Music

Record producer and former guitarist for the band Chic, Nile Rodgers. In the late 1970s Chic was one of the most successful disco groups. Hits included "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Le Freak," and "Everybody Dance." As a record producer, Rodgers has worked with Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, INXS, and Madonna. (Rebroadcast of 8/20/1996)

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

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "You Must Believe in Swing" (Concord Jazz) featuring pianist Dave McKenna and clarinetist Buddy De Franco.

Jazz singer and guitarist John Pizzarelli. He's put out seven albums in the past two years, playing guitar in his drumless trio, which features his brother Martin on bass. His latest CD, "Our Love is Here to Stay" (RCA) features re-workings of songs by Johnny Mercer to the Gershwins to the Beatles, and this time Pizzarelli interprets these standards along with a 17-piece orchestra. John is the son of jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new recording by Cornershop, "When I Was Born for the 7th Time" (Luaka Bop/Warner)

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.

Jazz critic Kevin White reviews two new CDS featuring Ornette Coleman: "Colors" (Verve/Harmolodic) with Coleman and Joachim Kuhn and Geri Allen's "Eyes in the Back of Your Head" which features Coleman (Blue Note)

In-studio interview and concert with composer Joel Forrester, the co-founder of the Microscopic Septet (now defunct), composer of the Fresh Air theme, and solo pianist with a new cd, "Stop the Music" (Koch Records).

Rock historian Ed Ward on the 1960s Texas band, "Mouse and the Traps"

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.

Film director Jim Jarmusch. His films include "Mystery Train," and "Stranger Than Paradise." His newest film is a documentary, "Year of the Horse" about rock and roll's Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers: A Tribute." (on Bob Dylan's Egyptian record label)

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Horace Tapscott’s new CD “Thoughts of Dar Es Salaam."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Bob Dylan's new release "Time Out of Mind."

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.

Will Friedwald has written a new encyclopedic guide to the music legacy of Frank Sinatra: "Sinatra! The Song is You: A Singer's Art" (Da Capo Press). The work chronicles Sinatra's five-decade career, drawing on interviews with his many collaborators, and interviews with Sinatra himself, and includes a discography of his well know, as well as little known recordings. Friedwald is also the author of "Jazz Singing."

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