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Songs You Didn’t Know

We love it when a popular song’s origins surprise us. Perhaps it’s an original Rolling Stones tune that wasn’t written by Jagger/Richards. Or maybe Eddie Vedder wrote your favorite Pearl Jam song—all by himself (who knew?). That pop hit that features another soaring Kelly Clarkson vocal? She wrote it, too! Or how about songs written by random stars you had no idea even wrote songs? Bet you didn’t know dance master Fred Astaire, super-actor Jeremy Renner, and game show host Chuck Woolery all fall into that category.

These days American Songwriter covers diverse music from all different angles. But we still place special emphasis on songs, songwriting, and (especially) songwriters. If a song comes from somewhere—or someone—you wouldn’t expect? Rest assured, we’re gonna relish delivering that story to you.

Latest stories

3 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Sung by Alan Rickman, Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ Films

4 Songs Actor and Comedian Ricky Gervais Wrote for His ’80s Synth-Pop Band Seona Dancing, David Bowie, and ‘The Simpsons’

3 Songs You Didn’t Know John Lithgow Wrote for Children

4 Non-Film Songs David Lynch Wrote for His Solo Albums

3 Songs Country Legend Marty Stuart Wrote With Billy Bob Thornton

More stories

  • 3 Songs You Didn’t Know Actress Sissy Spacek Wrote, Including One Co-Written With Loretta Lynn

    January 3, 2025, 6:00 am

  • 2 Songs You Didn’t Know ‘Kojak’ Icon Telly Savalas Wrote

    December 2, 2024, 6:00 am

  • 4 Songs You Didn’t Know Martial Arts Legend Jackie Chan Wrote and Sang

  • 3 Songs You Didn’t Know Kevin Costner Wrote for ‘Yellowstone’ and More Inspired by the Small Screen

    November 17, 2024, 6:00 am

  • 3 Songs You Didn’t Know ‘Married With Children’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Star Katey Sagal Wrote as a Recording Artist

    November 14, 2024, 9:18 am

  • 3 Non-Guns N’ Roses Songs You Didn’t Know Feature Axl Rose as a Composer or Backing Vocalist

    September 23, 2024, 1:54 pm

  • 5 Songs You Didn’t Know Vince Gill Wrote for Loretta Lynn, Alabama, Rosanne Cash, and Other Artists

    September 9, 2024, 6:00 am

  • 4 Songs You Didn’t Know Vince Gill Wrote With Wife Amy Grant

    August 25, 2024, 6:00 am

  • 3 Songs You Didn’t Know From Legendary Actor Christopher Lee’s Hard Rock, Heavy Metal Era (2010-2015)

  • R.E.M., Kurt Cobain, and More: 4 Songs You Didn’t Know Feature Writer William S. Burroughs

    July 25, 2024, 2:21 pm

  • 3 Songs You Didn’t Know Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Wrote

    July 19, 2024, 10:25 am

  • 4 Songs You Didn’t Know Dennis Wilson Wrote On His Own for the Beach Boys and Solo Work

    July 18, 2024, 8:14 am

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  • Features
    • Behind The Song
    • Digital Cover Exclusives
    • Interviews
    • The List
    • On This Day
    • Gear
    • Reviews
      • Album Reviews
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
      • Sign up for The Daily Co-Write
      • Sign up for the Sunday Soundbite
      • Sign Up for In The Round
  • Latest News
  • Contests
    • Song Contest
      • Enter Song Contest
      • Song Contest Winners
      • Rules and Deadlines
      • Meet the Judges
    • Lyric Contest
      • Enter Lyric Contest
      • Dream Day on Music Row
      • Lyric Contest Winners
      • 2026 Lyric Contest Judges
      • Rules and Deadlines
    • Road Ready Talent Contest
      • Enter Road Ready
      • Road Ready Winners
      • The Public’s Pick
      • Road Ready Rules and Deadlines
    • Hip Hop Contest
      • Enter The Beat4Beat Contest
    • Contest Promotions
  • Song Contest
  • Community
    • Subscribe to Magazine
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • Foundations Songwriting Course
    • Apply To Songwriting Camps
    • Become Songwriter Member
    • Access Membership Hub
    • Manage My Subscription/Membership
  • Shop
  • Watch
    • Watch on YouTube
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