Max Martin was looking for the perfect vehicle to showcase his biggest pop hits. He found it in 17th century hitmaker William Shakespeare's famous tragedy "Romeo & Juliet" — only Martin left out the former to empower the latter.

Max Martin stands as one of the music industry's most recognized producers. The Swedish songwriter has made countless hits over the years. His work extends to various generations and genres of artists.

Max Martin’s hospital stay lasted eight days. “It was eight days straight of agonizing pain, so I’d be sitting in there and I didn’t know what to do,” Max said.

Get to know the producer behind Taylor Swift’s hit records, and his other collaborations that become pop classics