1

Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N’ Roses

Image: Kyle Buss

Fans of Guns N’ Roses will tell you how fast "Sweet Child O’ Mine" was written. In under an hour, the band developed the accompaniment for a melody one of them had come up with—a hand-warming riff that guitarist Slash was playfully improvising. That same riff, by-now famous guitar melody, opens the song.

Hearing the result, Axl Rose wrote lyrics inspired by his then-girlfriend, Erin Everly, whose smile, it seemed to him, reminded him of childhood memories. Remarkably, he completed the poem in a single day. Later, while recording in the studio, the band made another on-the-spot call: they decided to include a sung line that Axl Rose had been repeating while searching for an ending to the song, "Where do we go now?"

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Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Image: Call Me Fred

Michael Jackson didn’t shy away from saying that he always knew "Billie Jean" was going to be a hit. While writing it, he was aware that he had hit material in his hands, and he worked on it accordingly. Thanks to his rigorous daily vocal training during the production of Thriller , Jackson recorded the main vocal in a single take. The song was mixed 91 times , while he and producer Quincy Jones strived for perfection. In the end, they settled on mix number two—the version we know today.

But here is the most impressive anecdote behind "Billie Jean." Jackson was driving his Rolls-Royce between recording sessions, obsessed with finding the best ideas for his song. He was so absorbed that he didn’t notice the underside of his car had caught fire —until a passing biker alerted him.

3

You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi

Image: Benjamin Farren

Can you imagine the iconic opening vocals of "You Give Love a Bad Name" belted out by any other voice than Jon Bon Jovi’s? A female voice, perhaps? Surprisingly, the melody was originally written by hitmaker Desmond Child for Bonnie Tyler . Her version, titled "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)," featured different lyrics, and was released earlier that same year in 1986.

Dissatisfied with the final result of Tyler’s song, Child decided to take the same seed of an anthem and team up with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora to rework it. The result was a powerhouse anthem that propelled Bon Jovi to the top of the charts. It also marked a radical change in the band’s career, which veered from then on to a more radio-friendly, arena-rock sound that would define their style.

4

Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey

Image: Kristina Chuprina

If you strip this '80s rock anthem of its drums, bass, guitar, and even its melody, you’re left with a simple yet powerful plea: "Don’t stop believing." Those words have a heartfelt origin. When Jonathan Cain was invited to join Journey, he started working on a song, first deciding that he was going to name it after the words his father would repeat to him over the phone while he was still a struggling musician in L.A.: "Don’t stop believing or you are done , dude."

Cain wrote the emotional chorus first before sharing the project with the band to complete it together. That’s why it’s said that the song was written "backward ." The arrangements were carefully crafted to build up to the climactic final chorus. If you pay attention, this one doesn’t appear until near the end of the song—a structure that sets it apart.

5

We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel

Image: David Clode

119 significant events are mentioned in the famous 1989 song by "Piano Man" Billy Joel. A rapid-fire history lesson, covering science, sports, music, politics, cultural icons, movies, and so many more, is uttered to assemble an image of the 40 years the artist had lived until then—from 1949 to 1989. The story of how he stumbled upon the idea for this musical whirlwind is just as fascinating.

Legend has it that Joel was in the studio one day when Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son , visited with a young friend. The 20-year-old started complaining about the hardships of growing up in the ‘80s, and Joel replied that the ‘60s weren’t exactly easy either. This sparked a discussion where each mentioned world-relevant events they had lived through. Inspired, Joel jotted down the events and began piecing them together, eventually crafting the iconic song.

6

I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton

Image: Wes McFee

"I Will Always Love You," immortalized by Whitney Houston ’s rendition for The Bodyguard (1992), was actually written 18 years earlier by Dolly Parton. Although it became a romantic power ballad in the voice of Houston, the original version hadn’t been written with romance or heartbreak in mind—it was a heartfelt farewell.

