The vast majority of innovative artists make their fundamental contribution in their early years. They invent a new sound, a new riff, make a breakthrough, and then sit back and live off it for the rest of their careers. The Kinks didn't. In 1964, they 'accidentally' invented hard rock by recording the eternal hit 'You Really Got Me', and then showed how to survive in the late 60s without recording any psychedelia!
Ray Davies was the author of what many recognise as the best song about 60s London, 'Waterloo Sunset', and in 2012, he performed it at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in the city. He also wrote 'Days', which has been called one of the most soulful songs ever about parting.
With his in-built melancholy, Davies may well be the most quintessentially English rock songwriter ever.