Zaleski is a regular writer for mainstream media outlets such asThe Guardian andNPR Music, and a columnist atSalon.[3][4][5] She is based inCleveland, Ohio where she has won first place awards from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, including Best Arts Review (2017) and Best Feature Writing (2019).[6] Her book,Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs, debuted onUSA Today's Best-selling Booklist in October 2024 and made its debut on the New York Times Best Seller list in December 2024.[7][8]
In 2022, she was commissioned by theRock & Roll Hall of Fame to writeDuran Duran's induction essay.[13] She's continued to write additional essays for the Rock Hall ceremonies, includingGeorge Michael's 2023 induction and one forCher in 2024.[14][15] In addition to her work as a writer and author, Zaleski has been a frequent guest on both radio and television, including international appearances on the BBC and CBC.[16][17]
She was named one ofCleveland Magazine's Most Interesting People for 2025 when the publication revealed their list in December 2024.[18]
This is Christmas: Song by Song: The Stories Behind 100 Holiday Hits (October 2023)[22]
Harry Styles: A Sign of the Times (September 2024)[23]
Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs (September 2024)[24]
We Found Love, Song by Song: The Stories Behind 100 Romantic Hits (December 2024)[25]
She has contributed essays and other writings toTaylor Swift (Spotlight on a Legend),[26]How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History From NPR Music,[27]Go All the Way: A Literary Appreciation of Power Pop,[28]Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal: Vol. 1,[29]Women Who Rock,[30]Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes,[31] andJoan Jett & the Blackhearts 40 x 40: Bad Reputation[32]
Her upcoming books for 2025 includeI Got You Babe: A Celebration of Cher.[33] She is working on the bookWhy the B-52s Matter forUniversity of Texas Press.[34][35]
Zaleski grew up with her parents and brother near Cleveland, Ohio. She attendedRocky River High School and thenHarvard University from 1998 to 2002 where she wrote for theHarvard Crimson and was a DJ on the college's radio station.[36] She graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's degree in English.[37][36] She collects records and is on the board of directors for Lake Erie Ink.[9][38]
Zaleski married Matt Wardlaw, who is also a music journalist and radio personality,[39] in July 2013.[20]
