They Write the Songs

To some extent songwriters are much like storytellers and the listeners are their captive audience. Get to know the men and women behind some of your favorite timeless songs through these profiles:

Paul Anka - "I'm so young and you're so old. This, my darling, I've been told." Who doesn't know this famous opening line to the hit song "Diana"? A teen sensation during the late 1950's, singer/songwriter Paul Anka has penned many of our favorite oldies music including "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," "Times of Your Life" and my husband's fave song, "My Way." What I really like about Paul Anka is that he continues to reinvent his songs and adapt it to our times.

James Brown - Songwriter, musician, vocalist and recording artist, James Brown strongly influenced the genres of funk, r&b, soul, pop and dance. Amidst personal struggles he emerged triumphant with hits like "Please, Please, Please" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." Brown was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.

Tracy Chapman - "Fast Car" is a song from her self-titled debut album released in 1988 and the one that propelled her up the music charts. With her unique voice, memorable melodies and lyrics that tell touching stories, it's no wonder singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman remains one of our favorite female artists.

Ray Charles -Ray Charles was truly an inspiration to many. He is proof that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible. Ray was an American singer, composer and pianist who became blind at the age of 7 due to glaucoma. He went on to become one of the most celebrated performers in history, winning dozens of Grammy awards. He was inducted to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Jazz Hall of Fame.

Eric Clapton - A multi-awarded guitarist and singer/songwriter, Eric Clapton's music has been heavily influenced by the blues and the many struggles he had to overcome in his personal life. Considered by many as their guitar hero, Clapton is a triple inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Neil Diamond - His career spans more than 40 years, with hits like "Sweet Caroline", "Song Sung Blue", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" and "September Morn" in his catalogue of songs. Singer/songwriter Neil Diamond has penned many songs that were covered by several different artists in varying genres - from pop to country to easy listening.

Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan has influenced countless singer/songwriters, musicians and performers during the course of his illustrious career. His songs reveal influences from a wide range of genres including blues, R&B, pop, country and rock n'roll. Songs he wrote include "Blowin' in the Wind," "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."

Dan Fogelberg - In my opinion one of the most beautiful songs ever written is Dan Fogelberg's ballad "Longer". The expressive lyrics, haunting melody, coupled with Dan's beautiful voice makes this song a favorite among many. Dan Fogelberg was one of the most eclectic and prolific singer-songwriters of our time. And though he is no longer with us, his legacy remains in the numerous songs he'd written.

Alberta Hunter -Alberta Hunter was a vocalist and songwriter whose repertoire included jazz, blues and pop. Her career began in the 1920s but she decided to retire from performing in the 1950s. A true inspiration, she resumed singing and recording in 1977 at the age of 82.

Janis Ian - Many admire her, not only for her skill as a singer/songwriter, but also for her tenacity. She recorded and released her controversial song "Society's Child" when she was only 15. Her most well-known work is the heart-wrenching song "At Seventeen".

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