Sting wrote "Every Breath You Take" at the same desk in Jamaica as where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels.
Robert Plant's "Heaven Knows" is a satirical look at the '80s, when style seemed to trump substance.
"Take On Me" was just a minor hit in Norway until a new version was released with the iconic video, making it a global smash.
Grazing In The Grass by The Friends Of Distinction was the first big hit to use the phrase "dig it" in the lyric.
Katy Perry's breakout hit "I Kissed A Girl" was surprising to those familiar with her past: her parents were pastors and she started off singing Christian music.
Often heard as a patriotic song, "Down Under" is really about the selling of Australia and makes a strong political statement.
An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.
Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.
When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.
With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.
Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.