Music

He's known as the King of the Blues. King was born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi before moving to Memphis where he began his career. Since then, among numerous other awards, he's received seven Grammies, an MTV award, and a Presidential Medal of the Arts. He is also a member of the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame. In his biography, entitled "Blues All Around Me" he recounts his life from his early days in Mississippi, to breaking into the music business in Memphis, to his career today. He has over 74 albums to his credit.

Rock historian Ed Ward begins his five-part series on the history of the blues. Today's installment includes Mamie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Furry Lewis, Blind Willie Johnson, and Tommy Johnson.

Music commentator Milo Miles profiles the doo-wop group the Diablos, fronted by singer Nolan Strong.

Lindsay-Hogg talks with Terry Gross about his new film "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus." The concert footage was shot 28 years ago, but hasn't been released until now. The film was shelved by the Rolling Stones and later lost for fifteen years.. A companion C.D. under the same title will be released today.

Jennings had sixteen #1 records, won two Grammy's and four Country Music Awards. He's recognized for helping to unify the country music audience. He intermingled the strict country-only traditions with rock and roll. Jennings was Buddy Holly's bass player; he gave his seat up to the Big Bopper on the plane which would crash, killing Holly and others. Jennings' new autobiography is called "Waylon."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Sheryl Crow's new, self-titled album. He says it's the best mainstream rock record he's heard all year.

Music artist Jim Dickinson talks about his friend and legendary Memphis deejay, Dewey Philips. Philips is best known as the first person to play Elvis Presley on the air. He also pushed the racial barriers of the time by playing a mix of music by black and white artists.

Johnston is best known for his work with the Microscopic Septet from 1980 to 1992. His latest band, Big Trouble, has just released the album, "Flood At The Ant Farm." He has a reputation as one of contemporary music's most versatile composers. In addition to playing the saxophone, Johnston has a growing interest in scoring music for film, T.V., and radio programs. He has written the theme music for "Fresh Air." He has also written music for other NPR programs, MTV, and Comedy Central.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album by Kate & Anna McGarrigle, "Matapedia." It's their first new album in six years.

Weston died last Friday. We replay part of our 1988 interview with his wife Jo Stafford. (Rebroadcast)

Peters has a new album, "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight." She made her theatrical debut at the age of 9. Since then she's been on Broadway with "Sunday in the Park with George," "Into the Woods." She's starred in 14 movies including, "Silent Movie," "The Jerk," "Pennies from Heaven" and "Impromptu."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD of music composed by classic American songwriter Vincent Youmans and performed by William Bolcom and Joan Morris. It's called "Orchids in the Moonlight: Songs of Vincent Youmans."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new collection from R.E.M, "New Adventures in Hi-Fi." (Warner Bros)

Memphis based musician Sid Selvidge. He's a guitarist whose music synthesizes classic blues styles and Appalachian traditions. Selvidge has been part of the Memphis music scene for 30 years, learning from such Delta blues legends as Bukka White, and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Selvidge is also senior producer of the new public radio blues show, "Beale Street Caravan" which premieres on October 1.

Anders talks about her new film, "Grace of My Heart," based on the lives of songwriters who worked out of the Brill Building in New York. Her other movies include: "Four Rooms," "Mi Vida Loca," and "Gas Food Lodging."

Critic Ken Tucker reviews the soul group's new album "Home Again," which he says, even with its jumble of producers, is solid and mature.

Music critic Ken Tucker reviews the new record by Quad City DJs The Florida based group's album "Get On Up & Dance" has spun out the dance hit "C'mon and Ride It."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews "Sergio Fiorentino in Germany," a live recording from 1993, on the Appian Label. Fiorentino recently performed to the U.S. for the first time in forty years.

Gladys Knight began her singing career at age 4 and went on to lead one of the most successful vocal soul groups in America, Gladys Knight and The Pips. The group stayed together for 39 years before disbanding. The group's most notable songs include "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Neither One of Us," and Midnight Train to Georgia." Knight has launched a solo career since. Terry interviewed Knight before a live audience in San Francisco earlier this year.

Music Critic Milo Miles talks about Los Del Rio's hit "Macarena." It even comes with its own dance. Miles says, given the songs substance, its popularity will likely be just a fad.