The four lyricists Paul Simon believed shaped an entire generation
Paul Simon named Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder as the lyricists he believed had shaped a generation. His choices highlight how storytelling, melody and musical innovation influenced both his own writing and the wider development of popular music.
Simon said Berry taught his generation through vivid stories set to music, and described Dylan and Mitchell as compelling lyricists. He praised Wonder as a storyteller and an exceptionally gifted melody writer, while also crediting his voice, keyboard and synthesiser work, and harmonica playing.
- Simon’s four choices were Berry, Dylan, Mitchell and Wonder.
- He said Berry taught his generation through songwriting.
- Simon praised Wonder’s storytelling, melodies and musicianship.