Ariana Grande's collaboration with Zedd, "Break Free" came about after the Russian-German producer overheard Grande performing at a label showcase while he was backstage, and he mentioned to his team that he wanted to work with her.
"It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy was based on an Eddie Murphy comedy bit where he would deny everything no matter how badly he was caught.
MTV wanted Weezer to record a version of their song "Hash Pipe" as "Half Pipe" to appeal to the skateboarding crowd. The band refused, and MTV listed the song as "H*** Pipe."
"Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles is about a real guy she fell in love with - they both drove Mercedes when she wrote it.
"London Calling" by The Clash was written amid widespread fears that the Thames River was going to flood the city.
Elton John's "Rocket Man" is based on a Ray Bradbury story called The Rocket Man published in 1951.
Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?
U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.
The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.
John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.
The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.
Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.
