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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comboy
Peter DeVault
Phil Mingin
Tal Harber
Rick Taylor
Bill Miller
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Brett Bottomley
Frederick Humphrey
Nathan Hanna
Stephen Dahl
Scott McCroskey
Dave Ling
Rick Walker
Jason Lowman
Jake Stringer
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Piush Dahal
Jim Sanger
Brian Lawson
Eddie Khoriaty
Vinny Piana
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Will Elrics
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JP Rosato
Orion Letizi
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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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."

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@brianmahoney2079]

Elliott Smith captured me in my early twenties around the Napster days. Was just learning guitar from tablature and my brother got tons of free liquor from his wine and spirits job and I thought I was hip. Great songwriter!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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”!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@ZenFox0]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@jessewhiteshreds]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@johnolasoderberg1649]

Im glad Joni topped the mens club, and heartwarming to see her response. That song makes me cry.

[@karenbaldwin-porter7295]

Tom is always first on my list. The highlights of my life were seeing him live twice. LOVE LOVE LOVE Tom Waits. I own more Tom Waits albums than any other artist out there. His lyrics are absolutely on par with Dylan's, and musically he is far more creative and risk taking. I would have liked to see Leonard Cohen on the list too.

[@mobdevice]

Amazing singing Jason! So warm and expressive

[@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!

[@larryordine7542]

Props to your singer. That was a tough gig.

[@wendyvaldez5381]

As you surely know, "Heart of Gold" was on the album "Harvest". ”Harvest Moon" was it's sequel that came out in the 90s. Love the list! .

[@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.

[@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...

[@j74s98]

Elliott Smith, Roger Hodgson, Ryan Adams, Al Stewart, Elvis Costello, Neil Finn, Ray Davies, Aimee Mann, Don McLean, Art Alexakis, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Freedy Johnston, Gerry Rafferty, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Joe Jackson, Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell, Rufus Wainwright, Michael Penn, Tom Petty, Neko Case, Sting, Prince, Sarah Jaffe, Shawn Colvin, Sia, Sufjan Stevens.... probably 400 more I've neglected.

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Love Al Stewart.

[@lukesagnard1580]

NEKO CAAAASE

[@fatClyde]

@@edwardyazinski3858 An obvious omission. His body of works stands with most of the other mentions.

[@isadorealire5722]

I'll probably get some push back on this, because he is sort of lost up his own arse, but Bono is a great lyricist as well. Not a very good guitarist, but he does play.

[@j74s98]

@@isadorealire5722 for sure, and an iconic voice.

[@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. 👊

[@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!

[@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.

[@tomokra]

K-Tel Presents Rick Beato and the Sounds of the Early 70s

[@dmlevitt]

I'd buy it. I was watching old K-Tel ads the other day. hilarious. cheers Tom

[@paulsimmons5726]

Funny, funny, funny!

[@jdekong3945]

bit harsh

[@1dkappe]

Soundtrack for the Popeil Pocket Fisherman fishing trip.

[@Wichitan]

If Jim Croce was alive and making music today, he never would have seen any over-the-air play, much less had a top ten hit. He'd be trying to get his music known via the music stores or band websites, like a lot of artists today. You have to consider the musical era; the singer-songwriter era was centered on the early 70s. Sure, there are others that aren't on this list, and even modern day singer-songwriters (BTW, 'MTV Unplugged' doesn't count), but they're much harder to identify in the current 'music' market. Which is very, very sad.

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@barriwinter1853]

Carol King's TAPESTRY. One of the best albums of all time.

[@julianneflora-tostado7785]

Please consider Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Also, Don McLean’s Tapestry. He’s also my favourite singer songwriter.

[@nineball039]

@@julianneflora-tostado7785 Woodstock is a song not an album.

[@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

[@rexweigel6740]

I live for these episodes. Most of these songs and artists were popular when I was in the Marine Corps in Vietnam and the lifers would only play country western music on AFVN radio. I was wounded and spent 3 years in Naval Hospitals where we couldn't play radios or tapes. When I finally got back to being a civilian my hearing was impaired and although I could hear most of the music (I think) the lyrics were difficult to discriminate. These episodes erase that void and every time I watch one it fills the musical abyss I have lived within for the last 54 years. Mahalo for sharing your gift, and expertise, of musical history. Semper Fi.

[@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.

[@MichaelScotto]

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

[@drewliedtke2377]

That Joni Mitchel story legit got me choked up. What a class act.

[@rickroberts1067]

Me too!

[@wandasmith8201]

Your playing is so beautiful and calming. I so enjoyed this video. Your playing and the vocals are great. Thank you

[@deadstar44]

I had chills when I saw that special dedicated gift from her.

[@brianprinty112]

Yeah, I got goosebumps too! I love when real connections are made from artists to fans

[@lisafuller624]

Me too!

[@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.

