Charles R. Cross: A Legendary Music Journalist and Biographer
Life and Career
Charles R. Cross, a renowned music journalist and biographer, passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of insightful and influential writing about the music industry. Born on May 7, 1957, Cross was the elder of two children to Herbert Cross, a psychology professor, and Bettie (Thompson) Cross, a bookkeeper. He grew up in Pullman, Washington, and developed a passion for music at an early age.
The Rocket and Grunge Era
Cross’s most notable achievement was his tenure as editor of The Rocket, a biweekly magazine that chronicled the rise of Seattle’s grunge scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his time at The Rocket, Cross wrote about the city’s emerging bands, including Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, which would go on to redefine the music industry. He was instrumental in promoting these bands and providing a platform for them to share their music with the world.
Biographies and Books
Cross also wrote acclaimed biographies of two of Seattle’s most iconic musical figures: Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. His book "Room Full of Mirrors" (2005) on Hendrix was praised by Vibe magazine as one of the best music books ever written. His biography of Cobain, "Heavier Than Heaven" (2001), was based on over 400 interviews and received the ASCAP’s Timothy White Award for outstanding musical biography in 2002.
Tributes and Legacy
Cross’s impact on the music industry was celebrated by many, including Bruce Springsteen, who paid tribute to him at a concert in Pittsburgh, saying, "His help in communicating between our band and our fans will be sorely missed." Chris Walla, a former member of Death Cab for Cutie, wrote on social media, "It would be impossible to imagine the music or community of Seattle in the 80s and 90s without Charles R. Cross." Nancy Wilson of the band Heart, who collaborated with Cross on his book "Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock & Roll" (2012), called him "the coolest rock literati bookworm to ever be lucky enough to know."
Conclusion
Charles R. Cross’s life and work were a testament to his passion for music and his dedication to chronicling the stories of the artists who shaped the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of music journalists and biographers, and his work will remain a valuable resource for those interested in the history of rock music.
FAQs
Q: What was Charles R. Cross’s most notable achievement?
A: His tenure as editor of The Rocket, a biweekly magazine that chronicled the rise of Seattle’s grunge scene.
Q: What were some of the notable bands Cross wrote about during his time at The Rocket?
A: Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, among others.
Q: What were some of Cross’s notable biographies?
A: "Heavier Than Heaven" (2001) on Kurt Cobain and "Room Full of Mirrors" (2005) on Jimi Hendrix.
Q: Who paid tribute to Cross at a concert in Pittsburgh?
A: Bruce Springsteen.
Q: Who called Cross "the coolest rock literati bookworm to ever be lucky enough to know"?
A: Nancy Wilson of the band Heart.
