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Why Billy Joel Almost Passed on Recording What Became His First Hit Single in 1977
Billy Joel almost passed on recording a song he released in 1977, which became the first big hit of his career.
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How Negative Reviews Inspired One of Paul Simon’s Best 1970s Songs: “I’m Going to Go Away if You Don’t Stop”
Paul Simon was moved by his negative reviews to pen one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most important songs of the 1970s.
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The Paul McCartney Classic Billy Joel Would Have Loved to Write: “It Was Deeply Affecting”
Billy Joel wishes he had written this tender Paul McCartney track. It helped inform his own musicality as a piano rocker.
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This Doris Day Song From 1957 Was Later Covered by Everyone From Rick Astley to Celine Dion
This Doris Day song was later covered by multiple artists, including Nat King Cole, Rick Astley, and Celine Dion.
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How a Magazine Ad Inspired This Big Marty Robbins Hit
A magazine ad became the unlikely inspiration for this big hit by Marty Robbins, which was released in 1958.
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Remember When Annie Lennox and Al Green Released a Duet Together in 1988?
In 1988, Annie Lennox and Al Green had a hit duet with “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” from the ‘Scrooged’ film.
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How the Queen Mother and a Towing Company Inspired The Who’s “My Generation”
Pete Townshend of The Who wrote the band’s career-defining anthem “My Generation” after an indirect run-in with the Queen Mother in 1964.
Behind The Song
We here at American Songwriter are obsessed with uncovering the meaning behind our favorite songs. Below, you’ll find deep dives into big hits, deep cuts, and everything in between.
