Storytelling in Music and the Redefinition of Singer-Songwriters in the Late 20th Century

The sudden rise of songwriters in the music industry during the late 20th century has long been explored. In particular, the American public has demonstrated a strong interest in singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Carole King, and Paul Simon. However, few have drawn distinctions among these four artists that might suggest a similar explanation for their continued success. This research examines these songwriters, whose authenticity and astuteness have enabled them to remain relevant across several decades as few like them have. While many elude the social conflict and cultural confines of their youth, these four figures redefined them, emerging as some of the most successful songwriters of the late 20th century. These raconteurs found success in their own right, partly with others, but most prominently, as solo artists. To illustrate the agent of their long-lasting success, I will examine their biographies, particularly their distinct upbringings, which they used as capital to penetrate the music and entertainment industry in the 1960s and 70s, and have helped them to remain significant in the intervening decades. This research will culminate in the development of an original song—both music and lyrics—to explore the impact of adopting similar artist characteristics and methods. Rather than result in the mere mimicry of these musical figures, the creative process of songwriting will open up readings of understanding among the analogous attributions of these noteworthy American songwriters and reveal the complex art of framing the self in music.