November 20, 1974
Blur's "There Are Too Many of Us" was inspired in part by a siege in an Australian chocolate café that Damon Albarn witnessed, which resulted in the death of the gunman and two hostages.
Bob Marley's backup singers, The I Threes, claim they are the "Three Little Birds" in his famous song.
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" was Michael Jaskson's attack on the tabloid press: "They eat off of you, you're a vegetable."
The Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" is a parody of Heavy Metal. Kerry King of Slayer played guitar on the track - purposefully out of tune in parts.
The lyrics for "Mary, Did You Know?" were written by Christian singer and comedian Mark Lowry, after his pastor asked him to write a Christmas musical for their church. Southern gospel musician Buddy Greene later added music to his words.
Originally a chart-topper for Steve Lawrence in 1962 chart-topper, "Go Away Little Girl," became the first song of the rock era to be taken to #1 by two different artists when Donny Osmond's cover version also reached the summit in 1971.
How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?
Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.
Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.
The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.
Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.
The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.
A monthly update on our latest interviews, stories and added songs
©2020 Songfacts®, LLC