Ed Ward

Charlie Rich was a jazz enthusiast who wrote for many legendary country and rock musicians on the Sun Record Label. Rock historian Ed Ward says, for Rich, recording his own, original music was an afterthought. He had a few hits on various Memphis-area labels, but could never break through into the mainstream.

Rock historian Ed Ward says that 1960s bands from Oregon and Washington are often overlooked. Their style was distinctive, featuring distorted guitars and raw, sneered vocals -- a sound that endures today.

Rock historian Ed Ward says the city has long celebrated the holiday with rock music, some of which incorporated Black Indian traditions and style.

Johnny Otis, who was born to Greek parents, claimed he became black by immersing himself in African American communities and culture. He later opened a blues club in Los Angeles, and helped promote new talent in the scene. Rock historian Ed Ward tells his story.

Rock historian Ed Ward says the 1960s Mod movement started in working-class London, and was rooted more in fashion than rock music. But the amphetimine-fueled subculture was short-lived, and many Mods became hippies. The re-emergence of Mods in the 1970s didn't last long, either.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers pub rock, a British style of music from the 1970s that resurrected the spirit of early rock and roll. He says the unpretentious approach paved the way for punk rock.

Together, brothers Brian and Eddie Holland, along with Lamont Dozier, wrote dozens of hits for the Detroit label. They worked with other record companies in the 1970s, but, says rock historian Ed Ward, they never their earlier success with Motown.

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the influence of early Mexican American rock bands. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs were a goofy novelty act; the Question Marks incorporated the sounds of traditional Mexican music into their songs.

Rock historian Ed Ward says that, in order for rock and roll to survive, listeners must be wary of critics who exaggerate and sensationalize the past in order to sell books.

Rock historian Ed Ward says that, despite their rebellious spirit, rock musicians have long been recording Christmas songs. He emembers some classic and oddball examples.