Blues

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward surveys some of this year's best rock and roll CD re-issues, featuring higher-fidelity sound and more informative liner notes.

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.

Unlike other blues musicians whose sound is rooted in a particular place, Cray moved around the country throughout his youth. His hits include such songs as "Smoking Gun" and "I Guess I Showed Her." He's got a new album now, Midnight Stroll, which revives the the style of 1960s soul.

Vaughan recently died in a helicopter crash. Milo Miles joins Terry to discuss the late musician's legacy.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that some of the soloists Duke Ellington featured in the bandleader's big band left a lasting impression -- even after their departure. Whitehead reviews two new CD anthologies which feature trumpeters Bubber Miley and Louis Armstrong's collaborations with the jazz composer.

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.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Complete Blue Note Recordings of George Lewis," a box set featuring the music of early New Orleans clarinetist George Lewis. Whitehead says you don't need to be familiar with Lewis's historical significance to understand the timeless grace of his playing.

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.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "That's a Serious Thing," a new reissue featuring trombonist Jack Teagarden. Kevin says the album shows how Teagarden brought a country influence into jazz. The album's on the RCA/Bluebird label and it features Teagarden performances from 1929 to 1957.