Jimmy Webb was inspired to write The 5th Dimension song "Up-Up and Away" after seeing a hot-air balloon his friend flew on promotions for the Southern California radio station KMEN.
Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot In The Dark" is titled after the 1964 Pink Panther movie A Shot in the Dark. His bass player, who co-wrote the song, was a fan of the film.
"I'll Melt With You" by Modern English is about a couple who melt together because a nuclear bomb drops.
When Marc Cohn played "True Companion" to his girlfriend, she thought he was proposing. He wasn't, but he did eventually marry her.
All The Young Dudes "carry the news" in the Mott The Hoople song because it was intended for a David Bowie concept album where Ziggy Stardust spreads the news through songs in a world with no electricity.
The Kate Bush song "Why Should I Love You?" is a collaboration with Prince. He completely re-worked her demo, so Bush spent a lot of time piecing it back together to keep her imprint.
Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.
Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.
Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."
Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.
Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.
Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.