Reference Number
ARC-0021
Level of description
collection
Title
Robert Christgau Collection
Date
1962, 1978-1999
Size
5.83 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Robert Christgau Collection spans the years 1962, and 1978 to 1999, with the bulk of the material dating between 1981 and 1986. The collection consists of clippings from the Village Voice, materials related to the College Music Journal, correspondence, various publications, research material on Larry Flynt, poster from the Second Coming of the Soul Clan, and a LP jacket autographed by Gene Chandler. The newspaper clippings and various publications are from Christgau's personal collection. Some of the correspondence contains letters to Christgau asking him to review specific publications. The collection offers research value regarding the music scene of the 1980s. The materials are first arranged by format and then chronologically.
Biography / Administrative History
Robert Christgau, the self-professed "Dean of American Rock Critics," is one of the earliest professional rock critics. He has written for <title render="italic">The Village Voice</title> for 37 years and many other notable music magazines. He is a published author and has taught music classes at the university level. He is most well known for his "Consumer Guides" column, in which he gives letter grades (ranging from A+ to E-) to record albums. He also created the "Pazz and Jop" music poll in <title render="italic">The Village Voice</title>, in which he compiles "Top Ten" lists submitted by music critics from around the United States. He is renowned as one of the most influential and respected rock critics of all time.
Timeline
1942 April 18: Born in Queens, New York.
1962: Graduates from Dartmouth College.
1967: Starts writing music column at <title render="italic">Esquire</title>.
1969: Becomes music critic for <title render="italic">The Village Voice</title>.
1974: Marries Carola Dibbell.
1985: Daughter, Nina, is born.
2005: Becomes professor at the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at New York University.
2006: Fired from <title render="italic">The Village Voice</title>.
2007-2010: Writes freelance reviews for magazines, including <title render="italic">Rolling Stone</title>, <title render="italic">Blender</title>, <title render="italic">Spin</title>, and <title render="italic">Creem</title>.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Robert Christgau Collection was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. as a gift from Robert Christgau on November 7, 2007. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. transferred the collection to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. on March 31, 2011.
Processing Information: Processed by Rachel Somerville, Project Archivist. Completed August 5, 2010. Revised by James A. Kohler, Project Archivist. Completed December 28, 2012. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Citation: [Identification of item], Robert Christgau Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Separated Materials: A number of books, periodicals, and videotapes have been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "Robert Christgau Collection" in the library catalog for a list of donated titles. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, consult the Library and Archives staff to ensure these materials are available.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Please contact staff before visiting the Library and Archives to use this collection.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects