Music 101, now in its third season, features They Wrote the Hits: How Pop, Rock & Soul Icons Gave Their Best Songs

They Wrote the Hits: How Pop, Rock & Soul Icons Gave Their Best Songs Away explores the fascinating world of legendary artists who penned masterpieces—not for themselves, but for others who would turn those songs into global sensations. This compelling narrative reveals how icons like Prince, Carole King, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder quietly shaped the soundtrack of generations through behind-the-scenes brilliance, crafting chart-topping hits that elevated the careers of fellow performers. It uncovers the creative decisions, industry dynamics, and unexpected partnerships that led these musical geniuses to let go of their greatest works, offering a rare look at the generosity, intuition, and artistic vision that defined their legacy. In celebrating these hidden stories, the topic highlights how some of the most unforgettable anthems were born not from center stage, but from the artistry of those who understood the magic of giving their best songs away.