The New York Times – Music:
The artist shares stories behind his famous songs, the writing challenges he sets for himself and how he has sustained a hip-hop career.
Category: americansongwriters2026
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Lucinda Williams Explains What It Takes to Write a Great Song
The New York Times – Music:
The singer-songwriter talks about being self-taught, and reaching down into the deepest, darkest parts of herself to pull out a song.
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Babyface Explains How He Wrote Hits for Madonna, Whitney Houston and More
The New York Times – Music:
The craftsman behind dozens of hits for performers like Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men talks about how he wrote the love songs that defined a decade.
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Nile Rodgers Explains How He Wrote ‘We Are Family,’ ‘Le Freak’ and More
The New York Times – Music:
The co-founder of Chic, the de facto house band of New York’s late-70s disco boom, talks about taking inspiration from the city’s club scene.
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Three of Nashville’s Finest Writers Explain How Country Hits Get Written
The New York Times – Music:
Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark and Josh Osborne talk about songwriting as a day job and the art of telling simple truths in a single line.