Music

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

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz tells us about a new release of some early performances by New York Philharmonic Conductor Sir John Barbirolli.

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.

Playwright, lyricist, and novelist Joe Keenan. His new book, "Putting On the Ritz," follows the further misadventures of the Broadway characters he first created in the book "Blue Heaven." (It's published by Viking).

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new opera, "The Ghosts of Versailles ("vahr-SIGH") by composer John Corigliano ("core ee ahn no"). It premiered two weeks ago at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the first new opera to premiere at the Met in 25 years.

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

Singer Lesley Gore. In 1963, when she was only 16, Lesley Gore recorded one of the greatest songs in rock and roll history, "It's My Party, and I'll Cry If I Want To." Gore has stayed in the business since the 60s, and she's currently appearing at the New York City club, "Rainbow and Stars." Also, Rhino records has recently released a two record retrospective of her greatest hits. (Rebroadcast. Original date 10/25/91).

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.

With Haiti so much in the news these days, World Music commentator Milo Miles decided to look into the world of Haitian pop music.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us what to get the jazz fan on your Christmas list.

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).

We remember trumpeter Buck Clayton, who died on Sunday at age 80. Clayton played with Count Baise's original band. (Rebroadcast of 10/14/1987)

World music critic Milo Miles checks out popular music from Indonesia. (He plays selections from the album "Indonesian Popular Music: Kroncong, Dangdut, & Langgam Jawa" on the Smithsonian Folkways label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Time For Love: The Best of Julie London." It's a new reissue of songs by Julie London, who was a sex-kitten singer back in the 50s and 60s. (It's on Rhino Records).

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).