Facts On Tracks: Stories Behind 100 Rock Classics

Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Released: 1971

Written by: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant

Album: Led Zeppelin IV

Length: 8:02

Recorded at: Headley Grange, Hampshire, England

Fun Fact: The acoustic guitar intro was recorded in the hallway of Headley Grange because the natural reverb created a unique and ethereal sound.

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Released: 1974

Written by: Ronnie Van Zant, Ed King, Gary Rossington

Album: Second Helping

Length: 4:43

Recorded at: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Alabama

Fun Fact: The song was inspired by Ronnie Van Zant's anger at Neil Young's "Southern Man," which he felt was a misrepresentation of the South.

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Released: 1975

Written by: Freddie Mercury

Album: A Night at the Opera

Length: 5:55

Recorded at: Rockfield Studios, Wales

Fun Fact: The famous operatic section was recorded in over 180 takes and features many of Queen's members singing multiple vocal parts.

Hotel California by The Eagles

Released: 1976

Written by: Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey

Album: Hotel California

Length: 6:30

Recorded at: The Record Plant, Los Angeles, California

Fun Fact: The song is filled with cryptic lyrics that have been interpreted in many different ways, leading to countless debates about its true meaning.

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Released: 1975

Written by: Bruce Springsteen

Album: Born to Run

Length: 4:29

Recorded at: The Record Plant, New York City, New York

Fun Fact: The song was written while Springsteen was driving his car through the streets of New Jersey, and the lyrics capture the feeling of freedom and escape.

Imagine by John Lennon

Released: 1971

Written by: John Lennon

Album: Imagine

Length: 3:01

Recorded at: Ascot Sound Studios, England

Fun Fact: The song was originally inspired by Yoko Ono's art exhibition "Imagine," which featured instructions for people to imagine a world without borders or possessions.

Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

Released: 1965

Written by: Bob Dylan

Album: Highway 61 Revisited

Length: 6:09

Recorded at: Columbia Recording Studios, New York City, New York

Fun Fact: The song's iconic opening riff was conceived by Al Kooper, who played organ on the track.

Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones

Released: 1968

Written by: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards

Album: Beggars Banquet