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.
LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 30: Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington performs at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino August 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 11: Singer Chris Cornell attends the premiere of Marvel Studios' "Marvel's The Avengers" held at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 07: Kris Kristofferson performs onstage at Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration Live At The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on November 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for The Music Center)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 21: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Jonathan Davis of Korn performs onstage at a private concert for SiriusXM at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on October 21, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The performance airs live on SiriusXM's Octane Channel. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: The Queen's Mulberry Tree is pictured at the London Charterhouse in Smithfield on January 27, 2017 in London, England. The London Charterhouse dates back to the 14th century when it was a burial ground for victims of the Black Death before becoming a Carthusian monastery. Since 1611 the Charterhouse has been an almshouse for single people over the age of 60, known as brothers. Today the site opens its doors to the public for the first time in 400 years. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: David Lynch arrives to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards held at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on October 27, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 03: Dave Matthews of Dave Matthews Band performs onstage during 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/WireImage)
LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 30: Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington performs at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino August 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)