TOP 20 SINGER SONGWRITER SONGS OF ALL TIME

In this episode I countdown my Top 20 Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time.
Jason Tillery is the singer in this video.
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JP Rosato
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Mike Voloshen
Peter Pillitteri
Jeremy Hickerson
Travis Ahrenholtz

[@quinnmitchel4075]

0:34 Maggie May - Rod Stewart 1:32 Heart Of Gold - Neil Young 2:32 Cats In The Cradle - Harry Chapin 3:38 Everything I Own - David Gates 4:23 Running On Empty - Jackson Brown 5:02 Sister Golden Hair - America 6:04 Send In The Clowns - Judy Collins 6:48 Rocket Man - Elton John 7:15 Danny’s Song - Kenny Loggins 7:54 Wild World - Cat Stevens 8:51 Country Roads - John Denver 9:50 Fire and Rain - James Taylor 10:36 Operator - Jim Croce 11:36 I am… I said - Neil Diamond 12:38 Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell 13:48 Homeward Bound - Simon and Garfunkel 15:10 Summer Breeze - Seals and Crofts 16:29 Carefree Highway - Gordon Lightfoot 17:11 The Times Are a-Changin - Bob Dylan 18:19 Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell Took me like 10 or more minutes to make this lol

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

Thanks

[@JoanaSantos-zt2fp]

Thank you 🙏

[@bioof4]

Love the pfp dude pj for life

[@amielaicart866]

Thank you

[@retro1937]

Thanks

[@jorikemusic6365]

I do miss Carole King on this list. Such an amazing songwriter who didn't just write amazing songs for herself but also worked on tons of other songs for other famous artists

[@mikecolumna]

I totally agree!

[@yellawerder3279]

Agree. I was waiting for Carole King, Heart or maybe Karla Bonoff. Until the very end it looked like he was going to neglect women songwriters all together. Unbalanced in my opinion.

[@jorikemusic6365]

@@yellawerder3279 Yessss heart should have defenitely been on there!! They have some real masterpieces. I agree it was kind of unbalanced

[@johnbailey3877]

Right on!!!’ “So far away”?

[@davidmiller9485]

did you read the title for the video? it's not about the artist/songwritter. It's about a song from a great songwritter/singer.

[@chrisdgoldie]

“Both Sides Now” never fails to squeeze a few tears out of my eyes. Beautiful song!

[@JB-ti7bl]

We're no longer allowed to see things from "both sides".

[@k2thepeak]

Agreed. Joni is on my MtRushmore of Singer/Songwriters with “Both Sides Now” alone giving an early glimpse of her unique genius. When you add her body of work it’s a slam dunk. Such an Important song, imho.

[@davidyohalem629]

I believe the song is titled "Clouds."

[@milliway2010]

Emma Thompson's "Clouds" scene in Love Actually was astounding. Joni's lyrics and Thompson's performance was so in tune that we felt every beat of her breaking heart...it was so powerful that even as a long time fan of Alan Rickman I rather disliked him for a while.

[@ZenFox0]

Jason Tillery does a terrific job covering all these phenomenal artists, and Rick does a super job as always. Great list! 👏🏼

[@danwhitehurst9592]

When my wife and I were struggling in a crappy apartment early in our marriage I learned to play and sing Danny’s Song and played it for her because I was proud of how well I played it. Years later she told me that when she heard the “ even though we ain’t got money” line she knew we’d be ok and together forever. Amazing how certain songs seem like they were about you.

[@albertschepis]

Yea, this is what Rick is talking about regarding this list, but sadly there are so many commenters here that don't get it and insist on pissing all over it. I'm shocked and dismayed. If I was Rick I wouldn't read the comments - it would be pointless and soul-sucking. These people are mostly trolls. You provided an example of what music is about - life and living. All these other people are just babies and don't get that.

[@jwingels3208]

EXCELLENT SINGING THIS TIME AROUND. NO NSAL, CRYSTAL CLEAR NOTES & VOOD DIAPHRAM SUPPORT, NO MORE STRAIN AT THE TOP OF YOUR RANGE, GOOD MIX OF HEAD &CHEST VOICE. GOOD JOB!

[@karenpellerin5841]

Today I learned who wrote the song. I had no clue.

[@claygilchrist632]

Just blown away that Joni would send that. What a gift to cherish forever! Speaks volumes about the quality of person she is.

[@BigBoysStudios]

I thought Rick might start to cry tears of joy when telling us about that. What a fabulous thing for Joni to do.

[@peterkelley6344]

@@BigBoysStudios Beyond Fabulous.

[@awboat]

@@BigBoysStudios While simultaneously telling Don Henley to go f himself.

[@josipdasovic881]

@@BigBoysStudios You're right. Rick got very verklempt when he was telling the story. Good for him, and good for Joni!

[@1ladolcevita1]

Great list... I don't know how you could narrow it down to 20. And leave out Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, John Lennon, Billy Joel!!!

[@danster4713]

i guess each of them could have a video of their top 20 greatests song writing of all times.

[@constechable]

Dolly Parton definatly has to be there.

[@andreamarvin9817]

I was waiting for dolly!

