Allan Kozinn: A Legacy of Music Criticism and Journalism
Allan Kozinn is a distinguished American journalist, music critic, and educator whose career has spanned decades of cultural analysis. Known for his deep expertise in both classical music and popular culture, Kozinn has shaped the way audiences perceive musical performance and history through his writing in some of the world's most prestigious publications.
Key Facts
- Born: July 28, 1954.
- Education: Bachelor's degrees in music and journalism from Syracuse University (1976).
- Major Affiliations: The New York Times, New York University, and the Portland Press Herald.
- Notable Work: Co-author of The McCartney Legacy, a multi-volume biography of Paul McCartney.
- Current Role: Co-host of the video podcast Things We Said Today - A Beatles Video Podcast.
Professional Journey in Journalism
Kozinn's career began in 1977 when he started freelancing as a music feature writer and critic for The New York Times. His ability to bridge the gap between technical musical analysis and engaging journalism led to his appointment as a full staff member in 1991.
Before his tenure at the Times, Kozinn established himself as a versatile voice in music media. He served as a contributing editor for High Fidelity and Keynote magazines and contributed frequently to specialized publications such as Guitar Player, Keyboard, and Pulse. Notably, he also served as the first music critic for The New York Observer.
In September 2012, Kozinn's role at The New York Times shifted from classical music critic to general cultural reporting, a move that sparked significant controversy within the arts community. He eventually left the publication in December 2014 during a period of corporate layoffs and buyouts.
Academic Contributions and Teaching
Beyond the newsroom, Kozinn has dedicated a significant portion of his career to academia. In 2004, he joined the faculty of New York University, where he taught for a decade. His curriculum focused on music criticism, the history of the Beatles, and Baroque music (a style of Western classical music prevalent from roughly 1600 to 1750).
His pedagogical reach extended to the prestigious Juilliard School, where he taught a specialized course on the history of musical interpretation, helping students understand how the performance of a piece evolves over time.
Authorship and Literary Works
Kozinn has authored several influential books that range from technical guides to cultural histories. His bibliography includes Guitar: The History, the Music, the Players (1984) and Mischa Elman and the Romantic Style (1990). He has also written extensively on the Beatles, with titles such as The Beatles (1995) and Got That Something: How the Beatles' I Want to Hold Your Hand Changed Everything (2014).
For enthusiasts of classical music, his 2004 work, Classical Music: A Critic's Guide to the 100 Most Important Recordings, serves as a definitive resource. Most recently, Kozinn partnered with researcher Adrian Sinclair to produce The McCartney Legacy, an exhaustive multi-volume biography of Paul McCartney, the first volume of which was released in December 2022.
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Guitar: The History, the Music, the Players |
| 1990 | Mischa Elman and the Romantic Style |
| 1995 | The Beatles |
| 2004 | Classical Music: A Critic's Guide to the 100 Most Important Recordings |
| 2014 | Got That Something: How the Beatles' I Want to Hold Your Hand Changed Everything |
| 2016 | Spoleto 40 - Spoleto Festival USA 40 Years |
| 2022 | The McCartney Legacy (Volume 1) |
Later Career and Personal Life
In 2015, Kozinn relocated to Portland, Maine. He continued his critical work as the classical music critic for the Portland Press Herald from 2015 to 2020. During this time, he also maintained a freelance presence, contributing to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.
Currently, Kozinn continues to share his passion for music through digital media as a co-host of the Things We Said Today - A Beatles Video Podcast. He resides in Portland, Maine, with his wife, writer Paula Brochu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Allan Kozinn's educational background?
Allan Kozinn graduated from Syracuse University in 1976, where he earned bachelor's degrees in both music and journalism.
Which major newspapers has Allan Kozinn written for?
He is most notably associated with The New York Times, but has also written for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and the Portland Press Herald.
What is "The McCartney Legacy"?
It is a multi-volume biography of Paul McCartney written by Allan Kozinn in collaboration with researcher Adrian Sinclair, with the first volume published in December 2022.
Where has Allan Kozinn taught?
Kozinn was a faculty member at New York University from 2004 to 2014 and also taught a course at the Juilliard School.
What is Kozinn's current project?
He is currently a co-host of the video podcast titled "Things We Said Today - A Beatles Video Podcast."