Baskara Das (1892-1952)

Baskara Das from Madurai was one of  earliest songwriters, he penned the songs for Kalidas-the first Tamil talkie.In Kalidas  he introduced nationalistic songs.Many of his songs had reformist themes.His other films include Prahalada(1933), Valli(1933), Devadas(1937).A residential colony Baskara Das Nagar is named after him.

Kambadasan (1916-1973)

Kambadasan made his debut through the film Vamana Avatharam (1940).His songs were direct and simple and displayed an awareness of social issues. His songs "Parthal Pasi Theerum", for the film Mangaiyarkarasi(1949),  "Arul tharum deva  mathave" for the film GnanaSoundari(1948), immortalised him.He also wrote many songs for successful films that were dubbed from Hindi into Tamil like Vaanaratham(1956) from the Hindi film Udan Khatola.

Kannadasan (1927-1981)

Kannadasan (original name Muthaiya) is arguably the best song writer in Tamil movies.The range of his film songs was wide-from the devotional to the erotic.His ability to compose a song , within a few minutes for any given tune made him a most sought after lyricist.Kannadasan and Viswanathan-Ramamurthy music combine produced 100's of all time hits.This period is considered as the golden period for Tamil Film Music. He has   written more than 5000 films songs. His ever green hits include " Ponal pokattum poda", He wrote prodigiously, his work include 4000 poems , twenty one novels and  ten volumes of religious essays titled " Arthamulla Hindu Madham" .His novel Cheramaan Kathali won the Sahithya Academy   award.His last film song was "Kannekalaimane" for the film Moonram Pirai.

A.Marudakasi (1920-1989)

Marudakasi  started his  film career as lyricist in the film Mayavathi.He had a steady career during which he wrote nearly 3000 songs featured in  more than 320 films .His songs were simple.His  hits include  "Vaarai ne vaarai..." for the film Mandhirikumari.The Government of  Tamil Nadu honoured him with the title "Kalaimamani".

Papanasam Sivan (1891-1973)

Papanasam Sivan's first film was Sita Kalyanam(1933) for which he composed the music and wrote  the songs.He was a major influence in the formative years of  Tamil Movies.He worked in a series of films, composing music and writing songs ; in some films he sang a few songs .He has written and set to music more than 1000 songs in about 70 movies.He has also played the lead roles   acted in four films-Baktha Kuchala ,Thyagabhoomi, Baktha Cheta and Kubera Kuchala.He has also  written songs in other language films.In 1962, The Sangeet Natak Academy made him a fellow and in 1972 , he was awarded the title Padma Bhushan by the Government of  India.A road in Chennai is named after him.

Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram (1930-1959)

Padittha Penn (1954) was the first film to feature a song written by Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram During a short span of  a little over nine years he had written 196 songs  featured in 56 films.His work in the film Paasavalai made him a top-ranking lyricist.His other famous films include Kalyanaparisu(1963).The Government of Tamil Nadu nationalised his songs in 1955.

Vairamuthu

Vairamuthu made his debut in Bharathirajaaja's   Nizhalgal (1980), the music was composed by Illayaraja.Vairamuthu Bharathiraaja and Illayaraja combine  set  a new trend in  Tamil Film Music of the early and mid 80's. Other big directors like K.Balacahandar  engaged  Vairamuthu for their films. Vairamuthu continues to dominate Tamil film Music of the 90's .Vairamuthu and A.R.Rahman combine have revolutionised Tamil film Music.His famous films include Kathal oviyam, Sindhu Bairavi, and Roja.