Music

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Blind Willie Johnson, an itinerant gospel singer who traveled the South between the 20s and the 40s. Unlike many of his peers, Johnson was a master guitarist.

Green is one of the greats of soul and gospel music. He's probably best known for his hit, "Let's Stay Together." He'll talk about his secular musical career in light of being a born again Christian.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Mighty Like A Rose," the new album from Elvis Costello.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead checks out new records from the bands Curlew and Doctor Nerve, which stretch the definition of jazz with the incorporation of rock attitudes, atonality, and computer-generated music.

Clasical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new, comprehensive CD box set of the pianist's interpretations of Beethoven.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells the story of "Sally Go Round the Roses," a strange, enigmatic song that was a hit in 1963, recorded by The Jaynetts.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward plays some of the many 1960s artists who tried to cash in on the Bob Dylan sound.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Duke Ellington's Carnegie Hall Concerts," a new series of CD reissues that chronicle the annual performances Ellington gave during the 40s.

Getz recently passed away after a bout with liver cancer. We remember him with a rebroadcast of an interview from last year. Getz talks about dropping out of school and going on the road at 15. He learned while traveling and playing with other musicians.

Rock critic Ken Tucker checks out some of the season's hot singles, including songs by Amy Grant, the Divinyls, Hi-FIve, and Enigma.

Lea started singing in the 1950s; she recorded her first album in 1955 to critical acclaim. After a hiatus from music, she made a comeback during the 70s in New York's cabaret world. Today, Lea is accompanied in studio by pianist Tony Tamburello. In honor of Cole Porter's 100th birthday, they perform several of the songwriter's compositions.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new videotape of the first time Wagner's Ring Cycle was broadcast on television, with conductor Pierre Boulez and stage director Patrice Chereau.

World music commentator Milo Miles tells us about the Brazilian music called forro, which is a ragtag, party style based around the accordion.

Chilton was a teenage rock star in the late 60's as the singer with the group the Box Tops. Their major hits included Cry Like a Baby and The Letter. Chilton went on to found the group Big Star. Their two albums in the early seventies, Number 1 Record and Radio City are highly acclaimed but were commercial flops. Chilton has continued a solo career.

Maureen Corrigan reviews the debut album by the Washington, D.C.-based female singing trio, Betty. She admires their complex take on femininity, especially in light of Madonna's dominance.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers West Texas rocker Buddy Knox, who had a couple of hits in the 1950s like "Party Doll," and "Hoola Love."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Deadicated." It's a new -- and uneven -- album of other artists performing songs written by the Grateful Dead.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead concludes his look at some current jazz saxophone quartets, this time focusing on the ROVA Saxophone Quartet, which often collaborates with new music composers.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has the first of a two part review of several current saxophone quartets, a configuration that's risen in popularity lately.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Truth or Dare," the new documentary about pop singer Madonna. He says it reveals a lot about her carefully cultivated image, which finds power in sexuality.