"At This Moment" was first released by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981, and hit #79. After it was used in two episodes of Family Ties in 1985-1986, it went to #1.
"Name" by The Goo Goo Dolls was partly inspired by lead singer John Rzeznik's flirtation with the MTV VJ Kennedy, who didn't want him to tell anyone her real name.
"Sunday Girl" was written by Blondie guitarist Chris Stein to cheer up Debbie Harry after her cat had run away whilst they were away on tour. The gray cat was called Sunday Man.
The Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" is a parody of Heavy Metal. Kerry King of Slayer played guitar on the track - purposefully out of tune in parts.
The Ben Folds Five song "Brick" is about a difficult time when Folds' girlfriend got an abortion.
Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.
In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.
Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.
When a waitress wouldn't take him home, Jack wrote what would become one of the Eagles most enduring hits.
From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.
Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.