In 1972, after having become a performing regular in The Porter Wagoner Show , Dolly Parton decided it was time to leave and pursue her own path. Her deep appreciation for Wagoner and her love for her colleague drove her to write a sweet, sincere song to express her feelings. Explaining that, despite needing to move on, and regardless of where life took her, she would always love him. Touched by the song, Wagoner loved it and asked to produce it himself.

7

Maniac - Michael Sembello

Image: David Monje

"Maniac," made famous for its inclusion in the Flashdance (1983) soundtrack, is another example of a song that started with a very different theme. Its original name was still "Maniac," yes. But it wasn’t originally about a passionate dancer—it was about a serial killer.

Dennis Matkosky, the song’s author, had seen in the news a story about a psychotic criminal and conjured in his mind a song that warned of his deeds . Together with his friend Michael Sembello, they finished that version for their own amusement. The demo ended up being one of the songs used in the set of Flashdance for being upbeat, catchy, and danceable. Director Adrian Lyne grew so fond of it that he asked Matkosky and Sembello to rewrite the lyrics to better suit the film. The reworked song became a global hit, reaching the top 10 of pop charts in multiple countries that year.

8

Shout - The Isley Brothers

Image: Brett Sayles

If hearing the song "Shout" by The Isley Brothers makes you think of a festive event where a band interacts with a dancing audience, it means the song retained its original spirit. The iconic phrase "Jump up and shout now" was part of a series of playful instructions the band improvised during a live performance. At the time, they were covering "Lonely Teardrops," a Jackie Wilson hit, and went off on a tangent building on the climax of that song.

The band began shouting ad-libbed lines , encouraging the crowd to participate. That responsorial dynamic became the foundation of "Shout," and evolved further through subsequent performances. Once the song was written down and recorded, it became a timeless classic. Today, this 1959 hit remains a staple at celebrations around the world.

9

You’re So Vain - Carly Simon

Image: Dinielle De Veyra

A song with the famous line "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you," has sparked decades of speculation about who inspired it. Mick Jagger, James Taylor, and Warren Beatty were all rumored to be the subject behind Carly Simon’s famous song. The singer and songwriter delighted in keeping the identity of any precise man a secret, and at some point declared that it had been written about a type of man in general.

However, in 2003, for a charity auction organized by Martha's Vineyard Possible Dreams organization, Simon decided to offer one big treasure to the highest bidder: The truth behind the song. Her friend Dick Ebersol paid $50,000 for the revelation. Under sworn secrecy, Simon revealed the person to Ebersol. He kept the secret, only telling the public that he found the answer "very surprising."

10

Walk the Line - Johnny Cash

Image: Simon Migaj

"I Walk the Line" was Johnny Cash's declaration of commitment and faithfulness, a song written for his first wife, Vivian Liberto. As he prepared to embark on long tours, Cash penned this song as a vow to assure her that he would remain true to her.

Beyond the inspiration for the lyrics, the song showed an array of singularities that made it stand out back in 1956. For example, each iteration of a verse is sung in a different key, a unique technique that can be heard in the gradual shifts of Cash’s voice. The low hum before each verse is Cash’s preparation for singing in each corresponding key. He also innovated by attaching a piece of paper to his guitar’s end which he would hit while playing, simulating the sound of a snare drum that can be heard in the song.

1

Early life

Born in Popes Creek, Virginia, George Washington was the first child of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary. His elder half-brothers had received a gentleman’s education in England, but the death of his father in 1743 prevented George from going to college . This was not a setback for him, though. He attended the Lower Church School in Hartfield, sought trustworthy mentors, and worked as a surveyor for Culpeper County.

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Visit to Barbados

In 1751, Washington accompanied his older brother, Lawrence, on a trip to Barbados, which gave him a wider perspective of British administration beyond the New England colonies . During the voyage, Washington contracted smallpox, which left him scarred, but also provided him with immunity to the disease. Later, as the leader of the Continental Army, he ordered a mandatory inoculation against the ailment for his entire army.

