Billy Strayhorn, David Foster, Taylor Swift

by Ellen W.
(Philadelphia, PA)

A couple of new names for your list of best songwriters. William Thomas Strayhorn - Billy "Sweet Pea" Strayhorn doesn't get enough due and respect for being Duke Ellington's ultra talented collaborator on such big lasting standards like "Take the A Train," "Chelsea Bridge," "Day Dream," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." Billy wrote "Lush Life" when he was just a teen living in Pittsburgh, PA. Secondly, 2010 Songwriters' Hall of Fame Inductee David Foster is a force to be reckoned with. Incredible songwriting and producing talent. He is the songwriter's songwriter. Lastly, Taylor Swift has been noted by someone already however I wanted to add that although young, she has an impressive body of work --- before 2008, she had already written several hundred songs (over 200).