Ed Ward

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 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 looks at the music of Mardi Gras as performed by Professor Longhair, the Neville family and The Hawkettes.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the career of versatile Texas rock n' roller Doug Sahm, including the night in 1952 when he performed while sitting on the lap of Hank Williams, and his escapades as the leader of The Sir Douglas Quintet, a group of southerners who tried to convince the public they were British.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the career of soul great Percy Sledge. Ed says there was much more to Sledge than his hit "When a Man Loves a Woman."

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the glitter rock band The New York Dolls. Their front man was David Johansen, who has since recast himself as the martini-swilling crooner Buster Poindexter.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Louis Jordan. Between 1930 and 1950, Jordan spearheaded the rhythm and blues sound. He was one of the very first crossover artists, appealing to both blacks and whites. Ed focuses on the Louis Jordan who pioneered rap music.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the band Brinsley Schwarz. During the 70s, this band started the pub rock scene, where people put off by the glamour posturing of popular rock stars could hear rock-n-roll in informal and inexpensive surroundings.

Rock historian Ed Ward gets a jump on April Fool's Day by sharing what he classifies as "the worst music ever recorded."

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles The Belmonts, the singers who backed up Dion. They went on to record hit songs of their own.