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.
Nick DeRiso
60 Years Ago: Black-Owned Vee-Jay Introduces the Beatles to America
First single played on U.S. radio wasn't released by EMI, Parlophone or Capitol Records.
Five Reasons Willie Nelson Should Be in the Rock Hall of Fame
Another candidate with Dolly Parton's canny blend of crossover fame and frisky rebelliousness.
March 2023 New Music Releases
March comes charging in with huge box-set remembrances, tons of live stuff and some new thoughts on old favorites.
Five Reasons Joy Division/New Order Should Be in the Rock Hall
Their shared history was formed in a crucible of loss after Ian Curtis' suicide.
25 Years Ago: ‘My Father’s Eyes’ Sends Eric Clapton to Top 30 One Last Time
Lead single from 'Pilgrim' explored a family life defined by jarring, heartbreaking surprises.
50 Years Ago: ‘Wattstax’ Movie Expands on a Huge Cultural Moment
Unfortunately, the producers had a problem when it came to the industry's rating system.
30 Years Ago: Sting Changes Gears With ‘If I Ever Lose My Faith in You’
His last non-soundtrack Top 20 hit showed that some truths were easier to get at than others.
Neil Young Remembers Happier Times With David Crosby
They'd long been estranged when his former CSNY bandmate died this week.
2023 New Music Releases
Metallica's surprise lockdown-recorded LP and a huge tour got the new year off to a fast start.
Why Robert Plant Can’t Wait So Long For the Next Alison Krauss LP
'Raise the Roof' has earned three Grammy nominations, following 2007's platinum-selling 'Raising Sand.'
How 100 of Rock’s Biggest Acts Got Their Names
Certain trends emerge as you explore how rock's 100 biggest bands got their names.
35 Years Ago: How ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’ Split Starship
On paper, the chart-topping single had all the markings of a career-capping triumph.
How Linda Ronstadt’s Self-Titled LP Allowed Eagles to Fly
Ironically, it was an abysmal chart failure, stalling at No. 163 on the 'Billboard' pop album chart.
Bands With No Original Members
Not everybody can be U2.
Monkees Co-Founder Michael Nesmith Dead at 78
He emerged from their pre-fab beginnings to become a musical pioneer in his own right.
Why Neil Young Still Has No Plans to Tour
"I can't do it," he admits. "It gives me a sick feeling."