"London Calling" by The Clash was written amid widespread fears that the Thames River was going to flood the city.
Originally a chart-topper for Steve Lawrence in 1962, "Go Away Little Girl" became the first song of the rock era to hit #1 for two different artists when Donny Osmond's cover version also reached the summit in 1971.
Barry Manilow didn't write his #1 hit "I Write The Songs." Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys wrote it.
Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" is a joyful-sounding song with lyrics that are surprisingly somber: "when the night falls, loneliness calls." It's co-writer explained: "Many of our friends were in this boat - 5 o'clock comes around, they start getting restless."
A 2011 Gold's Gym poll found "Stronger" by Kanye West the best song to work out to. Second place was the Rocky theme.
Mariah Carey's "My All" is about her affair with New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.
The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.
Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?
The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.
Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.
