Songs about dads (and by dads and for dads)

In May your "How We Heard It" hosts served an episode of songs about moms in honor of Mother's Day, so it's only fitting that for June they turn out an episode of songs about uncles. Kidding! Of course Father's Day brings about an episode of songs about dads - all kinds of dads. From supportive dads to deadbeat dads, from the doting fathers to the cold fathers and maybe a hot daddy here and there for those so inclined. For better or worse, our fathers often play an important role in who we become, even if they were no part of our lives at all, and performers from Bruce Springsteen to Tupac Shakur have had quite a bit to say (or sing or rap) about their own fathers. Meanwhile, other men have gone above and beyond to inspire, protect and provide for their children, fully embracing the part of "role model," and they get their props in songs, too. Then are all of those numerous tributes to departed dads, and they include some of the most touching songs in all of music. Following the lead of last month's episode about moms, this episode of "How We Heard It" also finds the hosts talking about what kind of fathers some of the biggest stars proved to be to their performer children (and if you didn't already know about John Lennon, prepare to be disappointed in him). And in a more whimsical turn, the show also features a little conjecture about what kind of fathers some of today's younger male stars might prove to be, and one host even offers a potential pair of "dream parents" of two of today's biggest stars. No matter what kind of father you had, or even what kind of father you are, someone has written a song that fits you better than a new tie.