Ed Ward

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the glitter rock band The New York Dolls. Their front man was David Johansen, who has since recast himself as the martini-swilling crooner Buster Poindexter.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the career of soul great Percy Sledge. Ed says there was much more to Sledge than his hit "When a Man Loves a Woman."

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the career of versatile Texas rock n' roller Doug Sahm, including the night in 1952 when he performed while sitting on the lap of Hank Williams, and his escapades as the leader of The Sir Douglas Quintet, a group of southerners who tried to convince the public they were British.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at the music of Mardi Gras as performed by Professor Longhair, the Neville family and The Hawkettes.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Little Willie John, an unrecognized rhythm and blues singer in the 50s who recorded the song "Fever" long before Peggy Lee made it a pop hit.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles The Buzzcocks, a British punk group that had more influence on the British punk scene than better-known bands like The Sex Pistols. The band was based in Manchester and had an even grittier veneer than that of the notorious London punk bands.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, best known for their sexually suggestive songs in the 50s about "Annie," a woman of dubious reputation.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the group Television, a band that helped launch the New York punk scene in the late-70s.

Rock historian Ed Ward plays songs by several top soul stars who got their start imitating Little Richard.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Roky Erickson and the Thirteenth Floor Elevators, a sixties group that put Texas on par with the psychedelic bands from California.