Impossible to say. Depends on my mood and I have as many moods as favorite song writers. If I had to name one, Gordon Bok.That's complicated by the fact that he's my oldest best friend as well.
Everyone knows I love Utah Phillips' songs, he was also a dear friend. Tom Paxton, somewhere between acquaintance and friend.
Dave Mallett also a close friend.
Stan Rogers, outstanding song writer. Spent a weekend with him but couldn't call him a friend.
Bob Zentz, friend.
Seamus Kennedy, friend.
Tom Rowe dear friend, now deceased.
You have to love such songs as, "Handful of songs" by Jerry Rasmussen.
Jim Stewart dear friend.His Marco Polo suite is a masterpiece.