3

Mount Vernon

After his brother Lawrence’s death, Washington inherited his plantation, Mount Vernon, which he expanded and modernized. The house would become a refuge , a place for agricultural innovation, and where he would live in retirement after his political career. Like other founding fathers, Washington owned and employed enslaved people on his plantation. In his will, he made provisions for them to be freed after his wife’s death, though Martha Washington granted them their freedom in 1801.

4

First war experience

During the 1754–1763 French and Indian War, Washington served as a militia commander. He was tasked with delivering an ultimatum to the French to abandon British territory, and was later involved in one of the confrontations that sparked the war. During the conflict, he became known for his bravery and leadership skills, and he acquired knowledge and experience that would be crucial for his role in the American Revolutionary War.

5

Marriage

In 1759, Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow with two children . This marriage made Washington one of Virginia’s wealthiest men and also cemented his social status, providing him with connections that would be crucial for his political career. During the Revolutionary War and Washington’s presidency, Martha would be a source of unwavering support and comfort.

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Leader of the Continental Army

Though there were many candidates to lead the Revolutionary Army, the choice of George Washington was a deliberate move : he had proven war experience, was an influential politician and landowner in the largest southern colony, was known to be extremely brave, and had a remarkable aptitude for leadership. Washington never actively sought to be appointed commander, but his designation was key to the success of the Revolution.

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Crossing of the Delaware

Demoralized by continued defeats at the hands of a superior British army, the Continental forces were on the brink of collapse. On Christmas night 1775, Washington set out to attack a British garrison by surprise, which meant he and his men had to cross the Delaware River at night during a harsh winter storm. By the next morning, the Continental Army defeated the enemy at the Battle of Trenton, a victory that boosted the soldiers’ morale and cemented Washington as a leader.

8

Presidential terms

Unanimously elected by the Electoral College in both his presidential terms (1789-1797), George Washington was much more than just ‘the first American president’. His actions while in office set a precedent for the role , ensuring presidents would not be monarchs in disguise, and creating and enforcing policies that would shape the American system of government.

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Washington, D.C.

The Residence Act of 1790 established a new national capital, instead of an existing city being designated as such, to avoid tensions between the northern and southern states. While political alliances required that it be located on the Potomac River, the exact location was for Washington to decide. The chosen location was near Mount Vernon, which meant that he knew the land and its potential for a city that would not only be the seat of government but also an economic hub.

10

Farewell address

At the end of his first term as president (1798-1793), George Washington penned a farewell address. After his second term (1793-1797), he revisited the text and added to it with the help of Alexander Hamilton. Much more than a goodbye, it became a landmark document for America. Besides publicly declining a third term and ensuring a smooth transition of power, the letter warned Americans against the dangers of partisan politics and foreign interference, emphasizing the importance of national unity, stability, and adherence to law.

1

Serena Williams

Image: Josephine Gasser

We’ll start with a tennis legend. Serena Williams is definitively one of the biggest names in this sport’s history. Alongside Venus, her sister and doubles partner, Serena managed to set record after record in her 27-year professional career.

In 1999, an 18-year-old Serena won her very first major title in the U.S. Open. Of course, that was only the beginning: She managed to achieve a feat we now know as a "Serena Slam" , winning both a Career Grand Slam and a non-calendar year Grand Slam between 2002 and 2003.

2

Tiger Woods

Image: Steven Shircliff

It's not an unusual sight to spot a red shirt hanging around the final round of a major golf tournament. After all, Tiger Woods always wears this color whenever he’s competing in the most important round of a tournament, which happens quite frequently.

Few names inspire as much admiration among golf players as Tiger Woods does: With 82 PGA Tours wins and 15 majors, he is widely considered one of the greatest golfers in history . Not only that, at 48 years of age he still manages to be a force to be reckoned with.

