Dave Marsh, Rock Critic and Biographer, Dies at 76

Dave Marsh, the rock critic, biographer, and longtime radio host, died Aug. 14 at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was 76. No cause of death was given. His co-host Jim Rotolo announced the news on social media.

Marsh was an early editor of Creem and later wrote for Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, and Newsday. He published more than 25 books, including Born to Run: The Bruce Springsteen Story, Before I Get Old: The Story of the Who, and The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made.

He was an early champion of Springsteen. Marsh wrote Rolling Stone’s first Springsteen cover story in 1978 and the first major biography the following year. He also brought Jon Landau to his first Springsteen concert in 1974, encouraging the column that became known as “I Saw Rock and Roll Future.” For 19 years, Marsh hosted Kick Out the Jams on SiriusXM and helped create E Street Radio.

Springsteen, whose wife Barbara Carr co-managed his career for decades, described Marsh as “a true Rock ‘n’ Roll lifer” and “a man of conscience and commitment.” SiriusXM said it was “deeply saddened” by his passing. E Street Radio will air a tribute on Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. ET.