Irish rock band U2 included “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” on their 1987 album The Joshua Tree. The song, written by the band, was a №1 hit. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” grew out of a jam session centered around a beat by drummer Larry Mullen Jr.

The Youngstown, OH band that scored a №8 hit in 1968 with “Nobody But Me” was named the Human Beingz when they signed with Capitol Records. Rhythm guitarist Ting Markulin described on his website what happened next.

Enjoy this excerpt from the new mini-book New York Rock & Roll History: The 1950s.

“Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” was an unlikely smash hit in 1960. Brian Hyland was a 16-year-old high school student when he recorded the novelty tune. Lyricist Paul Vance wrote the song with composer Lee Pockriss after he took his two-year-old daughter, Paula, to Jones Beach on Long Island, where she wore her new polka dot bikini.

“Ventura Highway” was a №8 hit from America’s 1972 album Homecoming. Singer and guitarist Dewey Bunnell wrote “Ventura Highway” about his family’s trip in 1963 from Nebraska to California.

Enjoy this excerpt from New York Rock & Roll History: The 1970s, part of our new series tracing the roots of NYC rock music.

In the 1950s, the street corners of cities across the US were the rehearsal halls for nascent doo wop groups perfecting their harmonies. Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers and the Chips were among thousands of teens who honed their vocal skills under a streetlamp, dreaming of success.

The Lovin’ Spoonful recorded hit after hit in the 1960s, but by 1968, singer-songwriter John Sebastian left to pursue a solo career. Sebastian recorded solo LPs and played harmonica on the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” but he couldn’t replicate the success he had with the Spoonful.

“Respect Yourself” was released in 1971 in an era of black self-empowerment that featured songs like James Brown’s “Say It Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up.” The song was recorded by the Staple Singers, a family group that featured Mavis Staples and her father, Roebuck “Pops” Staples.

It is sad to note the passing of David Clayton-Thomas, the Canadian-born singer of horn rock’s Blood, Sweat & Tears. No cause of death was given. Clayton, 84, died peacefully on June 24 at a Toronto hospital.

By 1980, the last few albums produced by Paul McCartney and Wings did not enjoy the success of LPs like 1973’s Band on the Run. McCartney decided to record a solo album, McCartney II, on which he played all the instruments. Its title was a nod to 1970’s McCartney, his debut solo album recorded without other musicians.

“Reminiscing” is one of Little River Band’s signature songs. The lead vocalist was Glenn Shorrock, and it was written by the Australian band’s rhythm guitarist Graeham Goble, who explained its creation in Guitar Player.

“Junior’s Farm” was written by Paul McCartney and recorded by his band, Wings. The roots of the 1974 №3 hit go back to McCartney’s purchase of a Scottish estate called High Park Farm. In his memoir The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, McCartney said the estate provided a respite from the business of being a Beatle.

What's Your Rock IQ? Take This Rock Quiz

Kenny Rogers said that Jimi Hendrix once told him that “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” was his all-time favorite song.

Regarded as one of the greatest live albums, At Fillmore East was recorded by the Allman Brothers Band on the final two nights of a three-night stand March 12–13, 1971 at Bill Graham’s iconic rock venue.

Promoter Ron Delsener presented Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many other stars at the Palladium.

'Rock Quiz: 1000 Questions Classic Rock Challenge!' Book Excerpt

The core members of Mountain — singer-guitarist Leslie West, bassist and producer Felix Pappalardi, and drummer Corky Laing — formed in 1969. Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” is the band’s biggest hit, reaching №21 in 1970. West told Music Aficionado that Laing came up with the inspiration for the lyrics.

"Twist and Shout” became one of the Beatles’ big hits when it was released in March 1964 at the outset of Beatlemania. The song was a cover of the Top 20 hit two years earlier by the Isley Brothers.