"Surf City" was recorded by Jan & Dean, but written by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. It was the first #1 hit Wilson wrote.
A roadie for the Allman Brothers came up with the line "The road goes on forever" for "Midnight Rider," and got a songwriting credit for his contribution.
"Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds was the only US #1 single by a female act between July 1956 and February 1958.
Angus Young created the distinctive opening guitar part for AC/DC's "Thuderstruck" by playing with all the strings taped up except the B. He learned the studio trick from his older brother George Young, who was the rhythm guitarist for The Easybeats.
The disco song "Good Tmes" by Chic was a huge influence on early rap, providing the bassline for "Rapper's Delight."
Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?
Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.
The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.
A talk with Martin Popoff about his latest book on Rush and how he assessed the thousands of albums he reviewed.
Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.
Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."