3

Babe Ruth

Image: Diana Polekhina

You’ll find many "Kings", "Queens" and "Legends" in this article, but only one "Sultan of Swat": Babe Ruth. He is not only one of the greatest baseball players of all time, but he is also an icon in American culture and one of the five inaugural players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Babe Ruth also holds the dubious distinction of being the source of a jynx. After the Boston Red Sox sold Ruth to the Yankees in 1918, the Red Sox suffered an 86-year championship drought that many fans blamed as karma for the sale. Naturally, this cautionary tale has henceforth been known as "The Curse of the Bambino".

4

Michael Phelps

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

The title of the most decorated Olympian of all time goes to none other than Michael Phelps, "the Baltimore Bullet". This iconic swimmer made a splash (no pun intended) in every Olympic game he competed in, earning a record amount of 28 medals during his career.

It is fairly hard to choose the most iconic Phelps performance, but we probably lean towards the 2008 Beijing Olympics : Michael won 8 gold medals, breaking the all-time record for most first-place finishes.

5

Michael Jordan

Image: Taylor Smith

Michael Jordan might be the biggest legend in NBA history. He is widely regarded as the best player of all time , having won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and a myriad of other competitions including an Olympic gold medal.

Not only that, Jordan became a cultural icon and one of the most recognizable figures of the 90s, appearing in movies, video games, and in the logo of his iconic Nike shoes, the Air Jordans.

6

Simone Biles

Image: Eduardo Cano Photo Co.

Simone Biles’ debut at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics is one fitting for someone considered to be one of the greatest gymnasts of all time : She won four individual gold medals, as well as gold as part of the United States team.

Nowadays, Biles holds the distinction of being the most decorated gymnast in history , becoming a six-times all-around World champion in the process. Although she was forced to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to an injury, the future still seems to hold great things for this amazing athlete.

7

Joe Montana

Image: Dave Adamson

In the 1992 presidential primary, then-candidate Bill Clinton earned the nickname "The Comeback Kid" after securing a last-minute second place in New Hampshire. We’re pretty sure that President Clinton must have been particularly proud of this nickname: After all, it is legendary quarterback Joe Montana's most famous moniker.

Joe Montana earned this nickname through his iconic, last-minute touchdown plays . While he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Joe won four Super Bowls and became the first player to be named Super Bowl MVP on three separate occasions.

8

Jackie Robinson

Image: Mick Haupt

On April 15, every player, coach, and manager of all MLB teams wears the number 42 on their jerseys. This tradition, which started in 2004, is known as "Jackie Robinson Day" , a day dedicated to celebrating and remembering one of the most remarkable baseball players in history.

April 15th is a memorable date in baseball as it commemorates the day Jackie Robinson made his MLB debut. Celebrating his monumental career (winning a World Series and six All-Star games), Robinson was the very first African American player to play in the MLB, and his 1947 debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked the end of racial segregation in professional baseball.

9

Billie Jean King

Image: Valentin Balan

Billie Jean King is considered one of the best tennis players in history: She won an impressive total of 39 Grand Slam titles , as well as seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. However, she is also remembered as a long-standing advocate and pioneer for equality for female players, famously winning a historic match known as "the Battle of the Sexes".

In this 1973 match, while she was the No. 1 ranked female player in the world , King faced former American champion Bobby Riggs, who famously stated that even a retired male player such as himself could defeat the current female champion. King’s victory not only showcased her considerable skills but also marked a milestone in the road for female equality in the sport.

10

Muhammad Ali

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

We’ll end this article with the most celebrated boxer of all time . We could fill this entire article with incredible moments from Muhammad Ali’s life: His achievements are literally too many to count. From his groundbreaking fighting style to his flawless technique, Ali truly earned the title of "the Greatest".

However, this nickname also perfectly describes this boxer’s boundless determination both inside and outside the ring. Perhaps the best example of this can be described by a single, incredibly moving image: Despite his failing health, 54-year-old Ali took the stage at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games to light the Olympic flame.