Blues

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about how white fans of the 1960s folk revival sought out long-neglected blues artists.

Rock historian Ed Ward has part four of our five part series on the evolution of blues music in America. He talks about how the regional nature of the blues kept it flourishing during the dawn of rock and roll.

Part three of Ed Ward's series on the history of the blues. He talks about how the realities of post-war life changed the trajectory of the genre.

Music critic Ed Ward has part two in our week long series tracing the evolution of blues music in America. Today, Ed focuses on the growth of the genre after The Depression.

Rock historian Ed Ward begins his five-part series on the history of the blues. Today's installment includes Mamie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Furry Lewis, Blind Willie Johnson, and Tommy Johnson.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at Chicago's contribution to music. Artists discussed include Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Fontella Bass, The Dels, The Chi-Lites, and Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Rock historian Ed Ward begins a special series on the contribution of various cities to rock and roll. He begins with Los Angeles. Artists discussed Roy Milton, Johnny Otis, Esther Phillips, Richie Valens, Eddie Cochran, Beach Boys, Phil Spector, The Ronettes, and The Byrds.

Rock Historian Ed Ward highlights the music of singer Mable John. She hit the black radio top ten chart in the 1960s with her song "Your Good Thing." Her music never caught on and not surprisingly most of her material never was released by Stax Records. But in 1993, Fantasy Records, assembled her music and released what turns out to be her first album.

World Music Critic Milo Miles offers a tribute to the persistence and range of soul singer Solomon Burke. Miles reviews Burke's new CD "Live at the House of Blues."

Rock Historian Ed Ward looks back at Ike Turner's career before Tina, when he secured his place in American Pop music history.