Music

World music critic Milo Miles reviews the new reissue: "Chess Blues Piano Greats" (Chess/MCA records)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new debut album "Supa Dupa Fly" (Atlantic) by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. It includes her hit single "The Rain."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "The Velvet Rope" (Virgin Records) the new album by Janet Jackson, her first in four years.

Rock Historian Ed Ward continues his review of "The Philly Sound: Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff & The Story of Brother Love (1966-1976)" (Epic)

Lyricist Hal David. For years he's collaborated with music writer Burt Bacharach. Between them they've written such famous songs as "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head," "Close to You," "What's New, Pussycat?," and "That's what Friends are For." David has received every major music industry award in addition to 20 gold records, awards such as an Academy Award, a Grammy, and induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame.

Rock historian Ed Ward on the Philadelphia production team of Gamble & Huff.

Chuck D founder of the rap group Public Enemy. With the group's emergence in 1987, they ushered in politically conscious rap, portraying the world of many young urban black men, of limited opportunity, drugs, guns, and violent death. Their song "Fight the Power" was featured Spike Lee's film, "Do the Right Thing." In 1989 the group was the focus of controversy when one of its members, the "minister of information" made anti-semitic comments. Other band members spoke out against the remarks.

Veteran rapper LL Cool J has written an autobiography, entitled "I Make My Own Rules" (St. Martin's). In it he talks about his evolving life, from violent beginnings to his entrancement with rhyme and rap in high school, an obsession that made him Def Jam records' first recording artist at age 15. Mostly recognized throughout his recording career as the one with the gold chains and floppy hat, LL is also a two-time Grammy winner, actor, husband, father of three, and role model for youth.

Rock historian Ed Ward on the importance of the Smithsonian Institute's re-released "Anthology of American Folk Music" on CD.

Sun Studios founder Sam Phillips. He is revered as one of the leading catalysts in post WW II American music. As a record producer in the 1950s and 60s his recordings launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis and that’s just to name a few. Next Month, Phillips will be a celebrity host on the public radio program Beale Street Caravan. Phillips is now in his mid 70s.