Rock

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his look at the last four decades in rock. Today he turns the clock back to 1962.

Rock critic Ed Ward, in honor of Elvis' birthday, looks into the rhythm and blues roots of his music.

The late songwriter Doc Pomus co-wrote such hits as "This Magic Moment," "Save The Last Dance for Me," "Teenager in Love," and "His Latest Flame." We remember Pomus with three interviews:

1) Music critic Peter Guralnick (Gurr-AL-nick), a friend and admirer of Pomus. Guralnick wrote "Searching For Robert Johnson," a book that examined the life of blues musician Robert Johnson. And he's currently working on a biography of Elvis Presley.

A concert and interview with singer/songwriter/guitarist Jules Shear. He was with the "Funky Kings," and later, "Jules & The Polar Bears." The songs he has written have been recorded by The Bangles, Cyndi Lauper, and many others. He has a new album out this month, "The Great Puzzle." (on Polydor).

Rock historian Ed Ward begins a series of pieces on rock 10, 20, 30, and 40 years ago. Today, he goes back to 1952, and the early days of rock and roll.

Rock critic Ken Tucker discusses the year in rock music, and he runs down his choice for the top ten records of 1991.

There's been a flood of CD anthologies this year documenting the careers of many great early rock and rollers. Rock historian Ed Ward tells us what ones he likes best, and what ones would make the best Christmas presents.

Rock and roll songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They're responsible for many of the greatest hits in rock history, among them "Hound Dog," "Yakity Yak," and "Stand By Me." Rhino records has just released a collection of their songs, called "There's A Riot Goin' On."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums from some classic rock singer-songwriters: James Taylor's "New Moon Shine" (Columbia) and Warren Zevon's "Mr. Bad Example" (Giant Records).

Elvis Costello's former bass player, Bruce Thomas. He was with Elvis Costello and the Attractions, from 1977-1987. Thomas has just written a journalistic book about touring with a band based on his own experiences, "The Big Wheel: Rock & Roll and Roadside Attractions." (published by Faber & Faber).

Co-founder of the 1970s rock group Steely Dan, Donald Fagen. Their hits included "Rikki, Don't Lose that Number," "Deacon Blues," and "Josie." Since then he's issued a solo album and some singles, and worked at film scoring. He's just come out with a new all-star album, "New York Rock & Soul Revue -- Live at the Beacon," featuring Fagen, Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow and Boz Scaggs. (Giant Records).

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the Isley Brothers.

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his look at the last four decades in rock. Today he turns the clock back to 1962.

In honor of Thanksgiving, rock historian Ed Ward carves up some rock and roll turkeys.

Musician Glen Matlock. Matlock was an original member of the British punk band, The Sex Pistols. He was kicked out of the band in 1977, and replaced by Sid Vicious. Matlock has written a new book about the band, titled "I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol." (It's published by Faber and Faber).

Dave Alvin is the former guitarist for the Los Angeles band The Blasters. He's just put out a new album called "Blue Blvd." (Hightone Records) After writing songs for others, he's now writing for himself.

Terry interviews writer Greil Marcus about his new book, "Dead Elvis: A Chronicle of a Cultural Obsession." (see above) Marcus has written a biography of Presley that begins at his death. He documents the many-faceted cultural obsession with Elvis that has arisen since his death.

Critic-at-Large Maureen Corrigan reviews Greil Marcus' new book, "Dead Elvis: A Chronicle of a Cultural Obsession." (Doubleday)

Singer-songwriter John Prine. He's just come out with his first studio album in 5 years, "The Missing Years." (It's on Oh Boy Records).