Stanley Crouch, renowned Jazz critic, dies at 74

Stanley Crouch, the author best known for his critical writing in the world of jazz, has died.

Crouch was 74.

His wife confirmed the news citing years of health issues.

Stanley Crouch as a writer

A native of Los Angeles, Crouch was an acclaimed writer.

He became a staff writer for The Village Voice in 1979 and was there until 1988.

His voice was published by numerous publications, including Harper’s, The New York Times, and The New Yorker.

Crouch was also a founder of the famed Lincoln Jazz Center.

Accolades

He received numerous accolades including the MacArthur Genius Grant.

More recently, he was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2019.

Stanley Crouch role in jazz music

He was an advisor in Ken Burns’ Jazz. He wrote the liner notes for dozens of iconic jazz albums, including releases by Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, and Wynton Marsalis.

An as author and actor

His books include Notes of a Hanging Judge: Essays and Reviews, 1979-1989, a biography of Charlie Parker called Kansas City Lightning, and the collection Considering Genius: Writings on Jazz.

He was also a trained actor and playwright who wrote two novels and multiple plays.

“Each generation has a moment, or an embodiment, of hard-earned integrity and the keenest insight,” renowed scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. wrote.

“Among our generation of writers, Stanley Crouch is that moment.”