Nick DeRiso is UCR's assistant managing editor. He was named columnist of the year five times by the Associated Press, Louisiana Press Association and Louisiana Sports Writers Association during a lengthy career in the newspaper industry, and previously oversaw a daily section that was named Top 10 in the nation by the AP.
Nick DeRiso
55 Years Ago: Sam and Dave Empower a Generation With ‘Soul Man’
Top 5 hit was later resurrected by the Blues Brothers, with a second assist from guitarist Steve Cropper.
35 Years Ago: Pink Floyd Takes Off Again With ‘Learning to Fly’
David Gilmour's attempts to overcome a long-held fear led to the band's first-ever Billboard rock chart No. 1.
Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ Remix Wouldn’t Be Here Without Peter Jackson
Producer Giles Martin wasn't sure four-track-era LPs like this one could be properly reissued. Then came 'Get Back.'
45 Years Ago: Why Doobie Brothers Stumbled With ‘Livin’ on the Fault Line’
They suddenly had a blank canvas, with none of the biker-boogie band constraints from their early years.
55 Years Ago: Yardbirds’ ‘Little Games’ Stumbles, Despite Jimmy Page
There was freedom in the air. Just not in throwback producer Mickie Most's sessions.
30 Years Ago: George Harrison’s ‘Live in Japan’ Celebrates a Brief Return
Concert recording seemed to herald a new era for the typically reclusive former Beatle.
50 Years Ago: Emerson, Lake and Palmer Put It All Together on ‘Trilogy’
Album emerged from a period of recapitulation, like the classical music that informed so much of their work.
Jim Seals of Seals and Crofts Dies at 80
He was the principal lyricist and singer behind eight Top 40 hits in the '70s, including the ageless "Summer Breeze."
40 Years Ago: How ’16’ Both Revitalized and Divided Chicago
David Foster arrived as the former experimental jazz rockers were at a low ebb.
40 Years Ago: Toto ‘IV': Beyond ‘Africa’
Their lone chart-topper remains a concert sing-along staple and their signature song. But there's more to the LP.