The Doobie Brothers' swampy #1 hit "Black Water" is about the Mississippi River, evoking the rafting adventures Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn.
Before the game when he hit a famous shot to win a playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Jordan was listening to Anita Baker's "Giving You The Best That I Got."
"At This Moment" was first released by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981, and hit #79. After it was used in two episodes of Family Ties in 1985-1986, it went to #1.
Prince kept doves at his Paisley Park mansion. And yes, sometimes they did cry.
Phil Collins' "Take Me Home" is about a patient in a mental institution and was inspired by the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
The only cover of "American Pie" to chart is by Madonna, whose 2000 version was a minor hit in America but went to #1 in the UK.
Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.
Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.
How did The Edge get his name? Did they name a song after a Tolkien book? And who is "Angel of Harlem" about?
Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.
Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.
These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.
