Top ten American composers/songwriters

Optimism, confidence, a faith in democracy and capitalism. 

Stephen Foster
Born 1826 Pennsylvania 

Yes Berlin and Monk deserve to be in there, but who would you toss out? 
This list is meant as what music historians would include in a future textbook or article.  Hard to narrow down. One of my criteria is the enjoyable hour. Does the candidate have an hour of music you can listen to non stop? Sousa excepted. He is special; forr as long as there are parades.....he will outlast the whole list. Joe

Einstein died in NJ but I don't think we can call him an American scientist. 

No love for Mel Torme'?

But it is such a clean buzz. 

History of popular songs yes. History of composers and songwriters, a footnote.
Carol King has been suggested. Not sure why so few women composers/songwriters. Plenty of feminine involvement in classical performance. I don't think we feel threatened any longer. Would be a great thread to explore. 

So all those ears on Straus during his popularity were bad taste? Many thought Mozart was just a juvenile sensation.  I do agree most pop music will end in the cut out bin, but there are many classical examples of esteemed composers who are forgotten. I am doing a deep dive into Barber this week. Listened to Bernstein's "Age of Anxiety" yesterday. My list was meant to incorporate all genres, so many worthies were excluded. I appreciate the passion. And yes I am an old fogey, sort of inevitable. 

And coming from Schubert completely makes sense. It was between Barber and Copland. Copland more American imho.

All genres. I would consider Morrison more on the performer side ie. Elvis, Sinatra, Armstrong. 

To say Copland's music doesn't capture the American spirit...he incorporates our folk music, energy level, optimism.  And nothing against Barber. Just very hard to make choices. Some day someone will. The big question will be them referencing this thread. Lol.