[@hcamp74]

I mean Stevie Wonder has a good case too

[@lololomo5484]

@@hcamp74 Stevie established himself in the 60's....Before Beato's time. But even the Beatles were flabbergasted at his songwriting capacity.

[@sNs-jb5ss]

Kris Kristofferson One of the most underrated songwriters and lyricists!

[@moondancer4660]

What do people always say that so many singers and songwriters and bands are underrated? They are not underrated unless you under rate them.

[@flyingfishsurf]

Someone who makes it into the Songwriters Hall of Fame is usually not underrated.

[@Tacotac64]

Underrated ? not by Dylan who once said : " When it comes to songwriting, I'm not fearing anyone but Kris Kristofferson"

[@bobo8741]

Me and Bobby McGee

[@robertpolnicky7702]

The mainstream public will put a song like tiny Tim tiptoe through the tulips on top.

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

Joni Mitchell serves up a lesson to the blockers on how to treat a guy who is giving them a gift.

[@dylanpardon9723]

100%

[@TheMclesc]

I’m really hoping we get a second vid about her then

[@troyoswald5683]

Very well said!

[@itzel1735]

Joni Mitchell’s been serving up lessons to guys in the music business for a very long time.

[@karlopalenzuela7915]

Obviously winners are the grateful ones!

[@billybrown9766]

Some artists send copyright notices, others send gifts... Thank you Joni!

[@trentruckle7326]

RUSH is another group that's really good about sending gifts out to content creators that bring them to the younger generations.

[@trentruckle7326]

@@joe-e-geo What could strange device be? When I touch it gives forth a sound. Its got wires that vibrate and make music. Of what could this thing be that I found. Of course thats from memory. So it might be slightly off. But so many options. But im guessing that or maybe a line from Red Barchetta

[@RUSH__fan]

so cool

[@gregharrison5479]

Litigate or appreciate. Joni is Canadian, that's how we live.

[@Carnicrazy]

She's just wonderful.

[@BettyHorn]

I'm surprised Carole King didn't make the list. Imo, Tapestry is a masterpiece.

[@lololomo5484]

That's a pretty big OOOPS by Rick. I sometimes wonder if James Taylor wrote the gorgeous "Fire and Rain." Or if BFF Carole was in on it.

[@johnbobbitt6872]

Agreed. Sorry, Rick.

[@sailormatlac9114]

I would agree, but I hope you are aware you could fill that list with literally hundreds of names... and if you go outside the anglosphere, it just exploded. It's almost an impossible task. I see it has a way to discover Rick's interest in music rather that something objective.

[@BettyHorn]

@@sailormatlac9114 very true

[@Boogie597]

@@lololomo5484 nope JT wrote it about a personal friend

[@jessewhiteshreds]

I love your channel so much Rick! Your beautiful perception of music helps me through hard times

[@arboreusmcclane1672]

Croce is way underrated...that guy was a musical genius...

[@m.e.w.4394]

And he died way too soon 😥

[@sandikorevaar4743]

The whole list were geniuses.

[@eduardoribeiro383]

CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A COMPLETE VIDEO ON CROCE? PLEEEEEEASE 🙂

[@raymondpierotti8414]

He's so underrated, he's overrated.

[@terrypussypower]

As absurd as it sounds, I think Croce’s surname had a lot to do with him not being as well known as his talent deserved, especially in the UK. It looks and sounds too much like “crotch”!

[@egeb7]

Joni Mitchell is indisputably a genius, I love her music so much. It's super cool and sweet of her to send you a personal gift like that, what an awesome person.

[@stewiegriffin993]

was so happy that he put her at number one, because for all the praise she gets, she doesn't get enough. Not only is she one of the best lyricist in modern music history, she is an absolute genius of a musician and an arranger. The best jazz musicians of her time admired her and played with her (and apparently she's a great painter too from what I hear! imagine having it all)

[@michaelrg3836]

I watched this video just to make sure Joni got a mention. How do you even chose from her collection of songs? Number 1: brilliant!

[@blackbird8900]

Joni is a pure legend. I live in her hometown of Saskatoon, SK, and it is crazy because she does not receive the recognition here that she should. My kids all teenagers now were raised on her music.

[@ktrmeadow]

Man I was lucky to be 10 in 1971 and the daughter of an extreme music lover that owned a Magnavox TV and stereo store. We had the top of the line equipment at home. Never a dull needle or lack of bass. Boy do I miss my dad. We took bridge over troubled water on some type of portable player to my aunt that was committed to a mental hospital then. Music was our life.

[@chergui77]

Great choices, Rick. Loved them all as they brought back fond memories of songs wafting through the halls of my college dorms. Thank you.

[@flapjack489]

Jim Croce is so underrated, glad you added him to the list.

[@SoCali_Surfer]

Glad he was not forgotten!

[@craigf.5855]

I wouldn't regard him as underrated, moreso gone way before his prime. To be a legend, as he was, in such a short time is a testament to how talented he was. Such a same, since he had so many more incredible songs ahead of him

[@CurtHowland]

"Operator" brings me to tears every time.

[@fredrickmartinez8724]

He is a legend! I love him so much!

[@fredrickmartinez8724]

@@mattrogers1946 and he is a hell of a guitar player too.

