Music

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 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 Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, best known for their sexually suggestive songs in the 50s about "Annie," a woman of dubious reputation.

Rock historian Ed Ward plays songs by several top soul stars who got their start imitating Little Richard.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles James Carr, the little-known 60s soul singer, thought to have been the equal of Otis Redding and Wilson Picket.

Accordionist William Schimmel will perform several tangos.

Rock historian Ed Ward will explore the gospel roots of soul great Sam Cooke.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Dike and the Blazers, a group that played in the mid-60s and put Phoenix on the Soul map.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at the songs the Beatles gave away, the songs Paul McCartney and John Lennon wrote at the urging of manager Brian Epstein for other Liverpool bands.

Ellen Pfeifer, music critic for The Boston Herald, reviews the brief career of cellist Jacqueline Du Pré, who died on Monday from the effects of multiple sclerosis. Her playing was a described as a mixture of elegance and ferocity. When the disease struck at the age of 26, it cut short one of the most promising solo careers in all classical music.