Music

Robert Moog is the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, an electronic keyboard that makes unworldly sounding electronic music. He invented it in 1963. Also, Moog didn't invent the theremin, but he manufactures this early electronic instrument. A Russian invented it 70 years ago, and it's been used on many science-fiction films because of its eerie, wavering tones. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has just honored Moog with the technical Grammy award for Lifetime Achievement. This interview originally aired on Feb. 28, 2000.

Rock critic Ken Tucker salutes country music legend Johnny Cash, who turns 70 today.

Music critic Milo Miles talks about the musical legacy of the late African musician Fela Kuti.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Don't Worry About Me, the posthumously released CD from Joey Ramone. The lead singer of the punk band the Ramones died last April at the age of 49.

Singer Brenda Lee is one of the early rock 'n' roll singers, with hits such as "I'm Sorry," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and "Break it To Me Gently." She's just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2002. She's also in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lee was born Brenda Mae Tarpley in Atlanta. At the age of 13, in 1957, she made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry. She's performed around the world. Her new memoir is Little Miss Dynamite: The Life and Times of Brenda Lee.

Country music star Waylon Jennings died this week at the age of 64. Born in 1937 in Littlefield, Texas, he was a disc jockey at 14, and had already formed his own band at the age of 12, making guest appearances on local station KDAV's Sunday Party, where he met Buddy Holly in 1955. Jennings became Holly's bass player. It was Jennings who gave his seat up to the Big Bopper on the plane that crashed and killed Buddy Holly.

The Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack sold more than 4 million copies. This surge of interest in american roots music prompted many of the performers to go on the road together in the Down From the Mountain tour. Critic Milo Miles caught up with them in Boston.

Rudd is known for his work with groundbreaking groups and musicians like Herbie Nichols, the New York Art Quartet, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, and Carla Bley. He has been playing traditional and avant-garde jazz for some 60 years. His latest CD is a live recording with Archie Shepp called Live in New York.

Critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD by hip hop artist Princess Superstar. Its called Princess Superstar is...

Broadway music director Paul Gemingani. He's been the musical director of almost every Stephen Sondheim work over the last 30 years. His other productions include Kiss Me, Kate, Crazy for You and High Society. Last year he received a lifetime achievement award at the Tony Awards. This interview first aired May 30, 2001.

Film critic John Powers reviews 8 Mile, starring rap star Eminem.

Leader and bassist of the band KISS, GENE SIMMONS. The band rose to prominence and popularity in the mid 1970s. They were known for their Halloweenish face paint, black-leather outfits, eight-inch platform heels and grandiose stage shows where SIMMONS spit out blood, belched fire, and stuck out his seven-inch tongue. SIMMONS has written a new autobiography, “Kiss and Make-up” (Crown Publishers) which details his early years growing up in Israel and later in Brooklyn.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Rings Around The World (XL Recordings/Beggars group) by the Welsh quintet Super Furry Animals, which is a hit in England, and soon to be released in the U.S.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews The Almeria Club, the new recording by Hank Williams Jr.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Keep That Groove Going! featuring veteran saxophonists Plas Johnson and Red Holloway.

Rock historian Ed Ward continues with part two of his review of the Nuggets Two box set. This time he focuses on music from Europe, South America and Asia. The CD collection is called Nuggets Two: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964-1969.

Rock historian Ed Ward reviews the new four-CD set Nuggets Two: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964-1969, an expanded compilation of psychedelic obscurities put out by Rhino Records.

Rock critic Ken Tucker Reviews Even In the Darkness, the new release by the hip-hop group, The Dungeon Family.

Juan Garcia Esquivel was the icon of space age bachelor music, producing innovative recordings of pop music in the 1950s and sixties. He died in his home in Mexico on January 3rd at the age of 83. In 1994 his work was re-issued on the CD, Esquivel!: Space Age Bachelor Pad Music (Bar/None). Yvonne de Bourbon, one of Esquivel's ex-wives, and a former performer in his live show.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Holiday in Dirt, the new album by Stan Ridgway.