[@5pajoe]

Also, surely have to include McCartney, composer of the most covered song in history. Apart from Hey Jude, Let It Be, Michelle, For No One (nicely covered by Emmylou Harris, who also did a great version of Here, There and Everywhere), Blackbird, etc.

[@PatrickBennettJr]

Eleanor Rigby, Long and Winding Road, the list goes on and on....

[@trajan6927]

Same with Pete Townshend the man singlehandly wrote 150 songs for The Who and 150 solo songs. Maybe you might have heard of this songwriter named T

[@trajan6927]

named Townshend? Or that band called The Who?

[@danieloliver20]

He'd get blocked playing McCartney

[@siroswaldfortitude409]

@@danieloliver20 aah is that why Macca is not on there? Good point

[@kohno214]

Paul Simon is my favorite songwriter. A poet and a one man band.

[@penismightier9278]

He should write a song about that. I bet it'd catch on.

[@brucegarnaut524]

Awesome Rick!! Can't stop binging, keep up the great content. Love it 😀

[@Drums-ve8on]

I feel like there is a big gap where Carol King should be.

[@davidcopson5800]

Well, he's done his list now, so it's too late baby.

[@joemarshall4226]

And Laura Nyro

[@AlyoshaKaramazov.]

@@davidcopson5800 , too clever.

[@joemarshall4226]

I like Carole King...who doesn't?...but which of her songs stands up there with Mr Tambourine Man, Sounds of Silence, Hallelujah, Operator, Both Sides Now, or John Prine's Paradise....i guess Up On The Roof would be the one....it's a great song..... .

[@thekevinkaye]

@@joemarshall4226 (You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman, You've Got a Friend, It's Too Late, Crying in the Rain, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, So Far Away

[@berryster]

Carole King needs a spot on this list. Songwriter, solo performer, checks all the boxes. Sorry Rod Stewart, HTR....

[@cheneyrobert]

I think her omission may be due to copyright strikes? Same reason no Van Morrison, Keith Jarrett and others on KZbin....very sad....Tapestry is an incredible album 💿👏👏👏👏👍🏻🥂

[@infinitesyntax6263]

​@@cheneyrobert It's also a trick to drive video engagement: Omit a few well known artists that people would expect to appear and the comments just pour in.

[@larryrhoe2835]

Ya I thought when Ric said she it was going to be Carol King.

[@cheneyrobert]

@@infinitesyntax6263 😂yeah gets the crowd riled up for sure 🥂

[@arthurbrands6935]

Frankly, I would have had Ronnie Lane up before Rod Stewart any day!

[@johnhiggins6800]

Man, that was fun guys! Great job Rick and Jason!

[@johnlkeck]

Thank you Rick, I'll learn these our of respect to the lesson! Much appreciated, I learn something every time I visit your content.

[@nanoRat]

If there ever was a Renaissance woman, it is Joni Mitchell.

[@jalgratturMBA]

If there ever was a Renaissance vocalist, it is Jason Tillery

[@urbangorilla33]

I just noticed yesterday that Google lists her as a painter, so, yeah.

[@adamjg4]

Honestly, you'd need a 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 100 part series for this topic.

[@hollybronwyn8176]

Absolutely true. I kept thinking of people to add to this List. :)

[@donnaallencprw343]

Agree. In addition to Van Morrison, how about Peter, Paul & Mary; Freddie Mercury; Burt Bacharach; Carol King; The Carpenters; Pete Townsend; Robbie Robertson ..... I completely agree with the #1 pick though - Joni Mitchell is a creative genius. I'm also happy with all the other choices and am impressed to see Bread on the list. This "Singer/Song Writer" category needs to be expanded.

[@johnw614]

Rick, Love your channel here, been a fan for some years now. This was one of the best "greatest" compositions I've seen you do so far. You brought back so many songs I haven't heard in ages, literally. Very well done! Would you extend this, and do top 50 or 100 to get the ones you couldn't fit in 20? Thank you for giving this music a relevant forum.

[@RayRenati]

Rick, I love your videos. They have brought back so many memories.

[@seanmegumi]

I hope Joni, like Bob, can someday be recognised by the Nobel Committee for her always-fresh poetry. She credits her English teacher for help in avoiding clichés, a commitment that has resulted in her digging deepest, as a songwriter and as a human being. “Joni for the Nobel in Literature”!

[@kaydekaiser7044]

"Harvest" is the Neil Young 1972 album. "Harvest Moon" is the 1992 Album.

[@cannibal4363]

Caught that too...

[@bertrandvanasch]

Yep . Just « harvest » Such a great album

[@bthorntonwriter]

Saw that too, Kayde. And the two are nowhere near equal. "Harvest Moon" is enjoyable and well-done. "Harvest" is a world-beater.

[@MMartinBen]

@@bthorntonwriter Respectfully, I disagree entirely. Harvest Moon is an opus.

[@mattcorregan4760]

@@MMartinBen I agree, Harvest Moon is a masterpiece!

