Nice, the way this thread has segued.

I have generally thought of Simon as a more than competent songwriter and vocalist, and have enjoyed some of her music, though I have never been a big fan, and have never bought any of her music.

While we are naming terrific women songwriters of that generation, let's not forget Carole King. Wonderful crafter of songs that do, and will, endure.

There are poets, there are songwriters, and there are poet songwriters.

LH, I agree with you that few can surpass Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan or Leanard Cohen. I would include Stevie Wonder among the great poet songwriters of that generation.