Rock

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the impact the Orioles, one of the first black doo wop groups to achieve mainstream popularity.

Music publicist Derek Taylor was the press agent for the Beatles; he also ghost wrote the memoir of their manager, Brian Epstein. His new book, about 1967 -- when he started working for Apple Records -- is called It Was Twenty Years Ago Today.

Released six months ago, Jennifer Warnes' album Famous Blue Raincoat has gone gold, outselling every album by Leonard Cohen, who first wrote and recorded all the songs Warnes sings. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the popularity is deserved.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at how the country music establishment reacted to the burgeoning popularity of rock music in the 1950s and '60s -- sometimes in inept, out-of-touch ways.

The band's songs endure two decades on in new compact disc reissues and, rock critic Ken Tucker bemoans, radio and television ads.

Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at the Liverpool rock scene that produced the Beatles. Judging from early recordings, he believes it's no accident that the Beatles rose to stardom, while many of their peers were largely forgotten.

David Bowie claims that his new album, Never Let Me Down, includes every style he's played throughout his 17-album career. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the music is an improvement over the pop legend's recent movies and records.

Tipper Gore, wife of Tennessee senator Albert Gore, is concerned with the increasingly violent and sexual nature of popular music's lyrics, videos, and culture. She believes that record companies should alert consumers to an album's explicit content so parents can make informed decision regarding what their children listen to.

Dave Marsh is a friend and biographer of the New Jersey rock star. He explains how Springsteen's work has matured, and the impact the artist's albums have had on the songwriter's fans.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that, after a few recent missteps, Prince has released a masterful new double album.