Stephen Thomas Erlewine
An authoritative voice in contemporary music criticism, documenting and analyzing the vast landscape of popular music.
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About Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Biographical Overview
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, often known by his nickname Tom Erlewine, was born on June 18, 1973, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is recognized as a prominent American music critic and has significantly shaped the discourse surrounding popular music through his extensive work.
Active Years
Erlewine has been actively contributing to the field of music journalism and criticism since 1991, maintaining a consistent presence and influence throughout his career to the present day.
Place of Origin
His roots are firmly planted in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a city known for its vibrant cultural and academic scene, which likely influenced his early engagement with music and writing.
Professional Career
AllMusic Contributions
Erlewine served as a senior editor for AllMusic, a comprehensive online music database. In this capacity, he authored a vast number of artist biographies and detailed record reviews, establishing himself as a key authority on popular music genres and artists.
Freelance and Liner Notes
Beyond his editorial role, Erlewine has worked as a freelance writer, contributing articles and essays to various publications. He is also recognized for his contributions to liner notes for music releases, providing critical context and historical information for albums.
Academic Foundation
University of Michigan
Erlewine pursued his higher education at the University of Michigan, where he majored in English. This academic background provided him with a strong foundation in critical analysis and writing.
Student Journalism
During his time at the university, he was deeply involved in student media. He served as the music editor for The Michigan Daily from 1993 to 1994, and subsequently as its arts editor from 1994 to 1995. He also contributed to the campus radio station, WCBN.
Family Connections
Notable Relatives
Stephen Thomas Erlewine is related to other figures in the music industry. He is the nephew of Michael Erlewine, a musician and the founder of AllMusic. His cousin is also May Erlewine, a singer-songwriter.
Personal Life
He married Stephanie Erlewine in 2017, further establishing his personal connections within his professional sphere.
Key Contributions
Published Works
Erlewine's expertise is evident in his contributions to significant music reference works. He has authored content for:
- All Music Guide to the Blues: The Definitive Guide to the Blues
- All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap & Hip-Hop
These publications underscore his deep knowledge and analytical capabilities across diverse musical genres.
Further Exploration
Online Presence
Stephen Thomas Erlewine maintains an active online presence through various platforms, allowing for continued engagement with his work:
- Pitchfork: His author page showcases his contributions to the influential music publication.
- Rolling Stone: He has contributed articles to the iconic music magazine.
- Spin: His articles for Spin magazine further highlight his journalistic reach.
- Substack Newsletter: He publishes a personal newsletter titled So It Goes, offering direct insights and commentary.
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References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional music criticism, journalistic consultation, or academic research. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.