Neil Young later apologized for "Southern Man," calling it "accusatory and condescending" in its portrayal of the American South.
"Strawberry Letter 23" by The Brothers Johnson was written by Shuggie Otis, whose girlfriend would send him letters written on strawberry scented paper.
Glenn Frey of the Eagles played a bad guy in a 1985 episode of Miami Vice based on his song "Smuggler's Blues."
"The Way" by Fastball was inspired by the story of an elderly couple from Texas who drove to a nearby family reunion and kept going. Fastball's bass player imagined them taking off and having fun like they were young. The story didn't end well: the couple was later found dead after they crashed in a canyon.
When The Kinks released "Lola," most people didn't realize it was about a transvestite.
Robin Thicke and his mom, Gloria Loring are the first the first ever mother-and-son to have both tallied top 10 singles on the Hot 100 as solo artists or duos. Loring reached #2 with Carl Anderson in 1986 with "Friends and Lovers" and Thicke topped the chart in 2013 with "Blurred Lines."
For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.
What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.
Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.
We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.
Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.
Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.
