Burt Bacharach -- Hal David -- Ray Charles -- Harlan Howard -- Dolly Parton -- Isaac Hayes -- Walter Becker and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan -- David Bowie -- Graham Nash -- Carlos Santana -- Todd Rundgren -- Michael McDonald -- Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac -- Billy Joel -- Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis -- Amy Grant -- Jane Siberry -- John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls -- Tori Amos -- John Linnell of They Might Be Giants -- Sarah McLachlan -- Ben Folds -- Seal -- Paula Cole -- Jewel -- Dido -- John Mayer.

The interviews included in this fascinating collection of discussions with popular songwriters focus on the craft itself-and as such, they are of interest both to music fans and to budding songwriters themselves. What inspires songwriters? Where do their songs come from? What is their process? What do they do when they get stuck? In this book, readers will hear from a vast range of well-known, successful songwriters, many of them performers as well, revealing the nuances of their skill: how they write their songs, from conception to finished work. The book will have a wide breadth, both historical and stylistic, but no matter the genre, the songs discussed here have defined eras and our culture as well. Full of trivia, wisdom, and fascinating revelations from such figures as Tori Amos, Burt Bacharach, David Bowie, Sarah McLachlan, Billy Joel, and John Mayer, In Their Own Words will shine light on what is inherently an often lonely craft, giving readers a glimpse into a mysterious process and offering rising songwriters a wealth of advice from those who have spent decades successfully sharing their work with the public.