Rocket Queen by Guns N’ Roses (1987)
It might have been the last song on Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, but it’s certainly not the least. The song, however, had people wondering about the identity of the titular character. Apparently, it was based on someone called Barbie Von Greif, a teenager Axl Rose knew. The lead singer was allegedly in love with the young woman at the time. Here’s what he has to say about her: “I wrote this song for this girl who was gonna have a band and she was gonna call it Rocket Queen. She kinda kept me alive for a while.”
Rocket Queen By Guns N’ Roses 1987
“867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone (1981)
There was a rather controversial inspiration behind this song. The songwriters actually had different answers to the question. According to lead guitarist Jim Keller, “Jenny is a regular girl, not a hooker. Friends of mine wrote her name and number on a men’s room wall at a bar. I called her on a dare, and we dated for a while. I haven’t talked with her since the song became a hit, but I hear she thinks I’m a real jerk for writing it.” Meanwhile, Tommy Heath said that he wrote a girl’s number on a motel bathroom wall as a prank. Lastly, songwriter Alex Call claims that the number was made-up! We might never know the actual story behind the song, but it’s interesting to hear what everyone has to say about it.
867 5309Jenny By Tommy Tutone 1981
