Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images "Early Sunsets Over Monroeville" from My Chemical Romance's first album is a love story with a twist inspired b... read more
The ads that reintroduced Nick Drake, revived "Mr. Roboto," and angered Trent Reznor
Rob Thomas on songwriting, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana
Songs with chipper music that conceals painfully depressing lyrics
How they came up with their signature sound, and the stories behind hits like "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up In You"
The lyrics to "Heartbreak Hotel" were written by a steel guitar player who was once a dishwasher repairman. He was inspired by a newspaper story about a man who killed himself and left behind a note saying only, "I walk a lonely street."
More facts about Heartbreak HotelBefore he became a country music icon, Willie Nelson made a name for himself writing hits for artists like Patsy Cline ("Crazy") and Roy Orbison ("Pretty Paper"). But he didn't pen his own breakthrough hit, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," which was a cover of a '40s tune.
More about Willie Nelson
Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.
Read the Interview
This song starts in Boston with a tea party and takes us to the other end of the American Revolution.
Read the Story
The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.
Take the Quiz
Did Mellencamp give up drinking after a bar fight? Was he a hippie? Take this Fact or Fiction to find out.
Try the Fact or Fiction
Ever notice how the old gambler never actually gives him any advice? "What can you tell me, friend?" "You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em…" "Yeah yeah, I know that. But WHEN should I hold or fold?" "…know when to walk away, know when to run…" "When I'm several hands up? Or just a gut feeling?" "You never count your money…" "Oh, I'll know how much money I have. But when should I fold?" "…'til the dealin's done" "Look, mister, this is like Tommy Lasorda telling me I gotta know when to pitch to the batter and when to walk 'im. WHEN??" "You gotta know when to hold 'em…" "You mooched a cigarette, a lighter, and my last drop of liquor, and that's all you can tell me?"...