REMEMBERING CHARLES CROSS: A CHAMPION OF SEATTLE'S MUSIC LEGACY

The Pacific Northwest music community has lost a giant. Charles Cross, a man whose words captured the heartbeats of our city’s most iconic sounds, has passed away. Charles was not just a music writer; he was the voice that narrated the story of the region's rich musical tapestry, from its grunge roots to its modern-day innovations.

For decades, Charles Cross was the chronicler of Seattle’s music scene. His passion for local music was evident in every piece he wrote, whether he was diving deep into the life of Kurt Cobain in his celebrated biography, Heavier Than Heaven, or profiling emerging artists just starting to make waves in the biweekly Pacific Northwest music publication The Rocket. Charles had a way of bringing the story behind the music to life, making readers feel as though they were right there, standing in the dimly lit clubs where legends were born or backstage, where the magic happened.

But Charles was more than a journalist or biographer. He was known for his deep commitment to the Northwest music scene, acting as a mentor, a friend, and a fierce advocate for the arts. He saw the potential in everyone he met, always encouraging young writers and musicians to find their voice and share it with the world. His belief in the power of music to change lives was not just something he wrote about—it was something he lived.

In a city known for its rain, Charles Cross was a ray of light. He illuminated the path for countless artists and writers, helping to shape the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest as we know it today. His legacy is not just in the articles he penned or the books he wrote but in the lives he touched and the music he championed.

Charles Cross may no longer be with us, but his influence will continue to echo through the streets of Seattle in every guitar riff, every lyric, and every story told. Rest in peace, Charles. Thank you for everything.