When Metallica performed in China in 2013, they weren't allowed to play "Master Of Puppets," probably because the theme of being controlled by a higher authority didn't sit well with the Chinese government.
ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson conceived "Dancing Queen" as a dance song with the working title "Boogaloo," drawing inspiration from the 1974 George McCrae disco hit "Rock Your Baby." Their manager Stig Anderson came up with the title "Dancing Queen."
Elton John's "Rocket Man" is based on a Ray Bradbury story called The Rocket Man published in 1951.
"Oh Happy Day" by The Edwin Hawkins Singers was recorded in a church and sold to raise money for the choir. It's the only genuine gospel song to become a pop hit, reaching #4 in 1969.
Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits wrote "Private Dancer," which went to Tina Turner when he realized it wasn't a song for a man to sing.
Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" is about Christie Brinkley, who he married, but it started as a song about Elle McPherson, who he also went out with.
Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.
In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."
Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.
The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."
First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?
Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.