Paul Ackerman

Paul Ackerman was an influential music journalist. He is best known for his work at Billboard as music editor. Ackerman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early life and education

Ackerman was born in New York, New York. He obtained his degree from the College of William and Mary and Columbia University. He later received his master's degree in English.

Career

From 1943 to 1973 he was the music editor of Billboard magazine. He worked for Billboard magazine for a total of 47 years. He 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". He wrote the liner notes to Harry Belafonte's 1958 album of folk ballads, Love Is a Gentle Thing.

Awards and honors

Ackerman received a number of awards as a musical journalist and scholar. In 1995, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in the non-performer category.