Don, you are confusing "ego" with "egotism". The two are very different. Look them up.

Dick, my statement does take into account contemporary singer song writers. In that their art is compromised by the shallowness of their tradition. Just as, conversely, a traditional musician's art is often compromised by their lack of ability to communicate their experiences and reactions to the human condition. (Though the best of them can, of course)

However, Ian Dury's consummate ability to sharply and wittily cut to the heart of the human condition raises him head and shoulders above the usual dross of contemporary pop. But also, his tradition is very strong. He was from a long line of populist commentators using whatever medium fell within the contemporary fashions of the day. And attracting the intelligent, skillful contemporary artists of that day with which to interpret, arrange and create.

And the modern tradition of the solo, folk singer songwriter guitarist, is, by comparison, wanting.