Van Halen's first #1 hit was "Jump," an unusual song for the band because the lead instrument was synthesizer, not guitar.
Carla Thomas became the first woman to achieve a Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 with a song she wrote herself when "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)" reached #10 in 1961. Thomas was just 16 years old when she wrote it.
The Starland Vocal Band got the title "Afternoon Delight" from the late-afternoon appetizer menu at the restaurant Clyde's Of Georgetown in Washington, DC.
The moans of pleasure in the Guns N' Roses song "Rocket Queen" are authentic.
Tim McGraw recorded "Live Like You Were Dying" just two weeks after his own father passed away.
Don Johnson, who starred as Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice, was also a singer. He had a #5 hit in 1986 with "Heartbeat."
The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.
From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.
Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."
What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.
"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."
A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.