Ed Ward

Ok, maybe it's unpatriotic, but Rock Historian Ed Ward hates barbecues. It's not the food he minds -- he just doesn't like eating outside.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Blind Willie Johnson, an itinerant gospel singer who traveled the South between the 20s and the 40s. Unlike many of his peers, Johnson was a master guitarist.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells the story of "Sally Go Round the Roses," a strange, enigmatic song that was a hit in 1963, recorded by The Jaynetts.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward plays some of the many 1960s artists who tried to cash in on the Bob Dylan sound.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers West Texas rocker Buddy Knox, who had a couple of hits in the 1950s like "Party Doll," and "Hoola Love."

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the singer, whose legacy includes some excellent rockabilly masterpieces alongside his country and western work.

Rock historian Ed Ward plays some of the forgotten recordings released by the Apple Label. The label was started by the Beatles, whose members often produced those records.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at some of the early integrated doo-wop groups. He says unlike today's white acts which appropriate black styles, those early groups truly mixed black and white performers and black and white musical styles.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Laura Lee, a gospel singer who in the late 60s and early 70s switched to soul. She became known for her feminist songs "Wedlock is a Padlock," and "Women's Love Rights." After a string of hits she went back to gospel music, recording with Al Green.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward looks back on the music of 1981 -- a year he says was great for black musicians in particular, including Prince, Rick James, and Grandmaster Flash. British bands like Duran Duran dominated, too.