Jim Bessman

Jim Bessman (July 19, 1952 – June 22, 2021) was an American writer and music journalist. He is best known as a music journalist, having written for Billboard Magazine and numerous other publications, liner notes for albums, covering the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, and as an author of "The Ramones – An American Band"[1] and "John Mellencamp – The Concert at Walter Reed".[2][3]

Jim Bessman
Born(1952-07-19)July 19, 1952
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedJune 22, 2021(2021-06-22) (aged 68)
New York City, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationJournalist

Bessman was a voting member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[4][5]

Early life and education

Bessman was born July 19, 1952, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Madison and began writing freelance for Variety while in Wisconsin.

Career

Bessman relocated to New York to work at Cashbox. He was hired by Timothy White at Billboard to write the Songwriting and Publishing column and continued to contribute stories for over twenty-five years, later preferring to remain freelance. He wrote for Spin, Country Rhythms, CenterlineNews.com, his own website blog and other publications.[6][7][8][9]

Bessman wrote liner notes for over eighty albums.[2] In Ann Powers' New York Times review of Jane Siberry's album "Child", she refers to Bessman's liner notes.[10]

Death

Bessman died from an aneurysm in Manhattan on June 22, 2021.[3]

Reception

Linda Moran, president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame was quoted as saying "...he was a great historian...he knew hidden facts about everything. He was a great fan of songwriters..."[11][12]

References
  1. "Nonfiction Book Review: Ramones by Jim Bessman, Author St. Martin's Griffin $18.95 (202p) ISBN 978-0-312-09369-3". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  2. Trakin, Roy (June 22, 2021). "Jim Bessman, Music Journalist for Billboard and Other Trades, Dies at 68". Variety. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  3. "Longtime Billboard Contributor Jim Bessman Dies at 68". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  4. "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. May 31, 2009. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  5. Wyman, Bill (March 25, 2019). "Every Artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ranked From Best to Worst". Vulture. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  6. Alex, John; July 9, er • (July 9, 2019). "Hello Again: Neil Diamond . . . from Brooklyn to Broadway". The Brooklyn Home Reporter. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  7. "A Tribute to Nick Ashford of songwriting team Ashford & Simpson". Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC. August 23, 2011. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  8. Bessman February 21, 2003, Jim. "Alison Krauss: Mountain Mama". CMT News. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  9. "10 Questions with ... Charlie Monk". All Access. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  10. Powers, Ann (December 5, 1997). "From Sacred to Silly: Chestnuts Roasting on the CD Player". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  11. Billboard, Melinda Newman (June 22, 2021). "Longtime Billboard Contributor Jim Bessman Dies at 68". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  12. "SongHall Spotlight On: Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater | Songwriters Hall of Fame". www.songhall.org. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
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