Nick DeRiso

Nick DeRiso is UCR's assistant managing editor, and author of 'Journey: Worlds Apart.' He has been named columnist of the year five times by the Associated Press, Louisiana Press Association, and Louisiana Sports Writers Association, and previously oversaw a daily newspaper section that was named Top 10 in the nation by the AP.

Miles Davis’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Connections

His link with the genre began at the turn of the '70s, during heralded shows with Neil Young and Grateful Dead.

35 Years Ago: Space Shuttle Challenger Breaks Apart on Live TV

We've been told that a nation watched in horror as the space shuttle exploded. But that's not exactly what happened.

45 Years Ago: ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ Debuts to a Brief Boycott

The show moved into TV's Top 10 most-watched shows six weeks later and remained there until it went off the air.

30 Years Ago: Curtis Mayfield Paralyzed During an Outdoor Concert

The composer of classic songs like "People Get Ready" and "Superfly" was just 48 years old.

How R&B Created a Foundation for the Beatles: ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll is Black’

"Black music started the revolution in the world, the so-called youth revolution," John Lennon argued.

Little Richard, Rock Pioneer, Dies at 87

Hits like "Tutti Frutti," "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly Miss Molly" were influential to many, especially the Beatles.

When Maceo Parker Met Prince: ‘Really, Really Special for Me’

The only problem was, he thought the legendary saxophonist was dead.

Why the First Posthumous Prince Release ‘4ever’ Was Such a Letdown

More often than not, this two-disc set is defined by what it isn't.

20 Years Ago: Prince Tries For Santana-Like Success With ‘Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic’

'Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic' was shaping up like a throwback – then Arista Records' Clive Davis had an idea.

5 Years Ago: How Prince Stormed Back With ‘Art Official Age’

This comeback coincided with another career plot twist: A new contract with his old nemesis, Warner Bros.