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
25 Years Ago: Prince Somehow Roars Back With ‘Gold Experience’
People were still trying to figure out, you know, what even to call him.
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.
35 Years Ago: Prince Confounds With Trippy ‘Around the World in a Day’
This was never going to be another 'Purple Rain.' Mostly, because he didn't want it to be.
How Eric Leeds’ ‘Times Squared’ Became an Accidental Solo Debut
He was trying to construct a new Madhouse record when Prince did a deep dive into his legendary vault.
When Maceo Parker Met Prince: ‘Really, Really Special for Me’
The only problem was, he thought the legendary saxophonist was dead.
When Prince Officially Filed for Divorce from Warner Bros.
His official statement even referenced "irreconcilable differences."
How Prince Finally Broke Free With the Sprawling ‘Emancipation’
This album was ultimately about freedom – freedom from expectations, freedom from rules, freedom from his old label.
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.
30 Years Ago: Prince Returns to ‘Saturday Night Live’ for an ‘Electric’ Performance
He was an old pro by then. The same couldn't be said for Prince's young drummer.