The New York Times readers have spoken!
The best living American songwriters. I have no problem with it, with the exception of Randy Newman not being in the top ten. James Taylor is the weak link here, imo. It also speaks to the demographics of the readers who voted. No disrespect to Jimmy Buffet, but if he were still alive I'd bet you anything they'd have him in the top ten.

www.nytimes.com/inte ractive/2026/magazin e/best-living-americ an-songwiters-r