[@andrewowen7377]

I really enjoyed this one - I am 61 so this is my own lifetime of musical memories. I think our generation produced the most creative and inventive music

[@SuperMel42]

I don't know. I think most people end up feeling like that about the music that was popular when they were teenagers/early adults. While I can appreciate the difficulty in paring a list like this down to 20 people/groups I feel like calling it "all-time" is a bit hyperbolic. I'd put Pink or Sara Bareilles up against really anyone on this list for their ability to tell stories not just with music but in their words as well. Others have noted the general absence of female singer-songwriters at all. Even sticking with a similar time period, leaving out Carole King and Dolly Parton just seems a massive oversight. I think in 20-30 years people will be talking about Pink the way we talk about artists like Bob Dylan or James Taylor...an artist who just defined the era. Many of her songs lean more into the "pop" vibe, which I can understand might not be everyones favorite (and can sound just over-produced). But there is really no denying the poetry of many of her songs not released as singles. Family Portrait just makes me ugly cry and Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken just feels so anthemic, despite being a much more low-key song.

[@truthlikevelcro5689]

We totally did. I sang in my 1st band in 1974. I loved EVERY SINGLE ONE of these songs. Great artistry.

[@mobdevice]

Amazing singing Jason! So warm and expressive

[@Knickerson]

Just wanted to mention, Harry Nilsson’s “Without You” and “Everybody’s Talkin’”. The latter especially captured that sort of melancholy that existed during the singer songwriter era.

[@richardfurness7556]

Neither of which were written by Harry Nilsson.

[@Knickerson]

@@richardfurness7556 Lol. I read the credits wrong on that one. “By Nilsson” as in, sung by Nilsson. Ah well.

[@richardfurness7556]

@@Knickerson Not your fault. Judy Collins made the list with a song she didn't write.

[@chrismcrouch]

I was shocked that Harry Nilsson didn't make the cut, especially since he falls squarely within the soft rock sound that Rick seemed to be going for with this video. I would probably have picked "One", because people know the song, it has minimal orchestration, and Nilsson wrote it (unlike "Without You" or "Everybody's Talkin'").

[@AlternativeSack123]

Even though Nilsson didn’t write those his own songs were still exceptional

[@tommcdonald1873]

In an era where you get copyright strikes, have videos demonetized, etc., Seeing what Joni Mitchell gave for you for showcasing "Amelia" proved at least with her and others like Peter Frampton your work is appreciated, and so do I.

[@alexchou1984]

Great list! Love your videos, keep up the wonderful work!

[@barbarak8158]

I love your countdown videos, Rick! Keep em coming! :)

[@lisaannbarriner9633]

John Denver is seriously underrated and under appreciated, IMHO. Not many can do folk like he did.

[@ziblot1235]

A lot of the counter culture types, that were taking drugs and partying non stop, felt like John had "sold out" or gone "hollywood", when he had his TV show. It didnt help his image much. Then there was that mpvie with George Burns. Uhhh, yeah, Hollywood. But his songs were pretty and have stood the test of time quite well.

[@germany664]

I’d like to also give Nick Drake a mention for his “Five Leaves Left” Album

[@fallinghausen2707]

For any of his records...

[@thebetbetunderground9548]

It's Pink Moon my friend that truly set him apart

[@yearnpill]

Place to Be and River Man are unbelievably touching songs, Nick Drake is a genius

[@germany664]

I believe the simplicity of his arrangements combined with his unique voice and guitar playing is what has allowed him and his songs to become timeless. And that is a credit to his genius songwriting ability that transports the listener to a completely different place and time, supernatural if you ask me.

[@MrWolfriver]

A good nod. Amazing songs and a talent lost so young. On a vacation many years ago I re-routed our family trip by several hours to visit his grave in Warwickshire.

[@maureenyoung6416]

Yay John Denver! His music is the soundtrack to my childhood and my third graders love learning "Country Roads" every year!

[@JB-ti7bl]

Here in Japan they love that song too. Kids love the "mountain mama" part. Country Roads, Beatles and the Carpenters...Big in Japan!

[@bobomaigret5430]

I used to work with a woman who grew up near John Denver. When he was drunk he wd throw stones at her bedroom window and ask her to make out with him. She was 14, he was 22.

[@lololomo5484]

I own a handsome country snowglobe that plays a musicbox version. A prized possession.

[@karenpellerin5841]

I don't think that my child (who grew up in France) knows a single song on this list. Other than John Denver's.

[@MrRmshelly]

I love your version of both sides now! So good!

[@migueldecarvalho8012]

I'd love to see a show about back up vocals - how Queen did it, how country music does it, etc. Who's with me? I hate it when people ask for likes, but if you do, maybe Rick'll do a show on it.

[@urbangorilla33]

I agree whole-heartedly, vocal arrangements are the ultimate icing on the cake of a great song. And not easy to do. It needs to be arranged/scored, performed and recorded/mixed/EQ-ed etc. Complex stuff.

[@alexalaserbean]

I love to hear a Beach Boys ep.

[@aaronbruce5568]

Definitely. Even the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Zombies, and so many other artists had a great talent for creating great vocal textures.

[@tbluesboye]

"20 feet from stardom" about that subject. Check it out. Great documentary

[@johnbailey3877]

That is a phenomenal, creative and insightful suggestion !!

[@Radzoso]

I'd like to give John Fogerty, Carole King and Bonnie Raitt a mention.

[@cookrich]

Was a bit surprised by Carole King’s omission although I think the ones selected were equally deserving.

