Paul McCartney wrote "Hey Jude" to comfort John Lennon's 5-year-old son Julian, whose parents were getting a divorce.
"Airplanes" by B.o.B was written by Lupe Fiasco, who recorded it but decided to pass.
Village People lead singer Victor Willis, who co-wrote "Y.M.C.A.," insisted it isn't a gay song - it's about hanging out with your buddies.
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.
"Cotton Eye Joe" is a folk song dating to the 1800s, but it became a hit when a Swedish act called Rednex did a psychokinetic version in 1994.
Stephens Stills played timbales on the Bee Gees hit, "You Should Be Dancing." He was in the next door studio laying down a Crosby, Stills and Nash album and could hear Saturday Night Fever being recorded. Stills recognized its potential to be a monster hit and he wanted to contribute.
An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.
The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.
The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.
Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.
For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.
