Surprising Songwriting Secrets: Celebrities Behind Some of Music’s Biggest Hits
NEW YORK, NY — The music industry is full of surprises, and one of the most intriguing is the revelation that some of the world’s biggest stars have secretly written hit songs for their peers. A recent BuzzFeed article titled “Taylor Swift Wrote Rihanna A #1 Single”: 17 Unexpected Celebrities Who Penned Popular Songs For Other Musicians, sheds light on these hidden collaborations that have shaped popular music in unexpected ways.
One of the most talked-about examples is Taylor Swift’s co-writing of Rihanna’s 2016 smash “This Is What You Came For.” Initially credited to Calvin Harris and a mysterious Nils Sjöberg, the pseudonym was later revealed to be Swift’s, who chose to keep her involvement under wraps. Harris, who produced and arranged the track, expressed frustration after their breakup over the focus on Swift’s songwriting credit rather than his own contributions. The song remains a defining dance hit of the decade and a testament to Swift’s versatile songwriting prowess. Fans can listen to the track on official platforms such as those linked through Rolling Stone.
Missy Elliott’s influence on early 2000s R&B and hip-hop is profound, with her penning hits like Monica’s “So Gone,” Tweet’s “Oops (Oh My),” and Mýa’s “My Love Is Like…Wo.” Elliott recently clarified the misunderstood meaning behind “Oops (Oh My),” explaining it celebrates self-love and pride in Black skin rather than the rumored sexual connotations. Her creative process, including writing lyrics after multiple shots of Patrón for Mýa’s track, highlights the playful yet impactful nature of her songwriting. These songs continue to resonate and are accessible through major music services.
Pharrell Williams, a prolific songwriter and producer, has also contributed to iconic tracks for other artists. He co-wrote Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” a song born from Stefani’s experience with bullying, particularly from Courtney Love. Pharrell’s signature keyboard riffs and beats helped craft the track’s unforgettable sound, which remains a cultural touchstone. Additionally, Pharrell co-wrote Britney Spears’ “Boys,” featured on her 2001 album and the “Austin Powers in Goldmember” soundtrack, further cementing his role as a hitmaker across genres. His extensive credits can be explored on official music industry sites and through resources like the Broadcast Music, Inc. database.
Linda Perry, formerly of 4 Non Blondes, wrote “Beautiful” for Christina Aguilera and “Get the Party Started” for Pink, both of which became defining songs for the artists. Perry’s insight into Aguilera’s vulnerability during the recording of “Beautiful” reveals the intimate connection between songwriter and performer. Her persistence in getting “Get the Party Started” to Pink after Madonna passed on it demonstrates the unpredictable journey of hit songs. These tracks have left lasting imprints on pop music and are widely available on major streaming platforms.
Going further back, Prince’s songwriting gift extended beyond his own legendary career. He wrote “Manic Monday” for the Bangles, a track that became one of the band’s biggest hits. The Bangles’ lead singer Susanna Hoffs recounted how Prince’s admiration for their music led him to offer the song, which they eagerly embraced. Prince’s dual versions of the song showcase his unique artistry and the collaborative spirit of the era. Listeners can compare both versions on official music archives.
These revelations about songwriting collaborations underscore the interconnectedness of the music industry and the often unseen creative forces behind chart-topping hits. For those interested in exploring more about the songwriting credits and histories of these songs, resources such as Rolling Stone, BMI, and official artist pages provide detailed information. The Library of Congress also offers extensive archives on music copyrights and songwriting histories.
As fans revisit these familiar songs with new knowledge of their origins, the appreciation for the artistry and collaboration behind the music deepens, reminding us that behind every hit is a story worth telling.
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