Greg Kot | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Kot in 2009 | |
| Born | (1957-03-03)March 3, 1957 (age 68) |
| Occupation | Journalist, author |
| Language | English |
| Genre | music journalism |
Greg Kot (born March 3, 1957) is an American music journalist and author. From 1990 until 2020, Kot was the rock music critic at theChicago Tribune,[1] where he covered popular music and reported on music-related social, political and business issues. Kot co-hosts the radio programSound Opinions, which introduces itself as "the world's only rock 'n' roll talk show", nationally syndicated through Chicago Public Radio,WBEZ.[2]
A native ofSyracuse, New York, Kot graduated fromMarquette University.[3] Kot started his career at theQuad City Times in Davenport, Iowa in June 1978[4] and then joined the Chicago Tribune in 1980.[3] He was named the paper's rock music critic in 1990, and held that job until taking a buyout from the Tribune in early 2020.[3]
Kot has co-hosted the radio showSound Opinions since its 1993 launch.[5] The show is syndicated to about 150 radio stations nationwide and also exists as a weekly podcast.[5] In 2020, Chicago's WBEZ terminated its production agreement withSound Opinions, although the show will continue to be produced independently.[5]
Kot's books includeWilco: Learning How to Die,Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music, andI'll Take You There: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers and the March up Freedom's Highway.[6] He co-authoredThe Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones: Sound Opinions on the Great Rock 'n' Roll Rivalry (Voyageur Press) with hisSound Opinions co-hostJim DeRogatis.[7] His music criticism and journalism has appeared inEncyclopædia Britannica,[6]Cash: By the Editors of Rolling Stone,Harrison: A Rolling Stone tribute to George Harrison,The Trouser Press Guide to '90s Rock,The Rolling Stone Album Guide andMusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide.[8] A longtime contributor toRolling Stone, Kot has written for a dozen national publications,[9] includingDetails,Blender,Entertainment Weekly,Men's Journal,Guitar World,Vibe andRequest.[6]
Kot lives on Chicago's Northwest Side and is a longtime youth basketball coach.[10]
