The song "Grease," sung by Frankie Valli in the 1978 movie, was written by Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees.
Carla Thomas became the first woman to achieve a Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 with a song she wrote herself when "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)" reached #10 in 1961. Thomas was just 16 years old when she wrote it.
"Closing Time" by Semisonic was written by the lead singer when his wife was pregnant. Some of the lyrics are about being born.
Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" was co-written by Sarah Hudson, who was a member of the pop group Ultraviolet Sound. Though Sarah isn't related to Katy (whose real name is Katy Hudson), she is the first cousin of another famous person with the same name, the actress Kate Hudson.
"Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers was inspired by the Jack Lemmon movie Days of Wine and Roses.
The Information Society hit "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)" samples the voice of Leonard Nimoy (Spock) from an episode of Star Trek.
Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.
A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.
Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.
The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.
On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.
