"London Calling" by The Clash was written amid widespread fears that the Thames River was going to flood the city.
Before the game when he hit a famous shot to win a playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Jordan was listening to Anita Baker's "Giving You The Best That I Got."
The title of the Metallica song "Ride The Lightning" came from a line in the Stephen King book The Stand where a guy is about to be executed.
"Killing An Arab" by The Cure was inspired by Albert Camus' book The Stranger.
Billy Joel is surprised that "Piano Man" is so successful. He called it "an old, long song about a guy at a depressing piano bar."
"Return To Innocence" by Enigma is based on a Taiwanese chant by a husband and wife. The couple won a lawsuit granting them royalties from the song.
Untangling the events that led to the "Stairway To Heaven" lawsuit.
Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.
Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."
Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.
In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.
Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.