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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.
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How an Ice Cream Truck Inspired The Motels’ Only No. 1 Single in 1979
An ice cream truck became the unlikely inspiration for what would become The Motels’ only No. 1 single, “Suddenly Last Summer”.
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Rick Springfield’s Biggest Hit Is Almost Entirely Autobiographical (And Embarrassing, According to Him)
In 1981, Rick Springfield released the song that became his biggest hit, which was almost entirely autobiographical.
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Sheryl Crow Never Intended To Record What Became Her First Big Hit
In 1994, Sheryl Crow had her first big hit with “All I Wanna Do”, a song she disliked so much she almost didn’t record it.
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David Lee Murphy Says This No. 1 Hit “Came Out of Nowhere”
David Lee Murphy said this song, his first No. 1 hit, literally “came out of nowhere” when he was writing it.
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This Barry Manilow Hit From 1976 Was Actually Intended for The Carpenters
In 1976, Barry Manilow released a song that became a big hit for him, which was actually written for The Carpenters.
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.
