SEATTLE — The music community in Seattle is celebrating the life of Charles R. Cross., a longtime music journalist who first introduced the world to many well-known musicians and bands, like Nirvana.
He also wrote biographies for Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, among other stars.
“They think he's speaking to them and that's a real magic that not every performer is able to pull that off," said Charles R. Cross, speaking with KING 5 in April, remembering Kurt Cobain on the 30th anniversary of the rock star’s death.
Just four months later, loved ones are doing the same for their friend they called Charlie. The 67-year-old died in his sleep Aug. 9.
"Charlie was the purest music journalist that I've ever met,” said John Keister. “He was really singularly devoted to that."
Keister said Cross was his best friend since their college days at the University of Washington. They later worked together, and Cross eventually owned the Rocket Entertainment Magazine, which ran for more than two decades, covering the rise of grunge in Seattle.
"Nirvana on the cover, Alice and Chains on the cover, Soundgarden on the cover, before anyone in the world had written on them," said Keister.
Since Cross’ passing, DJs and hosts at KEXP have been paying tribute to the legendary music journalist by sharing past interviews and, of course, playing music from artists Cross covered and admired.
"I think that legacy will live on for several weeks,” said Cheryl Waters, the Midday Host for KEXP. “You'll just continue to hear everyone talking about it. There's just so much to dig into and I can imagine myself even a year from now playing a band and having a beautiful memory of something Charlie said about them."
Memories and admiration for a man that will never be forgotten. "I would tell him once again, I love you," said Keister. "I was very proud to be your friend. You really stood up for me and you really stood up for this city."
One of the things Cross' friends told KING 5 that hurts the most about his passing is Cross was working on his own memoir, which he was hoping to share with the world.
It's unclear if that will ever get published.
Cross’ friends shared this statement from the family to KING 5:
"We are sorry to share that Charles Cross has passed. He died peacefully of natural causes in his sleep on August 9th, 2024. We are all grief-stricken and trying to get through the difficult process of dealing with the next steps. We celebrate Charles' wonderful life and all his wonderful friends and colleagues.”