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Tough one. All styles. I cannot even vote yet myself since I am still undecided. But I'm working on it.

Go ahead. Guess what he's gonna say. As far as lasting songs, Well, first name begins with a D (an), last name starts with F (ogelberg). So, without me telling ya outright, who do ya think my vote is for? Good thing my mom and dad didn't raise any smart alecks, eh?

I just can't name one greatest songwriter of the 20th century, so I'll cheat a bit and name the songwriters I think are the very best:Cole PorterWoody GuthriePete SeegerBob DylanJoni MitchellJimmy Webb

That's really a tough one! I'll have to go with what initially popped into my pea brain:Lennon/McCartneyRodgers & HammersteinBob DylanErn

Who or what defines greatness? My personal respect goes to Mr. "Smokey" Robinson...the writer of over 1000 songs. The only person in musical history to be honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and NARAS (Grammy) as a "Living Legend" simultaneously. So if industry honors and the admiration of your peers are any reflection of your success... then being called " America's greatest living poet" by Bob Dylan must justify your place in history.RanG

In this case greatness is comprised of whatever you say it is. You must combine all criteria as you see fit.DylanCole PorterIrving BerlinLennon/McCartneyCynthia Weill/Barry MannDylan is the top lyricist of the 20th century with no close rivals.Had Jim Croce lived longer there is a decent chance he would.have made it onto this list.Dislaimer:These choices may not be final as I may think of others or be reminded of them by additional posts.

Robinson definitely gets a vote from me.

The polls are still pen.

There are too many great writers, each with his/her own strengths. I can't figure a way to compare them. I guess I'll settle for liking all the good writers.

Ed, you sound like a civilian. Drop and give me twenty.