Ed Ward

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Little Willie John, an unrecognized rhythm and blues singer in the 50s who recorded the song "Fever" long before Peggy Lee made it a pop hit.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles The Buzzcocks, a British punk group that had more influence on the British punk scene than better-known bands like The Sex Pistols. The band was based in Manchester and had an even grittier veneer than that of the notorious London punk bands.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, best known for their sexually suggestive songs in the 50s about "Annie," a woman of dubious reputation.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the group Television, a band that helped launch the New York punk scene in the late-70s.

Rock historian Ed Ward plays songs by several top soul stars who got their start imitating Little Richard.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Roky Erickson and the Thirteenth Floor Elevators, a sixties group that put Texas on par with the psychedelic bands from California.

Fresh Air's rock historian Ed Ward discusses the roots of his own musical tastes.

Rock historian Ed Ward will discuss the making of Phil Spector's Christmas Album, one of the most successful records of its kind.

Rock historian Ed Ward will profile The Standells. Their big hit was titled "Dirty Water." The group's name surfaced in the news recently when someone tried to impersonate Dick Dodd, the group's leader in an Austin, Texas nightclub.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles James Carr, the little-known 60s soul singer, thought to have been the equal of Otis Redding and Wilson Picket.