The riff for The Sex Pistols' "Pretty Vacant" was pinched from a very unpunk song, the ABBA ballad "S.O.S."
The motto for Boys Town, which was a Nebraska home for troubled youth, inspired the song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies.
Radiohead's "Paraonid Android" was written after a confrontation in a Los Angeles bar with an irate woman.
The '40s hit "Rum and Coca-Cola" is really about American soldiers soliciting prostitutes in Trinidad.
Neil Young later apologized for "Southern Man," calling it "accusatory and condescending" in its portrayal of the American South.
Eminem sampled a song by Labi Siffre on "My Name Is." Siffre, a gay activist, made Em take out some gay humor in the lyric before allowing it.
The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.
Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.
A look at the good (Diana Ross, Eminem), the bad (Madonna, Bob Dylan) and the peculiar (David Bowie, Michael Jackson) film debuts of superstar singers.
The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.
Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.
The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.
