Songwriting, for me, is words/stories, then combine that with Artistry. So Jazz doesn’t fit for me even though Jazz is my main thing for many years.
Bob Dylan, even if you don’t like his voice, or many times his crappy live performances, has to be the top of my list.
Billy Joel, if you listen to him chronologically, has reflected America’s changes. I didn’t realize that until I saw a Broadway show with Twyla Tharp’s Dance Company with all Billy Joel’s music
we saw the original version, 2002
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-HzNWxgD9K7r0yVUeU3SqAxvCqjesl1T
evidently they have performed it many times over the years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIzuXQM1asw
Sometimes I think I should write a song with my friend Joe Cerisano called "Goddammmmmnnn I Miss John Denver".
Ani DiFranco will make you think
Patti Griffin jumps to mind; John Hiatt; Etta James; ... taking more time to think my list would be very long