The Texas songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker wrote "Mr. Bojangles" after a weekend in jail where a fellow inmate told him his life story.
"Heart of Glass" was Blondie's first foray into disco, which turned off some fans. Debbie Harry said they did it because they "wanted to be uncool."
The Australian band Jet took their name from the 1973 song of the same by Paul McCartney and Wings.
"Only Wanna Be With You" by Hootie & the Blowfish is a tribute to Bob Dylan, but Dylan sued them over it for using lyrics from his song "Idiot Wind."
The hit duet "Somewhere Out There" was written for an animated film about a family of immigrant mice who lose one of their young.
Thomas Dolby wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct the video, which was inspired by silent films and set in a "home for deranged scientists."
Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.
Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.
Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.
One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."
Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.
The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.