Top ten American composers/songwriters

In 1967, Leonard Bernstein taped a one hour special for CBS, entitled "The Rock Revolution." He talked about some current Pop music he found to have musical worth and be of interest. At the center of the show was a segment on Brian Wilson and his "Smile" album project. Brian is shown playing and singing "Surf's Up" on the grand piano in his living room.

Also discussed are The Left Banke and their baroque-influenced (songwriter/keyboardist Michael Brown was Classically trained) "Pretty Ballerina". His "Walk Away Renee" is also a real good song.

Not all Pop is equal, anymore than is all anything.

Oops, Nick Lowe, like Tillbrook & Difford, is English. He was married to Carlene Carter for awhile (who hasn't been?), if that counts.

By the way, Brian Wilson's favorite American (and perhaps universal) composer is Gershwin. He recorded a tribute album to him, which I haven't gotten up the nerve to listen to.

Oops, right you are, @vinylandtubes (love the handle!). Squeeze sounds so American (as did The Beatles, imo) I had forgotten. I got to seem them live in London while there in late '82.

@davepratt: Good one, Bacharach definitely deserves inclusion.