Why Singers and Rappers Don’t Lose Prestige for Not Writing Their Own Songs: A Closer Look

Do singers and rappers lose prestige if they don’t write their own material? This question has sparked numerous debates, especially when discussing the notoriety of artists from the 1940s to the 1990s. However, the real credit for a great song often lies with the songwriter, not the performer. In fact, many legendary artists from this era never wrote their own songs. Let's delve into the reasons why singers and rappers retain their status, regardless of whether they write their own songs.

Relatively Recent Phenomenon of Writing Own Songs

Writing one's own songs is a relatively modern concept. Historically, singers in the 1940s to the 1990s rarely penned their own material. Big stars like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Elvis Presley never wrote their songs. Instead, they worked with professional composers such as Sammy Cahn, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and others who provided them with their best material. This was a common practice, and it’s important to understand that not writing one's own material did not diminish the prestige of these artists.

Elvis Presley and the Prestige Myth

Take Elvis Presley as an example. Despite the fact that he didn’t write his songs, he maintained his prestigious status. In the music industry, every great song is the result of a great songwriter. When people discuss Elvis, they often focus on the legends of the songwriters he worked with. For instance, the song "Return to Sender," which was a huge hit for Elvis, was not only a hit but also a testament to the brilliance of its songwriter, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The prestige associated with these songwriters is separate from their ability as performers, contributing to the overall success of their songs.

Frank Sinatra and Other Legendary Performers

Frank Sinatra is another example of an artist who didn’t write his own songs but held a revered status in the music world. Sinatra’s performances were renowned for their emotional depth and clarity. His association with legendary songwriters like Sammy Cahn and Peter Boris meant that his recordings were always top-tier. Similarly, Elvis Presley, one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, continued to maintain his prestige despite not being a songwriter. These examples prove that an artist’s status is not solely or even primarily based on whether they write their own songs.

Notoriety and Teamwork

It’s important to recognize that the process of creating a hit song is often a collaborative effort. Big hits are rarely created by solo artists. A combination of the perfect performance, meticulous songwriting, and skilled recording techniques often leads to a hit. Therefore, the prestige should be attributed to all parties involved, not just the performer. As the popular music industry evolved, the roles of singer, songwriter, and producer became more specialized, yet their contributions remained crucial for the success of a song.

Context of Songwriting vs. Performance

Some might argue that the writer of a song holds more “gravitas” or “authenticity,” but this is a misconception. Being a songwriter and being a performer are two entirely different talents, and while they can overlap, it is rare for both to be present in the same person. Just as a writer might not make the best speaker, a performer might not have the skills to compose a song. However, both are essential for the creation and distribution of music. The prestige of a songwriter often comes from the intellectual creation of the song, and the prestige of a performer comes from bringing that creation to life.

The Myth of Pedestal-Warming Icons

There is a myth that singer-songwriters are rare and that their work is inherently more authentic. This idea is misguided. A song written by a collective of writers isn’t made ethereal and superior simply because that collective performs it. Similarly, a performer singing or rapping words written by someone else to music written by someone else does not make them any less legitimate or worthy of respect. Many successful performers excel at interpreting songs crafted by others, and this skill is just as valuable and authentic.

Conclusion

The prestige of a performer is not diminished by their lack of songwriting skills. The music industry is built on a system of collaboration, where each contributor’s skills are valued and respected. Whether a performer writes their own songs or works with professional songwriters, their ability to bring a song to life is what ultimately matters. It's important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all the talented individuals involved in the creation of a song, from the songwriter to the performer.