Birthdate: October 8, 1985
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

American singer, Bruno Mars, is one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has a wide range of musical style like R&B, pop, funk, reggae, hip hop and rock. He is also known for his stage performances. Locked Out of Heaven, When I Was Your Man, 24K Magic and That's What I Like are some of his hit songs.

 23 
Stevie Wonder
(Singer-Songwriter and Musician)
Stevie Wonder
3
Birthdate: May 13, 1950
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan, United States

American singer and songwriter, Stevie Wonder, is one of most influential and the best-selling musicians of all time. That Girl, Gotta Have You, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Part-Time Lover and Happy Birthday are some of his chartbuster songs. He has won many awards and accolades, including 25 Grammy Awards.

 24 
Andy Gibb
(English Singer-songwriter)
Andy Gibb
8
Birthdate: March 5, 1958
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Stretford, England
Died: March 10, 1988
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 25 
James Taylor
(Singer-Songwriter & Musician - One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
James Taylor
4
Birthdate: March 12, 1948
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Five-time Grammy Award-winning folk singer James Taylor is best known for his hits You've Got a Friend and Fire and Rain. One of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, he has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 26 
XXXTentacion
(Rapper Well Known for His Depressing, and at Times Devastating Music)
XXXTentacion
4
Birthdate: January 23, 1998
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Plantation, Florida, United States
Died: June 18, 2018

A rapper and singer, XXXTentacion, gained fame with the success of the song, Look at Me, and release of albums like 17 and ?. In his personal life, he faced multiple legal issues from the beginning. He was shot dead at the young age of 20. XXXTentacion had a cult following among the youth owing to his depression and alienation thematic driven music.

 27 
Isaac Hayes
(Singer-songwriter)
Isaac Hayes
2
Birthdate: August 20, 1942
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Covington, Tennessee, United States
Died: August 10, 2008
 28 
Steven Van Zandt
(Singer-Songwriter, Actor and a Member of 'Bruce Springsteen’s E Street' Band)
Steven Van Zandt
5
Birthdate: November 22, 1950
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Winthrop, Massachusetts, United States

Steven Van Zandt is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor, producer, and activist. Steven is renowned for his association with E Street Band. As a member of the band, Steven was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Also known for his philanthropic efforts, Steven works with a nonprofit organization called Little Kids Rock.

 29 
Kris Kristofferson
(Singer, Songwriter and Actor)
Kris Kristofferson
0
Birthdate: June 22, 1936
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brownsville, Texas, United States

Kris Kristofferson is a popular singer-songwriter and actor. Over the years, Kris has played a major role in the success of many famous singers, having contributed to their musical albums as a songwriter. For his achievements in the field of music, Kris Kristofferson was made a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee in 2004.

 30 
Kenny Rogers
(Best-Selling Country Music Artists of All Time)
Kenny Rogers
3
Birthdate: August 21, 1938
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Died: March 20, 2020

Kenny Rogers was an American singer-songwriter. He is among the best-selling musicians of all-time list, having sold over 100 million records. His songs and albums remain influential among country music lovers. A multi-talented personality, Rogers was also successful as an actor and entrepreneur; he was the co-founder of the Kenny Rogers Roasters chain of restaurants.

 31 
Jim Morrison
(Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Doors')
Jim Morrison
10
Birthdate: December 8, 1943
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Melbourne, Florida, United States
Died: July 3, 1971

Considered the prototypical rock star, Jim Morrison remains one of the most influential singer-songwriters, almost five decades after his death. Jim influenced the counterculture of the 1960s as he embodied the hippie counterculture rebellion. Due to his erratic performances and wild personality, he is regarded as one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history.

 32 
Joe Strummer
(Singer, Guitarist)
Joe Strummer
3
Birthdate: August 21, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ankara, Turkey
Died: December 22, 2002
Joe Strummer is remembered for his memorable performances with the punk rock band The Clash, with whom he delivered hits such as London Calling and Train in Vain. He was known for his rebellious and politically charged lyrics. He also experimented with acting and hosted on a BBC radio show.
 33 
Finneas O'Connell
(Pop Musician Known for His Collaboration with His Sister 'Billie Eilish' and Their Song 'No Time to Die')
Finneas O'Connell
1
Birthdate: July 30, 1997
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Finneas O'Connell is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and record producer. He has played an important role in the success of his younger sister Billie Eilish's career as he has written and produced many of her popular songs. He has written and produced songs for other famous music artists as well.

 34 
Lionel Richie
(Co-Lead Singer Of Funk Band The Commodores)
Lionel Richie
2
Birthdate: June 20, 1949
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tuskegee, Alabama, United States

Lionel Richie is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and composer whose work with the band Commodores and his solo career established him as a successful balladeer of the 1980s. Having sold more than 90 million records, Lionel Richie is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Also a philanthropist, Richie helped raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 35 
Brian Wilson
(Co-Founder of the Rock Band 'Beach Boys')
Brian Wilson
0
Birthdate: June 20, 1942
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, United States

Brian Wilson is a singer-songwriter and record producer. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band, The Beach Boys. Referred to as a genius, Wilson serves as an inspiration to several indie musicians. Regarded as one of the most significant songwriters of his generation, Wilson is often featured in lists, such as the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

