Music

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Love Will Go All The Way" (MCG label) by Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's.

Chicago soul/blues singer Otis Clay. The Mississippi native got his training in gospel. As a teenager he joined the gospel/pop harmony group Blue Jay Quartet, and then worked with a number of gospel groups. In the 1960s he signed with One-derful Records and recorded the singles, "Tired of Falling In and Out of Love," "A Flame in Your Heart" and "Got to Find a Way." Later he signed with Hi Records and recorded the hit "Trying to Live My Life Without You." His newest release is "This Time Around" (Bullseye).

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the career of Dusty Springfield, and her landmark album, "Dusty in Memphis" the 1969 album which is being re-released in April by Rhino Records, along with a collection of tracks recorded in London.

A Fresh Air favorite, opera soprano Dawn Upshaw. She has a new CD, "Dawn Upshaw sings Vernon Duke" (Nonesuch). It features Fred Hersch on piano and John Pizzarelli on guitar. We'll also hear from the producer of her new CD, Tommy Krasker. Upshaw has more than two dozen albums to her credit and has become widely known for her ability to perform both in the opera as well as sing Broadway tunes. Upshaw joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1984 and has performed at the Met.

Vee, who died Monday, had 38 hit singles including, "Take Good Care of My Baby." During a 1999 Fresh Air interview, Vee explained how the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly got him started in music.

Commentator Milo Miles introduces us to England's reggae artist and record company owner Linton Kwesi Johnson. He lyrics are a mix of poetry and politics. A new two-cd set called "Independent Intavenshan" features Johnson's music in the 1980's. It is available by Island Records.

We remember bluesman, songwriter and pianist Charles Brown. He died yesterday from congestive heart failure. (REBROADCAST from 6/22/89)

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the record label, Red bird, founded by songwriters and producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Their hits included "Chapel of Love," and "Leader of the Pack."

Critic Milo Miles reviews "Bloque" (pronounced, "Blow-K") from Colombia(Lukabob/WArner).

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new two-cd set of Stephen Sondheim's "Follies"