[@seanmurphy3753]

bonnie Raitt songs, by Tom Waits, Angle of Montgomery... PERFECT!

[@seanmurphy3753]

And add, John Prine too.

[@TastyChevelle]

@@seanmurphy3753 of course John Prine

[@brucedillinger9448]

Indigo Girls are great storytellers!

[@MarceloLaraM]

Beautiful songs I listened for the first time, thank you

[@IanLeoTV]

Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. Billy Joel’s “And so It Goes” too

[@Peanutdenver]

Sting and the Police are before my time but I'd say Sting is one of the best singer/song writers I've ever heard in my 30 years on this ball of mud. I'm surprised he didn't make the list, although some of these singers I've never heard of before like Chapin and Gates.

[@leob4403]

​@@Peanutdenver apparently only US singer songwriters are worth a damn?

[@matthewrammig]

I can’t listen to “And So it Goes” without tearing up.

[@carajoydecelles657]

Joni is Canadian. But I did think a lot of great European artists were missing.

[@skdesign98]

Gordon Lightfoot a true legend and actually one of Dylan's favourite songwriters!

[@rex8958]

Hit after hit from Gordon, one of the best of all time for sure, sadly not talked about much within the new generations

[@richardl3835]

Thanks Rick for reminding me how much I use to enjoy Gordon Lightfoot. I recently resurrected by my turntable and records collection, but for some reason I have been skipping over my copy of the Gordon's Gold. Listening to it now.

[@paullowe342]

Agree with all of you. A Bruce Cockburn mention would have been great. Perhaps a top ten Canadian songwriter list by the great Rick Beato.

[@cheneyrobert]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦😎👍🏻🥂

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@richardl3835 Skipping? Maybe you need a new turntable!

[@petemelbourne42]

How can you miss out Carol King? pretty much every song from tapestry could be in here

[@luvpants2012]

Passed her up for Judy Collins 😀

[@waltlikker3988]

You're right...and John Hiatt.

[@WyattWinters]

She played piano on "Fire and Rain", so she was kinda in the list lol

[@MaverickFJR]

Yes! A shocking omission for sure.

[@frbyrd-tg5co]

SAme here ... I kept waiting, figuring on a Top5 mention. Not to Be.

[@TimeWaverTV]

Great listing, all exceptional songs and songwriters, each has had so many great songs that could extend this list. Great Vocals Jason, great compilation dear Rick - as always 🙂

[@The_Smith]

No matter how long she's been away, Ms. Mitchell's Saskatchewan roots run deep. That was a nice thing she did.

[@dont_follow5777]

I just love Circle Game

[@brucewilcox4135]

She is from Fort McLeod Alberta, not Saskatchewan.

[@The_Smith]

@@brucewilcox4135 born there, grew up in Maidstone, Northbattleford, Saskatoon, I think we can share :)

[@karenpellerin5841]

@@brucewilcox4135 I understand why you said that, but I read in Wikipedia that she considers Saskatoon her hometown. What's yours?

[@melodynearlyful]

Every one of these songs are amazing. I've carried them with me so many years. I cried all the way through... (I lost my beloved husband at barely 59 years old to covid. Ken was compromised due to Chemo treatment.) We both loved music and many nights would pull up songs on KZbin that we did not already have our own copy of- we'd sing and reminisce about what we were doing when the song was popular in our teen years. He'd quiz me on the band that sang them- I did pretty good but he was great at knowing. He often danced me around the room. I met him- the love of my life on April 16th, 2014 and he died Jan. 13, 2020. Only 5 years & 9 months. Forever changing my life both times. Thank you for this so much!

[@fabiocaetanofigueiredo1353]

So sorry for your loss

[@marnaehrech1223]

What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it. Blessings!

[@XX-ol7lf]

Big hugs. 🙅‍♂️

[@markhasleton6403]

Hang in there ,darlin'

[@melodynearlyful]

@@markhasleton6403 Thank you.

[@CTJ2619]

i really enjoy these top 20 lists - this one is no exception - a trip down memory lane

[@1stCorinthians2_14]

I enjoy your videos so much, Rick!

[@MichaelScotto]

Good to see Rick giving "America" and Jim Croce props. Underrated.

[@singlesideman]

Joni really set the example of how to appreciate what Rick does, sharing the greatness of great artists' work.

[@glaucoteixeira9248]

Great video! Great list! Thank you, again.

[@lukemckelvey5996]

This would have been great fun to make. Great job! The singer did a good job too having to cover so many different genres.

[@ronmer]

Townes Van Zandt, and John Prine needed at least an honorary mention. Townes is/was amazing. Even Dylan wanted to record with him. Prine was/is an American treasure.

[@c.j.rogers2422]

Was, unfortunately. Mr. Prine died just over 1 year ago.

[@barakbalestrery4138]

Yep he was American treasure. Friends of Science is a favorite of mine. " Friends of Science say the world will end most any day. And I say that's okay, becsuse I don't live here anyway.

[@BlackAxe-ti7tj]

I'm surprised that I had to read so many comments without someone mentioning Townes Van Zandt. He's one of my favourites!

[@davidyohalem629]

@@BlackAxe-ti7tj Mentor of Steve Earle, who is also strangely absent.

