Before the 1960s: Why Most Singers Were Not Songwriters

The golden age of music before the 1960s is often characterized by the clear distinction between singers and songwriters. Both vocality and songwriting skills are essential for great music, yet many talented singers found themselves without the ability to write compelling songs. Why was this the case? How did the music industry evolve to bring more artists into the roles of songwriting?

The Gift of Songwriting and Singing

To excel as a vocalist, one must possess the innate talent and vocal prowess that allows them to navigate complex melodies and convey emotions effectively. Similarly, for a poet or songwriter, there is a special gift that enables them to craft meaningful lyrics and melodies. While anyone can attempt to sing or write a song, it is the individuals with a natural talent who can truly stand out. The ability to write a hit song in just six hours is reserved for those blessed with this rare talent.

The Evolution of the Music Industry

Traditionally, singers were not expected to be songwriters. For instance, Enrico Caruso did not write the operas he sang. Glenn Gould was not responsible for composing his own piano concertos. Benny Goodman rarely created his own songs. Singing and songwriting are distinct talents, often requiring different skill sets. How then, did talented composers like Irving Berlin and the Gershwins pen chart-topping classics that defined the era, yet the great vocalists of the time, like Frank Sinatra, did not typically compose their own material?

Separation of Functions

Professional singers were expected to master a wide range of songs rather than focus on writing their own material. Songwriters, on the other hand, aimed to have their work performed by a multitude of different singers, maximizing the reach and impact of their creations. Many successful songwriters, such as Carole King and Neil Diamond, began their careers by writing music rather than singing it. Even folk icon Bob Dylan's early success came from his songs being performed by others.

Early Pioneers of Self-Written Material

While some early artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Beach Boys gradually integrated songwriting into their work, the music industry largely maintained the practice of assigning songs to artists. However, within a few years, the trend shifted. Many leading artists, including The Beatles, Dylan, and The Rolling Stones, began to write and record their own songs, thus paving the way for a new era in music creation.

The Rise of Professional Songwriters

Before the 1960s, the music industry relied heavily on professional songwriters and lyricists, who often lacked the spark of creativity that made the best songs truly compelling. Motown, for example, featured both artists who wrote their own material and professional writers who consistently provided inspired lyrics and melodies. Without the exceptional talents like Holland-Dozier-Holland, the impact of these professional songwriters would be minimal. Even today, aspiring writers like Robert Scorpio, despite having skills akin to those of Holland-Dozier-Holland, remain relatively unknown outside of niche platforms.

Conclusion: The 1960s and Beyond

The 1960s marked a significant turning point in the music industry, with groups like The Beatles leading the way in writing and performing their own material. As this trend solidified, the music landscape began to evolve, empowering artists to have greater control over their creative output. Today, the ability to write and perform one's own songs is seen as a hallmark of success and authenticity in the music industry.