Blues

Ed Ward discusses a blues revival.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the blues man and master guitarist, who would have celebrated his 100th or 101st birthday this month.

Our rock historian Ed Ward has a profile of Sleepy John Estes. He was one of the trailblazers whose songs become American classics. After years of subsistence farming following his initial success, Estes was rediscovered, and made a good living playing in and around Chicago.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward remembers The Memphis Jug Band.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead profiles trombonist Charlie Green who worked with Bessie Smith.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Skip James, a great bluesman of the 30s who vanished from the scene, then reappeared 30 years later.

Rock historian Ed Ward explains how American record companies repeatedly tried to capitalize on the popularity of blues music by repackaging it for pop audiences.

Chester Arthur Burnett didn't become a professional musician until he was 38, when he adopted the stage name Howlin' Wolf. Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the musician's move from the South to the North, and the development of his urban blues sound.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the late Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.

Rock historian Ed Ward begins a two-part profile on Little Richard. This week he tells us about Little Richard's early years, when he had more ambition than success and was still trying to make his mark in the music world.