
Hugh Laurie, star of the TV show House, had a minor hit in 2011 with "Police Dog Blues," an old Blues song from 1929.

Ronnie Van Zant wrote the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic "Gimme Three Steps" after making the mistake of dancing with a girl whose boyfriend was in the bar and probably had a gun. He asked for a 3-step head start.

The setting for the Queensrÿche song "Jet City Woman" is Seattle, the "jet city."

"Mr. Tambourine Man" is the only song Bob Dylan wrote that became a #1 hit on the Hot 100. The Byrds' cover topped the chart in 1965.

In the UK, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" returns to the chart every Halloween, a tradition started in 2007.

"Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen was the song of the summer in 2012 and a major meme. It got some help from her fellow Canadian Justin Bieber, who tweeted that it was "possibly the catchiest song I've ever heard."
The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."
An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.
Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?
The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.
The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.
For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.