Don T - I started using the term "singer-songwhiner" on my radioshow several years ago, and it was meant to separate the truly outstanding songwriters from the wannabees.   I noticed that back in the 1960's, songwriters were learning from the tradition - and various traditions at that. The music was diverse and interesting - even when it was personal.   I think the downward trend began in the 1980s when the inspiration became the songwriters of the 60's and 70's. The music began to sound similar and it appeared that songwriters were saving money on therapy sessions by putting their troubles into song and inflicting it on poor audiences. Of course there were outstanding songwriters still coming through, but soon everyone with a guitar was writing AND recording songs. I receive about 20 CD's each week, and many artists just aren't ready to be heard by a wider audience.

I am glad you take offense to the term. I hope you and every other songwriter will fight that tag.   Don't forget the premise of this thread, and my earlier posts.   These are stereotypes. There may be some truth, but we all know that there is talent out there that deserve to be heard.