Charles R. Cross, Acclaimed Biographer of Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, Passes Away at 67

Charles R. Cross, acclaimed biographer of Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, has passed at 67. His influential work shaped the music literature landscape, leaving a lasting legacy.

on Aug 13, 2024

Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, Passes Away at 67

Charles R. Cross, the esteemed author known for his bestsellers on rock legends Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, has died at the age of 67. Cross passed away on August 9, 2024, from natural causes, as confirmed by his family. His death was reported to be peaceful, occurring in his sleep.

Cross's influential career began with his work as a music journalist in Seattle, where he chronicled the rise of the grunge movement. He made significant contributions to music literature with his highly regarded biographies Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain and Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix. Both books received widespread acclaim for their depth and insight, with Heavier Than Heaven notably earning a place on the New York Times bestseller list and the ASCAP Award for Outstanding Biography.

Cross's impact extended beyond his writing. His tenure at Seattle's The Rocket magazine and his founding of Backstreets Magazine showcased his dedication to music journalism. His books, including Led Zeppelin: Heaven and Hell and Nirvana: Nevermind, demonstrated his passion for capturing the essence of rock and roll's most influential figures.

In his later years, Cross continued to shape the music biography genre, with an updated edition of Heavier Than Heaven released on the 25th anniversary of Cobain's death. This edition further cemented his legacy as a leading voice in music literature.

Cross was remembered fondly by peers and fans alike. Music journalist Robert Hilburn praised him as a warm and gracious writer, while Nancy Wilson of Heart honored him for his deep connection to the music and his role in celebrating Seattle's vibrant rock scene. His passing is a significant loss to both the literary world and the broader music community.