Paul Ackerman | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1908-02-18)February 18, 1908 New York City, New York |
| Died | December 31, 1977(1977-12-31) (aged 69) Neponsit, Queens, New York |
| Education | |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | fl. 1940s–1973 |
| Employer | Billboard |
| Known for | Music journalism |
| Awards | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |
Paul Ackerman (February 18, 1908–December 31, 1977) was an American music journalist best known for his tenure as music editor of American publication Billboard.
Born in 1908 in New York City, New York, Ackerman graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, later going on to achieve a master's degree in English literature at Columbia University.
Ackerman worked as Billboard's music editor from 1943 until his retirement in 1973, after previously working with them as a reporter. He died in 1977, aged 69, at his residence in Neponsit, Queens. Ackerman was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Early life and education
Ackerman was born on February 18, 1908, New York City, New York, to his parents and two siblings; Evelyn and Martin.1 He graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia before later going on to achieve his master's degree in English literature at Columbia University, New York.2
Career
Ackerman began working at American music publication Billboard as a reporter prior to 1943. Upon returning in 1943, he was named as the magazine's music editor, remaining in that role until his retirement.13
He was credited as the author of the liner notes for Harry Belafonte's eighth studio album, Love Is a Gentle Thing (1959).4
Ackerman went on to become executive director of the Songwriters Hall of Fame; in 1970, he was appointed to select which country music were to be included in the music library presented by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to the White House. He was made an honorary member of Memphis Music Inc. Ackerman retired from Billboard in 1973.1
Death
Ackerman died aged 69 on December 31, 1977, at his home in Neponsit, Queens, New York.1
Legacy
Ackerman was among the first journalists to write on the newly created rock and roll genre. He was a scholar knowledgeable in European and American civilization. His work focused on popular music of all genres. Ackerman enjoyed "rural blues and country idioms".5
Awards and honors
Ackerman received a number of awards as a music journalist and scholar. In 1995, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in the non-performer category.67
Bibliography
Bibliography
- Stambler, Irwin; Grelun, Landon. (1969) The Encyclopedia of Folk, Country & Western Music, 1st ed., p. 3-4, (no ISBN) Amazon ASIN: B000RC4F16, LC: 67-10659.
- Shemel, Sidney; M. William Krasilovsky. Editor: Ackerman, Paul. (1964), ["This Business of Music"], (no ISBN) Amazon ASIN: B002KF9MLQ, LC: 64-25859.
References
References
- "Paul Ackerman". The New York Times. January 3, 1978. p. 32. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 30, 2026.
- Ackerman, Paul (April 1960). "Statement of Paul Ackerman, music editor, the Billboard: April, 1960. Printed for the use of the Special Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce". Columbia Law School. p. 1–8. Retrieved April 26, 2025 – via Pegasus Library Catalog.
- Christman, Ed (November 14, 2019). "9 industry power players who used to work for Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
- Harry Belafonte (1958). Love Is a Gentle Thing (liner notes). Indianapolis: RCA Victor. LPM-1927.
- Dellar, Fred (May 6, 2022). "Mojo Time Machine: R&B rules the pop world". Mojo. Retrieved June 30, 2026.
- Stein, Seymour. "Paul Ackerman". Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
- Billboard staff (February 19, 2014). "From the Archives: Billboard Magazine's many faces, 1942–2014". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2025.