[@brin57]

@@davidyohalem629 Even Steve Earle himself could be on this list

[@brianirvine6978]

Warren Zevon to me at least, is one of the most underrated songwriters of our time. His contemporaries have nothing but praise but it never translated to the wider public. Can we see some Zevon content Rick?

[@notbraindead7298]

Brian Irvine: Good Comment! I also think Zevon was a "unique" singer/songwriter of exceptional talent.

[@jonchristiansen51]

I waited in anticipation for Warren...

[@whoarethebrainpigs]

absolutely ///didnt notice he was absent...and just realised Lenny was missing...Rick's usually on the money but a couple snuck through to the keeper here ,,,Donald Fagan. anyone???

[@georgesekavec1020]

Glad that this is at least one of the top comments, one of the most unappreciated talents of all time.

[@baronfyrewhine]

It was either Warren Zevon or Al Yankovic and I for one was glad to see that Rick chose Al. If there's a choice between mediocre level talent novelty song writers, Al wins every time.

[@larryk5541]

Having been fortunate to have grown up during that period, I've always said that the best songs ever as well as best artists came out in the 60s and the 70s. Your list encapsulated my favorites and I was thrilled to see Sister Golden Hair on your list as it is probably my favorite song of all time. Not assigning fault to your list because there are so many more to choose from, I'd also recommend Carole King, Paul McCartney, Christine McVie, John Lennon, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, John Fogerty, and Bob Marley. God, I love this music!

[@etiennemoolman5887]

Fantastic episode, Rick and Jason! Thank you for this compilation of most of my favourite songs ever, mostly from the early ‘70’s. Joni Mitchell’s wonderful gift to you says it all. What a fantastic channel. Just a small point and not meaning to nitpick, but respectfully pointing out that Neil Young’s hit single that featured here “Heart of Gold“ was off his 1972 album simply called “Harvest”. It was the best selling album of 1972 in the US, and has remained the artists best selling album to date. His 19th studio album “Harvest Moon” was released in 1992.

[@dankulkosky6045]

John Prine. Leonard Cohen. Lucinda Williams. Emmy Lou Harris. Kris Kristofferson. Etc

[@hosstbl1]

I love Emmy Lou Harris, but she spent the vast majority of her career doing other people's songs.

[@davidyohalem629]

@@hosstbl1 Many by Gram Parsons. Her taste is impeccable.

[@nostromo7928]

Leonard Cohen, absolutely!

[@tomforsythe7024]

Willie Nelson? I know it isn't a country music list, but he is a giant.

[@spearsba]

Willie and Merle, and Dolly. Prolific song writers. How about Kenny Rogers and Lionel Ritche

[@SeanVedell]

Or Vince Gill. Hits, hits and more hits plus he can shred. He just does it clean. Ignoring Country is a disservice to American music.

[@philiphicks1273]

Well then Harlan Howard trumps them all! ;-P

[@DeeEllEff]

@@SeanVedell As is leaving out jazz; e.g., many consider Duke Ellington the greatest (non-singer) composer of songs of the 20th century.

[@SeanVedell]

@@DeeEllEff Agreed. Pat Metheny, Chick Corea…the list is endless.

[@AudioVile]

As much as I liked them all, You two absolutely CRUSHED #8, Operator. Outstanding 'mini-rendition.' I was surprised and thrilled with Joni Mitchell at #1. She is my favorite solo artist (along with James Taylor). I know this is 2 years ago, but I just discovered you this week and subscribed. I have LOTS of catching up to do!

[@JB-ti7bl]

Beware, binge watching Rick Beato can be dangerous to your work attendance.

[@AudioVile]

@@JB-ti7bl I can believe THAT!!!

[@AlejandroFernandez-ig1uh]

The music I grew up with, the music that put a guitar in my hands. This is my new favorite video from you, 'til your next one.🤘

[@chopper4484]

Lennon, Van Morrison, Springsteen, Dave Matthews, David Gray, Tracy Chapman, Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, Tom Waitts, Townes Van Zandt, Lou Reed, Mark Lanegan needs a Top 100. Absolutely great vocal performance. Thanks Rick!

[@rabihbourji2069]

Waits,nick,lou and bob,i love you man

[@sendjamin]

McCartney, Harrison, Hendrix, Jagger, etc etc etc

[@EricGranata]

+1 for Nick and Tom

[@HailRider]

Jeff Lynne

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

westerberg

[@raymondlugo9960]

I'm a rock and metal guy born in 1970. "Country Roads" is a song that my dad and I used to play when I was learning my first chords and it still brings us joy to play.

[@TBINBD]

You both did such a great job with this! Enjoying you out on the Great Plains of Kansas. My next-door neighbor is actually a lineman for the county but about 30 miles north of Wichita!

[@toddjersey800]

man i love this channel

[@farsicalspeaking3356]

Thank you for including Gordon Lightfoot, and so high up the list. A poet, singer, troubadour. Wrote some of the most meaningful songs of my youth.

[@dennisking7872]

His earliest recordings with United Artists are extremely good when he was a folk troubadour back in the 1960s long before "If You Could Read My Mind" made him well known outside of his native Canada.

