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
50 Years Ago: Imploding Faces Uncover Timeless Truths in ‘Ooh La La’
Rod Stewart initially rejected the single before covering it 25 years later.
Five Reasons the Spinners Should Be in the Hall of Fame
Silky-smooth purveyors of '70s soul have been nominated four times.
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.
Why You Misheard That Word on Manfred Mann’s ‘Blinded by the Light’
Song had initially disappeared into obscurity after its release on Bruce Springsteen's debut album.
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 get the new year off to a fast start.