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The Surprising Roots of Rap.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Louis Jordan. Between 1930 and 1950, Jordan spearheaded the rhythm and blues sound. He was one of the very first crossover artists, appealing to both blacks and whites. Ed focuses on the Louis Jordan who pioneered rap music.

06:59
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Other segments from the episode on March 15, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 15, 1988: Interview with Dan Wakefield; Commentary on Louis Jordan; Interview with Orrin Keepnews; Review of Doris Lessing's novel "The Fifth Child."
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27:12

Dan Wakefield's "Spiritual Journey."

Journalist and screenwriter Dan Wakefield. His new book, Returning: A Spiritual Journey, describes his encounters with alcoholism, atheism, psychoanalysis, and his ultimate rediscovery of spiritual belief.

Interview
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10:00

Legendary Jazz Producer Orrin Keepnews Discusses Working with Thelonius Monk.

Independent jazz producer Orrin Keepnews. For the past 30 years he's produced the music of jazz artists like Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner and Wes Montgomery. He was the founder of two important jazz labels, Riverside Records and Milestone Records. This year, he won a Grammy for the liner notes of a new box set of the complete Riverside recordings of Thelonious Monk.

Interview

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06:34

A Forgotten Pioneer of Rhythm and Blues

Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at the influence of saxophonist Louis Jordan, who laid the groundwork for rocking Black artists of the 1950s like Chuck Berry.

Commentary
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06:56

A True Pioneer of Rhythm and Blues.

Rock historian Ed Ward reacquaints us with the music of Louis Jordan. In the late 1940's he was one of the highest-grossing black acts in the country.

Commentary

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