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The Real Nick Drake

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music, including the common misconception about Nick as a songwriter. The Real Nick Drake

Songs Discussed in Movies

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka, and of course, American Psycho. Just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder. Songs Discussed in Movies

From the Vaults: Kerry Livgren of Kansas

A chat from the '80s where the Kansas frontman talks about turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind." Kerry Livgren of Kansas

The "Down So Low" Story

Tracy Nelson of Mother Earth reveals the heartbreaker behind the song "Down So Low." And yes, he's famous. "Down So Low"

Stevie Wonder talks God and Country at the ACMs

Backstage at the ACMs, we also spoke with Miranda Lambert about songwriting inspirations and got Luke Bryan's thoughts on being both a host and performer. Stevie at the ACMs

From the Vaults: Randy Newman

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job. Randy Newman

Hit Bass Player Scott Edwards

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile." Scott Edwards

Fact or Fiction: George Harrison

Did Eric Clapton really steal Harrison's wife? Was he a fixture of the San Francisco scene? See if you can root out the truth. Fact or Fiction: George Harrison

Songs About Movies

Iron Maiden, Adele, Toto, Eminem and Earth, Wind & Fire are just some of the artists with songs directly inspired by movies - and not always good ones. Songs About Movies

From the Vaults: Michael Bolton

A talk with Michael Bolton when he was an up-and-coming songwriter whose calling card was the Laura Branigan hit "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You." Michael Bolton interview

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Amy Grant

The top selling Contemporary Christian artist of all time, Amy had her biggest hits in the early '90s with "Baby Baby" and "Every Heartbeat." She doesn't always share the gospel, which is something she learned from Johnny Carson. » Amy Grant interview

Udo Dirkschneider (UDO, ex-Accept)

As frontman for Accept, Udo gave us the Metal classics "Fast as a Shark" and "Balls to the Wall." He talks about what it was like riding the wrecking ball in the video for the later, and explains who the "London Leatherboys" really were. » Udo interview

Shaun Morgan of Seether

When Shaun's ex-girlfriend wrote a song about him called "Call Me When You're Sober," the Seether frontman responded with "Breakdown," which tells his side of the story. Shaun talks about that track and explains the inspiration for some other Seether tracks, including the one about religion that is often misinterpreted. » Shaun Morgan interview

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

The King Crimson and ELP founder talks about creating songs like "Lucky Man" and "Karn Evil 9" - songs that he says hold up thanks to their "universal truth." He also explains why he shot a music video in Israel in 1975, and describes his most memorable stage moment, which involves fireworks and Italy. » Greg Lake interview

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

The guitarist/songwriter talks about the trendsetting sound Fear Factory came up with in the early '90s, which has been emulated by acts like Killswitch Engage and Five Finger Death Punch. He also breaks down his signature guitar sound and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs. » Dino Cazares interview

Randy Houser

The "How Country Feels" singer/songwriter talks about how he knows when a song is right, and the last one that hit the sweet spot. Turns out there's also a big Southern Rock influence on Randy, which he says you probably wouldn't see today. » Randy Houser interview

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

Now on album #17, The Stranglers have prospered since their 1977 debut Rattus Norvegicus, which contained the punk classic, "Peaches." Their bass player/frontman talks about the evolution of the band and their distinctive keyboard-driven sound. » JJ Burnel interview

Dr. John on recording with The Black Keys and Phil Spector

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer jaw-jerks about some of his famous recording and songwriting sessions, which took place with folks like Aretha Franklin and Doc Pomus. This one took a turn down a dark alley when we learned about his influence on the Rolling Stones' "pornographic" album. » Dr. John interview

Brandi Carlile

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She's still pouring her heart out into songs like "That Year" and her Elton John collaboration "Caroline." Her song "The Story" found new life when it was featured on Grey’s Anatomy. » Brandi Carlile interview

Brad Smith of Blind Melon

Brad wrote "No Rain" about those listless times when you're looking for any excuse to stay in bed - days when he was busking the song on Venice Beach waiting for a break. Lots of details on the song and on Shannon Hoon, the original Blind Melon lead singer who died in 1995. » Brad Smith interview

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"

Ian names the few Jethro Tull songs he wrote as blatant attempts to write a hit, and also discusses the ones he has most connected with, including "Locomotive Breath" - a song about population control that resonates more than ever today. » Ian Anderson interview

Holly Williams

When it comes to songwriting, Holly says it's genetic. Good thing she has some primo DNA - her dad is Hank Jr. and her grandfather is Hank Sr. Her other interests are surprisingly domestic, not unlike her good friend and fellow musician/lifestyle maven Gwyneth Paltrow. » Holly Williams interview

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