It will be really hard to narrow this down, since I feel that so many writers and composers have had a hige impact on my music.

Here's a few:

The Beatles - I grew up listening to their songs...Their accessible, commercial, timeless sound helped shape my early songwriting....

Mozart - This favorite composer of mine had creative vision that changed music forever.
There is a vitality and passion in his music that has really inspired me.

Beethoven - The 9th Symphony, Pastoral Symphony and piano music continue to make my heart sing; he wasn't afraid to try new things and was a wonderful link between the Classical and Romantic Era.

Laura Nyro - love her lyrics and original blend of gospel, doo-wop, blues, etc.

Joni Mitchell- The "Picasso" of the music world...I don't know of too many artists with this type and depth of body of work...She's created styles that most of the women artists today copy.

Others that have inpsired me:
Stevie Wonder
Paul Simon
James Taylor
Bob Dylan
Miles Davis
Bruce Springsten
Bonnie Raitt
Fleetwood Mac
Louis Armstrong
Ella Fitzgerald
Thats' all for now - I will add more later! [Linked Image]

Emily

http://emilysanders.net
http://cdbaby.com/cd/emilysanders
http://angelcitychorale.com