 36 
Jackson Browne
(Singer-Songwriter Known for His Songs )
Jackson Browne
0
Birthdate: October 9, 1948
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Heidelberg, Germany
Six-time Grammy-nominated rock singer Jackson Browne has sold more than 18 million albums in the U.S. Best known for his hits These Days, Running on Empty, and Doctor My Eyes, he was featured on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. The MUSE founder is an avid environmentalist, too.
 37 
Harry Nilsson
(Former Singer-songwriter known for Everybody's Talkin' and Without You, both of which won Grammy Awards)
Harry Nilsson
0
Birthdate: June 15, 1941
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: January 15, 1994
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 38 
Ray Charles
(Singer-songwriter)
Ray Charles
1
Birthdate: September 23, 1930
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Albany, Georgia, United States
Died: June 10, 2004

Ray Charles went on to become a great singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist, despite suffering blindness due to glaucoma early in his life. One of the most respected and decorated musicians of all time, Ray Charles has been named in lists, such as 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. He pioneered the soul music genre, which remains his greatest contribution.

 39 
Robert Plant
(Lead Singer and Lyricist of the English Rock Band 'Led Zeppelin')
Robert Plant
1
Birthdate: August 20, 1948
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: West Bromwich, England, United Kingdom

Regarded as one of the most influential music artists of all time, Robert Anthony Plant was the lead singer and song writer of the extremely successful rock group Led Zeppelin. After the band disbanded, the Grammy award winning artist, with his powerful and wide vocal range, established a successful solo career. He has also collaborated with other artists and bands.

 40 
John Fogerty
(American Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist)
John Fogerty
0
Birthdate: May 28, 1945
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Berkeley, California, United States
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 41 
Randy Newman
(Singer-songwriter & Pianist)
Randy Newman
0
Birthdate: November 28, 1943
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
 42 
Zack de la Rocha
(Vocalist and Lyricist of the Rock Band 'Rage Against the Machine')
Zack de la Rocha
4
Birthdate: January 12, 1970
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States

Rapper Zack de la Rocha, the vocalist for the rock band Rage Against the Machine, also formed the duo One Day as a Lion with drummer Jon Theodore. He supports vegetarianism and the Zapatista (EZLN) movement of Mexico. He also testified against the U.S.’s treatment of Abu-Jamal, at the U.N. 

 43 
DaBaby
(Rapper Known for His Albums 'Baby on Baby', 'Kirk' & 'Blame It on Baby')
DaBaby
3
Birthdate: December 22, 1991
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

American rapper and songwriter DaBaby gained critical acclaim and commercial success with his debut album Baby on Baby. Later, his two other albums Kirk and Blame It on Baby became huge successes and made him one of the biggest rappers in the US. Earlier his single Light Show and Baby Talk series of mixtape attracted quite a lot of attention.

 44 
Chris Martin
(Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'Coldplay')
Chris Martin
1
Birthdate: March 2, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Whitestone, England, United Kingdom

Chris Martin is the lead singer of the rock band, Coldplay, which he has co-founded. The band gained fame after they released the song Yellow in 2000. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists. Martin has also worked in solo collaborations with other artists and written songs for various projects.

 45 
Malcolm Young
(Musician)
Malcolm Young
6
Birthdate: January 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: November 18, 2017

Malcolm Young was an Australian musician. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band AC/DC. He is also credited with popularizing the band and was described by many as the leader and the driving force of the band. Widely regarded as one of the best rhythm guitarists ever, Young was a leading exponent of rhythm guitar in rock music.

 46 
Ronnie James Dio
(Former heavy metal singer, songwriter and composer)
Ronnie James Dio
4
Birthdate: July 10, 1942
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States
Died: May 16, 2010
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 47 
Woody Guthrie
(Singer-songwriter)
Woody Guthrie
1
Birthdate: July 14, 1912
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Okemah, Oklahoma, United States
Died: October 3, 1967
Legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie is best remembered for his songs such as This Land Is Your Land and Cocaine Blues, and the concept album Dust Bowl Ballads. He inspired artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, and performed with a guitar labeled “This machine kills fascists.”
 48 
Neil Peart
(Best Known as the Drummer and Primary Lyricist of the Rock Band 'Rush')
Neil Peart
4
Birthdate: September 12, 1952
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Hamilton, Canada
Died: January 7, 2020

Neil Peart was a Canadian songwriter, author, and musician. Best known as the drummer of the popular rock band Rush, Peart was nicknamed The Professor for his technical proficiency. In 1983, Neil Peart became the youngest person ever to be inducted into the Modern Drummer publication's Readers Poll Hall of Fame.

 49 
Roy Orbison
(Known as 'The Caruso of Rock' & Famous for Songs 'Only the Lonely' and 'Running Scared')
Roy Orbison
0
Birthdate: April 23, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Vernon, Texas, United States
Died: December 6, 1988
Six-time Grammy-winner Texan rocker Roy Orbison gained fame with songs such as Oh, Pretty Woman and Drove All Night. His shyness and stage fright made him dye his hair black and wear sunglasses. The "Caruso of Rock" was part of the Traveling Wilburys, along with legends such as Bob Dylan.
 50 
Jimmy Webb
(Singer-songwriter, Composer, Songwriter, Pianist, Film score composer)
Jimmy Webb
3
Birthdate: August 15, 1946
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Elk City