Henry Fuseli's "The Nightmare" (1781), a classical depiction of what is now recognized as old hag syndrome. Typically, the victim wakes up unable to move, barely able to breathe, and with an oppressive weight pressing down on his chest. Unsurprisingly, this can also lead to the feeling of an evil presence in the room. In days of yore, this would typically have been interpreted as a demonic visitation, but a modern age demands a modern interpretation, which may well be the reason why according to some reports, over two million Americans believe they have been abducted by aliens at some point.
"Take Me Home Country Roads" is set in West Virginia, but John Denver had never been there when he recorded the song. The country roads represent a sense of belonging.
"Achy Breaky Heart" was originally recorded in 1991 by The Marcy Brothers as "Don't Tell My Heart." That original version had the lyrics: "Don't tell my heart, my achy, breakin' heart..."
"Midnight Train To Georgia" was originally "Midnight Plane To Houston," but was changed to sound more R&B.
Celine Dion's 1998 festive tune "The Magic of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)" came from an unlikely source. It was penned by Dee Snider of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister.
It has long been speculated that the Soundgarden song "Black Hole Sun" came from the name of a sculpture in Seattle, but according to their frontman Chris Cornell the title came from a phrase he misheard on the news. The band's name did come from a sculpture.
"Whole Lotta Love" was Led Zeppelin's only US Top 10 hit, charting at #4. Many of their songs, including "Stairway To Heaven," were not released as singles, as it was considered bad form in the UK to make fans pay for singles that were also on albums.
An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.
Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.
The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.
Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."
Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.
The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.