The songwriting team Leiber and Stoller wrote "Hound Dog" for a blues singer named Big Mama Thronton, who first recorded the song in 1953. Elvis covered it in 1956, and it became his biggest hit.
"Video Killed The Radio Star" by Buggles was the first video to air on MTV when the network started broadcasting on August 1, 1981.
Creedence Clearwater Revival's first single was a cover of a rockabilly song called "Susie Q." When it became a hit, group leader John Fogerty went into a songwriting frenzy so they wouldn't be one-hit wonders, resulting in hits like "Proud Mary" and "Lodi."
The first #1 hit with the word "disco" in the title wasn't a disco song. It was an R&B song called "Disco Lady" by Johnnie Taylor in 1976. The lady he's singing about is disco, but the song isn't.
Phil Collins' "Take Me Home" is about a patient in a mental institution and was inspired by the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
"I Swear" was a #1 country hit for John Michael Montgomery before All-4-One made it a #1 pop hit.
The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.
Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.
How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?
The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.
The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.
The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.