Top thirty pop musicians who are songwriters

Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California, is an American singer, songwriter, and television judge. Known for her playful, cartoonish style and catchy pop anthems, Perry has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Often referred to as the "Princess of Pop” she is credited with influencing the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many a young teenage boy (and some older ones too) have lusted after her after the video for “. ..Baby One More Time" in which she dances provocatively in a high school corridor.

Pink, AKA P!nk is a dynamic singer and songwriter celebrated for her powerful voice and rebellious persona. Her music, a mix of pop, rock, and R&B, produced hits like "Just Like a Pill" and "Raise Your Glass”. Rising to fame in the early 2000s, Pink's career has been marked by her outspoken nature and high-energy performances. Very impressively she has been known to fly on a zip wire over the crowd at he live shows. She continues to release music and tour, maintaining her status as a pop icon.

William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. Known as the "Piano Man” Joel has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than five decades, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Joe Jonas is an American singer, songwriter, and actor best known as a member of the pop rock band Jonas Brothers. Born on August 15, 1989, in Casa Grande, Arizona, Joe rose to fame alongside his brothers, Kevin and Nick, through their music and appearances on the Disney Channel. Over the years, Joe has pursued various musical projects, including his solo career and fronting the band DNCE.

Songs:

1. Cake by the Ocean
2. Burnin' Up
3. SOS

Tom Petty was an iconic singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music spanned rock, heartland rock, and folk-rock genres. He was best known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, as well as his solo career, producing hits like "Free Fallin”, "American Girl” and "I Won't Back Down”. Petty's career took off in the late 1970s and peaked during the 1980s and 1990s, marked by his distinctive voice and storytelling lyrics.Tom Petty remained active in music until his death in 2017, leaving behind a lasting impact and a rich catalog of beloved songs.

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer

Songs:

1. Can't Feel My Face
2. The Hills
3. Starboy

Miley Cyrus may be a nepo baby but she’s also there on merit

Paul Simon, a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, rose to fame as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, known for classics like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Sound of Silence”. His solo career in folk rock and world music produced hits such as "Graceland" and "You Can Call Me Al”. Simon's career peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, and he remains an influential figure, occasionally touring and creating music.

George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the pop duo Wham! before embarking on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, "Faith” sold over 25 million copies and won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Album of the Year. Michael's music, characterized by its catchy melodies and emotional depth, includes hits like "Careless Whisper” "Faith” and "Last Christmas”. Despite facing public scandals and legal battles, Michael's talent and philanthropy left an indelible mark on the music industry. He passed away on December 25, 2016, but his legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide.

Mark Ronson is a British-American musician, DJ, songwriter, and record producer known for his eclectic production style and ability to blend genres seamlessly

Usher is a versatile singer, songwriter, and dancer, renowned for his smooth R&B vocals and dynamic stage presence. Emerging in the mid-1990s, Usher gained widespread recognition with his album "My Way” featuring hits like "Nice & Slow" and "You Make Me Wanna”. He solidified his superstar status with the 2004 album "Confessions” which included chart-toppers like "Yeah!" and "Burn”. Usher's career has been marked by numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, and his influence extends beyond music to acting and philanthropy. Still active in the music industry, Usher continues to release new music and perform, maintaining his status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B.

Phil Collins, a singer, drummer, and songwriter, achieved fame as the lead vocalist and drummer of Genesis and for his successful solo career. Known for hits like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds” Collins' work spans rock and pop, making him one of the defining artists of the 1980s when he was everywhere, so much so it was a bad joke. Though he announced his retirement several times, he continues to perform sporadically and his music remains a staple in popular culture.

Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer who rose to fame as one of the two lead vocalists and youngest member of NSYNC. He later established a highly successful solo career, becoming one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

Rod Temperton (1949-2016) was a British songwriter, record producer, and musician best known for his work with Michael Jackson, Heatwave, and Quincy Jones. Often referred to as the "invisible man" due to his low public profile, Temperton's contributions to music were monumental, shaping the sound of pop and R&B through the late 20th century.

Songs:

1. Thriller
2. Rock with You
3. GIve me the night

Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. With a career spanning over five decades, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner on October 2, 1951, in Wallsend, England, is a renowned musician, singer, songwriter, and actor

Songs:

1. Every Breath you Take
2. Roxanne
3. Message in a bottle

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman

Songs:

1. Like a Virgin
2. Ray of Light
3. Material Girl

Sam Smith is an English singer-songwriter known for their soulful voice and emotionally charged music. Born on May 19, 1992, in London, Smith gained international fame with their debut album "In the Lonely Hour." Over the years, they have received critical acclaim and numerous awards for their contributions to contemporary pop and soul music.

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (born May 5, 1988), known as Adele, is an English singer-songwriter who has achieved global success and acclaim for her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics. There’s no auto-tune needed for this girl!

Carole King is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career spans over six decades

Songs:

1. You've Got a Friend
2. Tapestry
3. The Loco-Motion

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture for more than 60 years.

Bruno Mars is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist

Songs:

1. 24K Magic
2. Uptown Funk

Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter and musician known for his melodic voice, heartfelt lyrics, and ability to blend various musical genres. Born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Sheeran began playing guitar at a young age and soon started writing his own songs. Over the years, he has become one of the world's best-selling music artists, known for his chart-topping hits and successful albums.

Songs:

1. Thinking out Loud
2. Shape of you
3. Perfect

David Robert Jones (January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016), known professionally as David Bowie, AKA ‘The thin White Duke’ was an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, renowned for his innovative work and distinctive voice. He took on so many personas – a true art school graduate!

Stevie Wonder AKA "Little Stevie Wonder" is an iconic American musician and songwriter known for his soulful voice, masterful keyboard and multi-instrumental skills. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, Stevie overcame the challenges of being born blind to become one of the most influential and best-selling musicians of all time. His career, which spans over six decades, includes numerous hit songs, groundbreaking albums, and multiple awards.

Songs:

1. Sir Duke
2. Superstition
3. Higher Ground

Amy Winehouse, born on September 14, 1983, in London, England, was a British singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Winehouse's career, although tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her raw talent and poignant songwriting.

Songs:

1. Rehab
2. Back to Black
3. Stronger Than Me

Sir James Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) is an English singer, songwriter, musician, billionaire record and film producer who gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist, co-songwriter, and bassist for the Beatles. His partnership with John Lennon remains the most successful in music history. After the Beatles, he pursued a solo career and formed the band Wings with his first wife, Linda McCartney.

John Lennon (October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, and peace activist who co-founded the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. His work as a solo artist and with the Beatles continues to influence musicians and music lovers worldwide.

Gear:

• Fender Telecaster

Michael Jackson, AKA "The King of Pop" was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, began his career at a young age as part of The Jackson 5, a Motown group formed with his brothers. The group quickly gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There," showcasing Michael's exceptional talent even as a child.

Songs:

1. Beat it
2. Thriller
3. Off the Wall