Ed Ward

Rock critic Ed Ward examines the life of the early rock guitarist and finds depth in the words of his raucous, bluesy songs.

Rock historian Ed Ward reflects on one-hit-wonder country singer Tommy McLain, who kept a low-profile playing bars in Louisiana.

Rock critic Ed Ward examines the life of the early rock guitarist and finds depth in the words of his raucous, bluesy songs.

Rock historian Ed Ward reflects on one-hit-wonder country singer Tommy McLain, who kept a low-profile playing bars in Louisiana.

Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at the Liverpool rock scene that produced the Beatles. Judging from early recordings, he believes it's no accident that the Beatles rose to stardom, while many of their peers were largely forgotten.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at how the country music establishment reacted to the burgeoning popularity of rock music in the 1950s and '60s -- sometimes in inept, out-of-touch ways.

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the impact the Orioles, one of the first black doo wop groups to achieve mainstream popularity.

Several bands were formed by art school students, like The Talking Heads and The Who. So were The Creation, a mostly-forgotten group who rock historian Ed Ward says deserves more recognition.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the brash and powerful blues "shouter" Wynonie Harris, whose raucous songs had a strong influence on early rock and roll.

Rock historian remembers the 1960s Boston band The Remains, whose music reflected the genre's growing depth and sophistication. Despite opening for the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, the group never caught on.