Ed Ward

Orbison had a legendary, operatic voice. He was shy by nature; years after weathering the tragic deaths of his wife and children, Orbison had recently started coming out of his shell, and joined the all-star band the Traveling Wilburys. He died of heart failure on December 6th.

Eddie Jones, who later performed as Guitar Slim, was an early pioneer of rock and blues guitar. He died in 1959. Rock historian Ed Ward says that, had Slim lived, he could have outshone Jimi Hendrix.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the career of the late musician, who, as a teenager, first plucked America's heartstrings on the TV show "The Adventure of Ozzie and Harriet."

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles New Orleans rocker Lloyd Price was one of the earliest black rock 'n rollers. He first recorded on the Special T label, and had hits with the songs "Personality" and his version of the old folk tale "Stagger Lee." He adopted a pop sound after New York City, started a few record labels, and owns several nightclubs.

Rock historian Ed Ward says rock programming in the 1960s had a big effect on the culture of the time -- even during the commercial breaks.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the Kaleidoscope, a psychedelic band who incorporated Middle Eastern sounds into their eclectic songs.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks back on the Memphis-based soul label, which released hits by black artists like Ann Peebles and Al Green.

Rock historian Ed Ward concludes his profile of the early rhythm and blues band the 5 Royales. They were known for their raucous live shows and their prominent lead guitar lines.

In the first of a two-part profile, Fresh Air's rock historian looks back at the 5 Royales. They started off as a mediocre gospel group from North Carolina before evolving into a distinctive rhythm and blues vocal ensemble signed to Apollo Records.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the late guitarist, whom he knew personally. Bloomfield grew up a rich kid in Chicago, and later started one of the city's first integrated blues bands. He's notable for updating the genre by linking it to folk traditions.