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They Write the Songs

Profiles of Singer-Songwriters

By Espie Estrella, About.com

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carly simon

Carly Simon during the Museum Of Television & Radio's Annual Gala held at Waldorf Hotel in New York on February 8, 2007.

Donna Ward/Getty Images

  • Billy Joel - His musical influences, from Beethoven to the Beatles, are as diverse as the songs he'd written. He's made his presence known with hits like "She's Always A Woman," "We Didn't Start the Fire," "Uptown Girl" and "Honesty." His latest offering is the album All My Life released in 2007.

  • Carole King - Carole King is certainly one of the artists who inspired and defined the role of a singer-songwriter. Her well-crafted lyrics, captivating melodies and her unique voice make her songs timeless. She is the artist behind hits like "So Far Away" and "It's Too Late" and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.

  • Carmen McRae - Pianist, songwriter and one of the finest singers of the 20th century, Carmen McRae recorded more than 50 albums during the course of her fruitful career. Many hail her for her remarkable beat-phrasing and the expressive way she interprets songs.

  • Joni Mitchell - What makes Joni Mitchell unique? Is it her gift for songwriting, her lovely voice, her style of playing the guitar or her guts to challenge the norms of the music industry? Learn more about singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell in this concise bio.

  • Neil Sedaka - He started as a piano prodigy, then branched out into songwriting and recording. Neil Sedaka wrote numerous hit songs in the course of his career, these include "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," "Run Samson Run" and "Stupid Cupid." Many of his songs were also covered by other artists like Connie Francis and Roy Hamilton.

  • Carly Simon - Carly Simon has a very unique and beautiful voice, it's the kind of voice that makes you want to stop and listen. Her songs can be described as reflective, evidently inspired by her experiences and the people in her life. Her passion for music can be seen in her body of work and her many achievements.

  • James Taylor - His distinctive voice, his personal style of playing the guitar and his touching songs are but some of the reasons why James Taylor is one of the artists who continue to inspire many singer/songwriters. With songs like "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got A Friend" under his belt, James Taylor enjoys career longevity that other musicians aspire for.

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