Ed Ward

There have been several waves of pop music in New Orleans since World War II, with each one subsiding as its celebrated musicians realize they can't make a living in the city they grew up in. In 1960, another of those waves crested, and with it came a pioneering effort for racial equality. Ed Ward has the story of AFO Records: All For One.

The girl group Reparata and the Delrons worked its forward-looking magic on songs like "Captain Of Your Ship," "Boys and Girls," "Shoes," and "Whenever a Teenager Cries." The band became far more popular overseas than in America, however.

The singer Nico recorded inimitable songs on solo records and with the Velvet Underground in the 1960s, beginning with 1967's Chelsea Girl.

British singer and songwriter Sandy Denny played a seminal role of the folk-revolution in the 1960s. From her solo work to songs like "Who Knows Where the Time Goes," recorded with Fairport Convention, Denny was loved for her wistful, honest singing style.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the short-lived but influential '70s English rock 'n' roll band Mott The Hoople.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about Philadelphia's Cameo and Parkway record labels. From the late 1950s to the late-'60s, their hits included "The Twist," "South Street" and "Bristol Stomp." ABKCO Records has just released a Cameo-Parkway four-CD retrospective.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks back on the beginnings of Motown's Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us the story of the pop group the Chairman of the Board.

Before he played guitar for Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page was a session musician in London studios. Rock historian Ed Ward looks back at Page's early career. Led Zeppelin will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy next month.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about the middle years of Little Richard's career, when he left pop music for a while, sang gospel, and then returned to rock 'n' roll.