100 years ago, Mamie Smith recorded a seminal blues hit that gave voice to outrage at violence against Black Americans. By David Hajdu Mr. Hajdu is a cultural historian and music critic. On Aug. 10, ...

There was a time when the Moody Blues were considered the epitome of psychedelic rock, with their philosophical lyrics and trippy arrangements. That was more than 30 years ago, however. Today, the ...