TA: Clare Neil The 1960s saw the emergence of prolific singer-songwriters who dominated the charts and record sales. These artists utilized the unique ability to write about issues that concerned their audiences as well as themselves. With the strong affirmation of songwriters, the question of authenticity is called into question. Are artists who don't write their own music simply performers? This essay will explore the issue of authenticity between the songwriter and those who rely on performing songwriters' material. The essay will talk about two artists of 2 different generations; one is the interpreter of the Supremes and the other is Bruce Springsteen, the singer-songwriter. The interpreterRock criticism has played a very harsh role in the careers of artists and musical groups who do not perform their own written works. Rock critics have labeled their music "inauthentic" because the artists are simply interpreting someone else's work. The Supremes were one of the most successful musical groups to emerge from the 1960s rock scene, however they performed songs written by other writers. The Supremes are undoubtedly the most successful musical group to come from the Motown label. The Supremes formed in 1959, however the version that received critical acclaim and ultimate success was the 1962 version featuring three African-American singers: Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross.1 While Motown's reputation grew slowly, they nevertheless quickly gained critical success in 1963, with the Supremes' hit "Where Did Our Love Go" and the subsequent "Baby Love", both written by Holland-Dozier-Holland. Under the guidance of…half the paper…the solos so common on Motown singles totally lack spontaneity."11 With Gordy behind the scenes controlling every aspect of the Supremes' career, the ability to be the authentic not is ever present. The Supremes and Bruce Springsteen reign in each of their respective generations. The Supremes dominated the '60s with hits like "Baby Love" and "Stop In The Name of Love". the label Motown, however, didn't write their own music, they simply performed it. Instead, Bruce Springsteen remains one of rock music's most powerful and inspiring 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.