TA: Clare Neil Since the 1960s, we have seen the emergence of prolific singer-songwriters who have dominated the charts and record sales. These artists used their unique ability to write about issues that concerned their audiences as well as themselves. With the strong emergence of singer-songwriters, the question of authenticity arises. For artists who don't write their own music, are they simply performers? This essay will analyze the issue of authenticity between the singer-songwriter and those who rely on the songwriters' performance material. The essay will discuss two artists from 2 different generations; one being the Supremes, the performer, and the other being Bruce Springsteen, the singer-songwriter. InterpreterRock criticism has played a very harsh role in the careers of artists and musical groups who do not perform their own written work. Rock critics have called their music "inauthentic" because the artists are simply performing someone else's work. The Supremes were one of the most successful music groups in the 1960s rock scene, but they performed songs written by other writers. The Supremes are without a doubt the most successful musical act on the Motown label. The Supremes were formed in 1959, but the version that received critical praise and ultimate success was formed in 1962 with 3 African-American singers: Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross.1 As Motown's reputation grew grew slowly, they quickly attracted criticism. success in 1963, with the Supremes' hit "Where Did Our Love Go" and their follow-up "Baby Love", both written by Holland-Dozier-Holland. Under the direction of ...... middle of paper ...... fr, the solos so common on Motown singles completely lack spontaneity. "11 With Gordy behind the scenes controlling every aspect of the Supremes' career, the ability to be the authentic one is never present. The Supremes and Bruce Springsteen reign in each of their respective generations. The Supremes have dominated the years 1960 with hits such as "Baby Love" and "Stop In The Name of Love." This all-female group was a powerhouse for the Motown label, but they didn't write their own music, just performed it. Bruce Springsteen remains one of rock music's most inspiring and powerful singer-songwriters. With songs like "Thunder Road" and "Born To Run," he defined not only a generation, but also. the voice of the working class Springsteen's songs and performances are legendary, spontaneous and emotional, the definition of rock authenticity...