[@georgebarry8640]

Gordons depth sets him apart. the lyrics are truly closer to poetry. He is a treasure. Not appreciated by all..but that doesn't change the fact that he is among the best.

[@billcompeau4835]

Gordon is number 1 by a wide margin in my opinion, a real treasure

[@sl6066]

As the list counted down I was waiting to see if Gordon Lightfoot would be included and preparing to write a negative comment if he wasn’t. I was 14 and visiting a friend just a 30 minute drive from where Gordon grew up in Ontario when I heard his first album, Lightfoot, in 1964. My friend and I played that LP so much in a few days I’m surprised it didn’t wear out. Then friends and I used to walk by his house in Toronto on our way to high school, always hoping we might see him. Later I had the privilege of attending a live concert he gave at York University . We sat on a gym floor for a couple of hours within 30 feet of him. It wasn’t comfortable, but who cared. Still a huge fan and so proud of his contribution to Canadian and world music.

[@spider033181]

@@billcompeau4835 Not even close to number 1. He shouldn't even be on the list. What about Paul McCartney? John Lennon? Phil Collins? Boz Scaggs?

[@terrys3313]

I sang along with all these songs, I still have them on vinyl LPs. "Heart of Gold" was on the "Harvest" album. The "Harvest Moon" album came out years later.

[@stevenniemiec8872]

You beat me to that correction - nice job!

[@sloanpeters]

20 years later!

[@tomisdabomb02]

Corrrrrrect!

[@1_hopelesshuman]

You beat me to it as well though I already corrected it in another post.

[@danwhitehurst9592]

Love Harvest Moon. It’s the song my wife and I had our first dance to when we got married. That song brings forth a whole day of memories.

[@1tabt]

Loved this choice/range of songs and artists. Can't believe that I still recognize the intros almost instantly and remember all the lyrics. Also, really enjoyed Jason Tillery's singing.

[@DanStedingMrCowMusic]

Rick -- I love your videos and this one hits me in the soul! I am in complete agreement on every song /songwriter!!! (I'm just sad that it took me over 1.5 years to find this video!)

[@Itwasashovel]

I’m surprised he didn’t have Leonard Cohen in the list. He’s got to have been one of the best singer songwriters of all time.

[@deanschulze3129]

Oh, Yes! Bono Called Cohen's Hallelujah the most perfect song ever.

[@francislill7599]

And Brian Wilson is one of the best

[@normatible9795]

Agreed. No Jim messinA, either..l guess they are his personal choices..imagine, Leonard Cohen was missed out but America is included

[@hoborock007]

@@normatible9795 We like America

[@normatible9795]

@@hoborock007 I like America too. In 1980, America performed at the arane ta coliseum in Manila and though I’m pregnant with my 3rd child, I bought a ticket to see them. That’s how I love America,the band. I only wanted to see Jim Messina included

[@ShotDownInFlames2]

1970 to 1975 was officially the Singer Songwriter era. "Suite to Judy Blue Eyes" could be on the list too.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Really? How about Bob Dylan in the 60's. I could write a whole list on the folk singers of the 60's.

[@saucyjk6453]

Yep. And elton john was the biggest. Full stop.

[@davidyohalem629]

@@saucyjk6453 He should be disqualified. He always worked with a lyricist (Taupin), never wrote a word.

[@davidyohalem629]

@@TexanUSMC8089 Tom Paxton, Richard Fariña, Gordon Lightfoot, Robbie Robertson, Marty Balin, Jesse Colin Young, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Laura Nyro, John Sebastian, Phil Ochs, Len Chandler...Lots of pre-1970 singer-songwriters. Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye...

[@karenpellerin5841]

@@davidyohalem629 ??? Seems to me I heard Jason sing Carefree Highway, no?

[@jeffjodibrent]

Love all these...at 63, this was the soundtrack of my youth. Great performances from you two. John Fogerty should be here as well!! Harry Nilsson, too, and a very highly underrated and criminally little-known songwriter, Ron Elliot of the Beau Brummels!

[@russelllucas1043]

Great video Rick !!!

[@johnhughes3214]

I would also mention "Vincent" by Don McLean and "At 17" by Janis Ian, two incredibly beautiful but melancholy songs.

[@kevinb3812]

Who can argue with that... great stuff!

[@laddrob]

@@kevinb3812 Or Society's Child

[@kevine7414]

Totally agree, beautiful, open, vulnerable, poetic songs.

[@Tagurrit]

Janis Ian is spectacular.

[@1tabt]

@@TagurritSociety's Child

[@larryordine7542]

Props to your singer. That was a tough gig.

[@jayalajay5974]

Rick Beato, You knocked it right out of the park on this one!

[@jejuislandtrekker8113]

My summer 😊 busking list! Thank you!

[@deathbypigx3h]

Fire and Rain is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. Glad to see it represented on the list

[@kristenspencer9751]

Every guitar player learned that song!

[@Marsllama]

I watched numbers 20-3 and thought "wow, no Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell yet". To me those are the two greatest songwriters ever. I couldn't pick between them. Then Dylan came at #2 and as soon as you said "she" I knew Joni was #1. I should never have doubted you!

