Country

In the 1950s, Elvis Presley encouraged Jackson to sing rockabilly. She was notable for writing and performing her own independent and forceful songs, says rock historian Ed Ward. Her sexual persona matched Presley's, but proved to be a detriment to her career -- so she returned to country music.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new country albums by women singers. Carlene Carter's I Fell in Love features her first hit song; Kelly Willis's Well Traveled Love showcases her rich voice. Both records are uneven but satisfying.

In 1955, Ford had a hit with his version of Merle Travis' "Sixteen Tons." Later, he was known for his gospel music and daytime and evening television shows. A new collection of his hits, "16 Tons of Boogie" is out on Rhino records.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers some country music-singing brother duos that preceded more famous siblings like the Everly Brothers.

Carter was once considered too rock for country and too country for rock. But she says country music has come around to her distinctive sound. Carter is the daughter of June Carter Cash, and sang on the road with the Carter Family. Her new album is called I Fell in Love.

Rock critic Ken Tucker examines the new traditionalism trend in country music, exemplified in new albums by Garth Brooks and Rosanne Cash.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reflects on some recent songs that have come out in favor of or against U.S. involvement in Iraq, including those by Sean Lennon, Hank Williams, Jr., Andrew Tippin, and Randy Newman.

Rock critic Ken Tucker has never really liked the country singer's music, but he's long admired him. Yoakum's new album If There Was a Way stands out among the genre's recent, lackluster releases.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the singer, whose legacy includes some excellent rockabilly masterpieces alongside his country and western work.

Krauss is still a teenager, but she's already a veteran in the bluegrass scene, with three albums and a decade on the road to her credit. Her new album is called "I've Got That Old Feeling," on Rounder Records.

Critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album from country singer Willie Nelson. The album's called "Who'll Buy My Memories," and it's subtitled "The IRS Tapes" since Nelson made the album to pay off back taxes. Tucker says the album's much better that you'd expect.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker can't get country/folk/rock singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore's voice out of his head. He reviews Gilmore's "After Awhile," part of the Elektra American Explorer series.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album "Ropin' the Wind" by country singer Garth Brooks.

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

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 reviews "Planet of Love," by Jim Lauderdale and "Wynonna" by Wynonna Judd.

Rock critic Ken Tucker confronts the success of Billy Ray Cyrus.

Record Producer Ernst Jorgensen. He's just put together a 5-CD box set of Elvis recordings from the 1950s, called "Elvis: The King of Rock 'n' Roll--The Complete '50's Masters." It includes several alternate takes, early demos, and some previously unreleased tracks.

A concert and interview with Louisiana born singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. She's joined by guitarist Gurf Morlix. Her influences include Bob Dylan, Delta Blues man, Robert Johnson, Van Morrison, and writers Flannery O'Connor and Eudora Welty. In the late 70s she made two obscure folk albums. But she didn't really find her own voice until 1988 when she produced her self-titled album. Her new record is called "Sweet Old World."

Rich got his start working with the Sun record label in the late 50s, writing tunes for Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. From there he began making records himself. In the 70s his songs, "The Most Beautiful Girl," and "Behind Closed Doors," were big country-pop hits. During the 80s he dropped out of sight. But he has a new album now, "Pictures And Paintings," of jazz and blues standards.