Does a particular musician’s songwriting and artistry speak to you above all others?

@roxy54 Yes, Standring is best fit in the smooth jazz genre, but with melodies and artistry. My brain can no longer handle the Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Yes, Allman Brothers days of my youth. I listen to 60’s and 70’s rock periodically for nostalgia’s sake (I was lucky enough to have been of an age to ride the wave of musical expression and genius of that era). I have fond memories of listening to a AM radio statio out of Hartford CT,in my early teen, who played Stairway to Heaven every night that ended exactly at midnight.
And no, I am definitely not a musician. 

There are many that elicit that reaction for me, but it is usually for only a few years or a number of albums.

For instance,

Elton John from his "Elton John" debut album up to "Captain Fantastic".

Linda Ronstadt "Heart Like a Wheel" until "Simple Dreams"

Joni Mitchell "Ladies of the Canyon" until "Court and Spark"

There are many more examples, but I guess what I am saying is that it is very difficult for any artist to maintain the level of artistic and emotional connection you speak of for an extended period.

Probably the best example would be the Rolling Stones. They killed it up until 1972’s "Exile on Main Street", but haven’t done anything of note in the 50 years since.

It's difficult to choose one.What comes to mind immediately is Bruce Colburn, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen.

>> Songwriting, for me, is words/stories, then combine that with Artistry. So Jazz doesn’t fit for me even though Jazz is my main thing for many years. <<

It seems to me that Abbey Lincoln (definitely a jazz singer) fits your definition VERY well. She’s a favorite of mine, anyway. Try "Abbey Sings Abbey."

Just one example.

My auto-answer is Frank Zappa is an undisputed champion in all musical categories such as songwritting, stage acts and ability to HEAVILY solicit his guitar and orchestral arrangements! He is all in one a complete music warrior!!!