[@karenpellerin5841]

I feel largely the same way. I was so pissed off listening to this video. Getting ready to fire off a comment "Where is Both Sides Now?" And it was number one! Bob Dylan I can take or leave.

[@carysvendsen9069]

Rick, loved that Wichita Lineman was on the list - one of my all-time favorites!! Thank you for an enjoyable listen!

[@robertkadar6856]

Regarding Judy Collins, she did write some great tunes but "Send In the Clowns" is a song written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1973 musical A Little Night Music.

[@carolh5750]

I agree!

[@AKCobra1120]

Getting old sucks, but lists like this make me smile because it makes me realize - I grew up in the golden age of music.

[@tommihail2178]

As I say to the youth "I might be old but I got to see all the cool Bands"😂

[@cindyharrington5958]

Me too. We were lucky.

[@1600362]

I remember seeing Freddie and Queen in the 70's and it still reminds me how lucky we were to have the 70's music and groups!

[@vandabo]

The biggest omission for me is Don McLean. He really seems to fit this category and he wrote some of the most beautiful songs of the era.

[@dj-h8735]

Absolutely I was sure that was going to be No. Then I was going to get upset because of no Joni Michell or Carol King.

[@josephthomas2226]

Rick this is such a great list. I don't know how you were able to limit it to just 20 but every song is fantastic and every songwriter is great

[@ChristineStaats-vu4qr]

We are about the same age and these were so many of my favorite songs and/or favorite song writers. Loved this so much. Thank you. Took me back to the 70's.

[@Caperhere]

That was a wonderful trip down memory lane. Wish the kids of today had a constant supply of the music we did. It was part of what brought us together. Thank you both.

[@alecspeer]

#19 A Heart of Gold is from 1972's "Harvest". "Harvest Moon" is a different album by Neil, released 20 years afterward in 1992.

[@javierheras2327]

Exactly, I was about to write the same thing. The two albums have nothing to do with each other apart from the similar titles.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

@@javierheras2327 actually, the two albums have a number of connections, although this hasn’t got much to do with the original comment. As Neil stated in an interview (it’s here on KZbin) “the songs tell [him] how hey need to go”, and he felt that the songs he wrote for Harvest Moon were similar to the songs he wrote for Harvest. He brought together most of the same musicians to record Harvest Moon that he had used on Harvest.

[@garyfredericks814]

I was going to say that :)

[@clscreate1060]

Love the choices. Love the video. Terrific singer.

[@ericbors3492]

Great minds are in synch...you nailed this list Rick.

[@johnthursfield3056]

No Carol King? I regard Tapestry as one of the greatest singer songwriter albums of all time.

[@kenkeaton6824]

This is who I thought would be at least #2.

[@jgamb914]

I agree

[@bigbaby9189]

Oh no! Just started the vid and that’s a massive disappointment

[@spearsba]

Exactly

[@steponikchad9859]

Oooh, Carol King. Definitely.

[@MrFloyd-te1nh]

Heart Of Gold is from the album called "Harvest"; "Harvest Moon" is a different album

[@ILoveDawko]

Both amazing albums, and I couldn't believe it when I looked up the year Harvest Moon was released!

[@mikereiss4216]

@@ILoveDawko Harvest Moon is better imo. There's one wonky track on the original.

[@MrFloyd-te1nh]

I love both albums! there isn't one song I don't like

[@eddied.5156]

Hey Rick, I really love your content and you've made me appreciate the process that goes into making great music. Have you ever thought about doing some country artists as well. I'm kinda sick of those folks who say they hate it with never doing the deep dive you do.

[@matthewaskren5553]

This great like usual. Really like the singer too.

[@edwardbifulk8698]

You’re the best - love this stuff. Thank you

[@supertramp78]

Stephen Sondheim wrote Judy Collin's hit. JImmy Webb wrote Glen Campbell's hit. So how are these on a 'singer songwriter' list?

[@RockandRollWoman]

Take out any one of those covers and add Carole King. I'd add Dan Fogelberg too, and John Hiatt, even though no one knows who he is. But those are just me. Everyone has their favorites.

[@c.j.rogers2422]

Good point. Great songs, but they don't fit the criteria.

[@danserdutz6700]

Jimmy Webb's '10 Easy Pieces' album was one of the finest of that decade. He wrote, sang and played piano on each gem. Very Well Deserved

[@tonymiller6847]

Nah! Lots know Hiatt.

[@jaykay6387]

Yes. Would have thought that a "singer-songwriter" list of songs would require the "songwriter" to have actually sung the song. Kind of wrecks the list for me. And no Carol King, come on, Rick. List needs to be redone, I'm DQ'ing the whole thing!

[@terrariumelio974]

Leonard Cohen is missed on this list, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be putting this list together.

[@davekeating.]

Yes, Leonard Cohen, how could we forget his song writing, pure poetry

[@bjbell52]

I would have added Donovan to that list.

[@kevinm6475]

get him in there !!!!!

[@jamesaaron7211]

Can’t have the whole list be Canadian.

[@johnc5160]

.....and John Denver is in!? And Kenny Loggins!

[@charlesschoeman9488]

Some of my favourite songs and artists I still have many of these albums, (original vinyl LP's). I was in my 20's during the 70's, now I'm in my 70's in the 20's. Love your videos. 👊