Music

Rock historian Ed Ward shares some of the lesser known works from the Motown label.

World music commentator Milo Miles tells us about the tango music of Julio de Caro. He and his band set the standard for tango music in Buenos Aires in the 20's, and his music has just been reissued on the Spanish El Bandoneon label.

World music critic Milo Miles tells us about a new strain of Merengue music: Merengue rap.

Singer and Songwriter Arthur Alexander died today. He had only recently begun performing again after a twenty year break. We remember him.

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.

World music critic Milo Miles surveys the work of Caetano Veloso. Miles says that, of the musician's many albums, each features both knockout songs and slow bores. But that doesn't diminish from his cultural impact -- and ever improving output.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at some pop singers who got their start in gospel. Artists discussed include Sam Cooke, Johnny Taylor, The Five Royales, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, James Brown, and Shirley Ceasar.

World music critic Milo Miles profiles veteran Zaire performer, Papa Wemba.

World music commentator Milo Miles explores the eerie music of the master musicians of Jajouka, Morocco.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Bobby Robinson and his Harlem record labels which were responsible for such hits as "Kansas City," and "Fannie Mae," and for launching the career of Gladys Knight.