Jo Kendall

It all started with a love of trad jazz and Etta James – plus a baptism of fire in an after-school session with R&B star Jimmy Thomas

In 1967, a new line-up of The Moody Blues embraced their symphonic influences to create a groundbreaking album that not only pushed them in a new musical direction but also brought about the birth of progressive rock.

The improvised lines from Spinal Tap that have been assimilated into common rock parlance and beyond

From Stockholm via Berlin, Lucifer are a 70s-inspired occult-rock force on the rise

Her 1983 album turns a summer day into a found-sound experience, resting under a parasol with the work of David Sylvian, Ryuichi Sakamoto and XTC

Simplicity isn’t just a homage to the label that provided countless TV theme tunes in the 60s and 70s - it’s Berry’s real-life contribution to the genre

Ram's influence on second-generation Beatles fans-turned-musicians cannot be underestimated

While the experimental Norwegian outfit looked for joy, their 2020 album was also a reaction to the threat of “strong men” like Donald Trump and their “mouthy” politics

Late singer decided to avoid staying in bands too long after being fired from Fairport Convention – “I’d leave before they could throw me out” – but believed the split sent both parties hurling into adventures they’d otherwise have missed

If he hadn’t discovered the genre via a childhood Subbuteo tournament, he might have wound up working in flavoured crisps

Singing sister of Led Zeppelin drummer had tried to become Gong’s Shakti Yoni - but that was before Selling England By The Pound and Foxtrot changed her life

Performer, composer and director on his early introduction to prog, the shelved 1973 rock opera that cost him £11,000 and keeping Dave Brock under control

Still influenced by the colourful 1960s and Indian mysticism, Kula Shaker's new album is "lightning in a bottle"

From pleas for equality to anti-war sentiments and social commentary, we look at some of the greatest peace songs of all time

Texan rocker loved Dark Side Of The Moon, leading him to an admiration for, and later friendship with, the man behind the controls

Toast Of London star and self-taught musician became a fan of Jean Michel Jarre, Mike Oldfield, Pink Floyd and more

Metal Queen Doro picks her records, artists and gigs of lasting significance, and reveals what happens when 30 metalheads take on 120 punks

Former Fun Lovin’ Criminals frontman traces a line from Nat King Cole and Frank SInatra to Talk Talk, Marillion, Jethro Tull and others

Comedian and master prog musician discusses the gems in his record collection, including Yes, Roxy Music and Hawkwind – and outlines plans to play the Albert Hall like an instrument

The Young Ones and Bottom star fronted The Bad Shepherds with inspirations including the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Jethro Tull, Focus, Alex Harvey and a stack of folk influences

For Dinosaur Jr. founder and mastermind J Mascis, the 80s was a time of noisy punk and alt.rock, paving the way for the decade that would explode that scene: the 90

Revelations from former XTC bassist, singer and songwriter Colin Moulding when he released his TC&I EP Great Aspirations with old band mate Terry Chambers

Soft Cell singer cherishes memory of performing Thick As A Brick with the man who wrote it