Pop

Singer Lesley Gore. In 1963, when she was only 16, Lesley Gore recorded one of the greatest songs in rock and roll history, "It's My Party, and I'll Cry If I Want To." Gore has stayed in the business since the 60s, and she's currently appearing at the New York City club, "Rainbow and Stars." Also, Rhino records has recently released a two record retrospective of her greatest hits. (Rebroadcast. Original date 10/25/91).

There's been a flood of CD anthologies this year documenting the careers of many great early rock and rollers. Rock historian Ed Ward tells us what ones he likes best, and what ones would make the best Christmas presents.

With Haiti so much in the news these days, World Music commentator Milo Miles decided to look into the world of Haitian pop music.

Rock and roll songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They're responsible for many of the greatest hits in rock history, among them "Hound Dog," "Yakity Yak," and "Stand By Me." Rhino records has just released a collection of their songs, called "There's A Riot Goin' On."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums from some classic rock singer-songwriters: James Taylor's "New Moon Shine" (Columbia) and Warren Zevon's "Mr. Bad Example" (Giant Records).

World music critic Milo Miles checks out popular music from Indonesia. (He plays selections from the album "Indonesian Popular Music: Kroncong, Dangdut, & Langgam Jawa" on the Smithsonian Folkways label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Time For Love: The Best of Julie London." It's a new reissue of songs by Julie London, who was a sex-kitten singer back in the 50s and 60s. (It's on Rhino Records).

Co-founder of the 1970s rock group Steely Dan, Donald Fagen. Their hits included "Rikki, Don't Lose that Number," "Deacon Blues," and "Josie." Since then he's issued a solo album and some singles, and worked at film scoring. He's just come out with a new all-star album, "New York Rock & Soul Revue -- Live at the Beacon," featuring Fagen, Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow and Boz Scaggs. (Giant Records).

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his look at the last four decades in rock. Today he turns the clock back to 1962.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews last night's premiere of Michael Jackson's new music video, "Black Or White." He also discusses how Jackson has changed the world of music videos.

Dave Alvin is the former guitarist for the Los Angeles band The Blasters. He's just put out a new album called "Blue Blvd." (Hightone Records) After writing songs for others, he's now writing for himself.

Singer-songwriter John Prine. He's just come out with his first studio album in 5 years, "The Missing Years." (It's on Oh Boy Records).

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album "Ropin' the Wind" by country singer Garth Brooks.

Singer Lesley Gore. In 1963, when she was only 16, Leslie Gore recorded one of the greatest songs in rock and roll history, "It's My Party, and I'll Cry If I Want To." Gore has stayed in the business since the 60s, and she's currently appearing at the New York City club, "Rainbow and Stars." Also, Rhino records has recently released a two record retrospective of her greatest hits.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Hymns To The Silence," the new double album from Van Morrison.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two current rap acts, Heavy D and the Boyz and 3rd Bass.

World music critic Milo Miles reviews some current books on African music. His big recommendation is "Sweet Mother: Modern African Music," by Wolfgang Bender (published by University of Chicago Press).

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the songwriting team of Don Harris and Dewey Terry. They worked at Los Angeles' Specialty Records, where Little Richard also recorded, and gave the studio some of its biggest hits.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at some of the bands that have changed their identities, and names, along the way, including: the Gladiolas/Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, James Brown, and the Primettes/Supremes.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD set featuring George Gershwin playing his own compositions. (on the British Pearl label).