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Robert ChristgauAmerican publicist and music journalist
Date of Birth: 18.04.1942
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Robert Christgau: The Dean of American Rock Critics
- Journalistic Career
- Later Career
- "Consumer Guide" and "Pazz & Jop"
- Legacy
Robert Christgau: The Dean of American Rock Critics
Early Life and EducationBorn in New York City in 1942, Robert Christgau became an avid rock-and-roll fan after disc jockey Alan Freed introduced the genre to the city in 1954. He left New York for Dartmouth College, graduating with a B.A. in English in 1962. While in college, Christgau developed a passion for jazz, which rekindled his former musical interests upon his return to New York.
Journalistic Career
Christgau initially pursued writing fantasy stories before transitioning to sports reporting and police reporting in 1964. In early 1967, he landed a music column at Esquire magazine. After its closure in 1969, he joined The Village Voice as both a music writer and college professor.
From 1972, Christgau served full-time as a music critic for Newsday. He returned to The Village Voice as music editor in 1974, a position he held until his dismissal by New Times Media, the magazine's new owners, in August 2006.
Later Career
Within a few months, Christgau was hired as an associate editor at Rolling Stone magazine. He was fired again in late 2007 but remained with the magazine for an additional three months. In March 2008, Christgau penned three issues of Blender magazine as its "senior critic" before becoming a regular contributor.
Continuing his journalistic odyssey, he returned to Rolling Stone while also writing for Blender until its closure in March 2009. Christgau's critical talents were also sought by publications such as Playboy, Spin, and Creem.
"Consumer Guide" and "Pazz & Jop"
Christgau is best known for his "Consumer Guide," in which he critiqued rock music using grades ranging from A+ to E- and an array of special symbols. In 1990, the format shifted to 6-8 critical essays. He introduced grades such as "dud" (a frowning smiley face), denoting albums worthy of only a couple of listens, "bomb," signifying "an unsuccessful record," and "turkey," indicating "a failed record."
Christgau also inaugurated the annual "Pazz & Jop" music poll in 1971. Published in The Village Voice each February, the poll featured top-ten lists from music critics across the country. Christgau analyzed the results, accompanying the lists with lengthy essays reflecting on the state of music. Despite Christgau's dismissal, the poll continued to appear in The Village Voice.
Legacy
Christgau has cited Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Chuck Berry, The New York Dolls, and The Beatles as his favorite musicians. He is married to Carola Dibbell and has one daughter, Nina Christgau.