[@cameronhume2063]

Some great hidden gems on here. Billy Joel would have to be on the list for me though

[@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

[@guyjerry]

Summer Breeze was my very first favorite song as a boy. It’s amazing to this day and I love that you rated it so high

[@vitalstatistic63]

What a fantastic collection of songs. Great guns Rick. I sang along to every one of them.

[@slawaxas]

Nick Drake is also a legendary songwriter

[@christopherbent2359]

As well as Townes Van Zandt

[@ereztsur7152]

ALSO!? He is THE

[@bmxmyth166]

@@ereztsur7152 I completely agree, he was in his own pantheon. Beautiful voice, unbelievable songwriting, incredibly beautiful lyrics, and probably the greatest acoustic guitar player of all time. He was perfect in all regards, a truly towering artist/musician. The fact that he isn’t on this list is testament to how sadly under appreciated he is.

[@hippierip6695]

and elliott smith

[@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.

[@johnhiggins6800]

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

[@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!

[@Orangie2008]

Even I choked up a little that Joni Mitchell sent you that signed gift. What a treasure. I resonated clearly with each choice, sir!

[@mongobanger]

Me too

[@jmarty1000]

Heck I choked up just seeing "Both Sides Now" at #1, because I have always felt that song is the masterpiece of the art form.

[@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 !!

[@brucegarnaut524]

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

[@lindachambers6053]

Love the vocalist on this. Amazing that he just belted out twenty songs in a row without missing a beat!

[@fredricakenna3554]

Love you both - the vocalist - love this guy! ❤️❤️

[@carajoydecelles657]

I did notice his near collapse toward the end, good to see he recovered

[@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!

[@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.

[@mreuter892]

Rick, How could you leave off Carole King and "You've got a friend" which she wrote (by herself) and recorded on her "Tapestry " album.

[@detlefg.9958]

Rick, I Love your Music lists and the way you presented them! For me you are a very sympatic presenter and person! Greetings from Cologne! go on!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@MarceloLaraM]

Beautiful songs I listened for the first time, thank you

[@CTJ2619]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.🤘

[@alexchou1984]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@skyone3106]

Great video! Love the choices. Another song that came to mind as I was listening was “Year of the Cat” - evokes a mood.

[@micke3035]

A very nice gesture of Joni, the world needs more like her!

[@lilly5157]

No it doesn't.

[@franksmildyears7323]

10:35 I love when I see Jim Croce gets appreciated, he's such a great singer, he was the first singer-songwriter I've listened to and still one of my favorites next to Bob Dylan & Tom Waits. Although his lyrics were insanely simple, they were great (But as Pete seeger once said: Any damn fool can get complicated. It takes genius to attain simplicity) and I think that any one in any part of the world could understand him and relate to what he's saying, vocally and instrumentally (if that is actually a word), as I remember 4 years ago, when I first listened to him in Tarantino's Django unchained, I could barely read an English article but I understood everything he'd said in all his songs. It's insane how much I have learned about myself and the world from his songs. Sadly he passed away so early, I hope one day we'll see a movie about him, a great movie.

[@singlesideman]

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

[@MrRmshelly]

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

[@XCodeHelpHub]

Love this list Rick! Cat Steven's and Joni Mitchell finally make it. You have the right #1 which such a beautiful piece of music composition.

[@ronaldjasonind]

Everyone's talking about some song or the other being left out, but man let's just take a moment to acknowledge the amazing musicianship of Rick and the singer dude here, blows my mind. I could literally just listen to a whole album of this amazing duo!

[@davidmelton7268]

I'm so thankful that Rick has chosen to invest the time to create these videos for us. He's an insanely skilled musician, an awesome teacher, and a great role model in a whole bunch of ways. Thanks Rick, we appreciate all you do!!!

[@desertgirl45]

Yes....Rick & his singer guy are just great!

[@GlamorganManor]

I was thinking the same thing about an album!

[@hanreality.7266]

No, I wasn’t feeling it for the singer.

[@JohnResciniti]

The full versions of these songs with those two performers would make a hell of an album!

[@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

[@ericbors3492]

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

[@janetschoentrup7342]

Laura Nyro should definitely be on the list- written a long list of songs that she and everyone else have covered- "Eli's Coming", "Stone Soul Picnic", "And when I die", "Save the country", - these are just for starters,

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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!)

[@PearConference]

Really surprised to not see Tom Waits on here. He's written a crazy amount of incredible, unique songs. I can't remember Rick ever mentioning him come to think of it

[@vikz5786]

Yeah, he'd be first on my list. So many people have covered his songs.

[@jonnywickham654]

The goat

[@bthorntonwriter]

A-MEN, Daniel. A-MEN!

[@1dkappe]

He wrote my second favorite XMas song: “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis.”

[@johnsrabe]

@@1dkappe “I don’t have a husband; he don’t play the trombone.”

[@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

[@carysvendsen9069]

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

[@jayalajay5974]

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