The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters
Summary
The New York Times Magazine reveals its list of the 30 best living American songwriters, detailing the contentious debate behind its creation. Hosts Sasha Weiss and Michael Barbaro discuss the exclusion of Billy Joel and highlight interviews with Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, and Chic’s Nile Rodgers. The episode explores diverse songwriting traditions, from pop and hip-hop to Nashville’s collaborative hit-making and disco’s cultural impact.
Topics discussed
Apple Card sponsorship and intro
Introduction to the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters list
The balloting process and consensus building with Sasha Weiss
Why Billy Joel was left off the list
Connections Sports Edition puzzle
Joe Coscarelli on Taylor Swift's songwriting techniques
Wirecutter Show sponsorship
Joe Coscarelli on Jay-Z's lyrical mastery
The Nashville songwriting trio: Clark, McAnally, and Osborne
Nile Rodgers and the creation of 'I'm Coming Out'
Conclusion on the unity of American songwriting traditions
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