
Madonna's hit "Don't Tell Me" was written by her brother-in-law, Joe Henry, who has produced albums by Hugh Laurie and Bonnie Raitt.
In 1939, a polka craze swept America thanks to "Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out The Barrel)."

The Steve Miller song "Abracadabra" was inspired by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Miller first met the girl group when they performed together on NBC's Hullabaloo in 1966, and he wrote the lyrics after spotting Diana Ross skiing years later.

A pre-famous Rupaul is in the video for "Love Shack" by The B-52s. He had a solo hit with "Supermodel" a few years later.

"Killing An Arab" by The Cure was inspired by Albert Camus' book The Stranger.
The "Doctor of philosophy" in the Indigo Girls' song "Closer To Fine" is based on a teacher Emily Saliers had who had a poster of Rasputin on his door.
Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.
Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."
Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.
Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.
On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.