The lyrics to "Heartbreak Hotel" were written by a steel guitar player who was once a dishwasher repairman. He was inspired by a newspaper story about a man who killed himself and left behind a note saying only, "I walk a lonely street."
"Stand By Me" hit #4 in the US when it was released in 1961, then went to #9 in 1986 when it was used in the movie of the same name.
The "Don't Stop Believin'" lyric was inspired by Sunset Boulevard, making it perfect for the Rock of Ages musical.
"Veronica" was inspired by Elvis Costello's grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
"Return To Innocence" by Enigma is based on a Taiwanese chant by a husband and wife. The couple won a lawsuit granting them royalties from the song.
"Take On Me" was just a minor hit in Norway until a new version was released with the iconic video, making it a global smash.
Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.
Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.
His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."
When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.
After studying in Paris with a famous composition teacher, Charles became the most successful writer of TV theme songs.
The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.
