Jim Bessman (July 19, 1952 – June 22, 2021) was an American writer and music journalist. He is best known as a music journalist, having written forBillboard magazine and numerous other publications, liner notes for albums, covering theSongwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, and as an author of "The Ramones – An American Band"[1] and "John Mellencamp – The Concert at Walter Reed".[2][3]
Bessman relocated to New York to work atCashbox. He was hired byTimothy White atBillboard to write the Songwriting and Publishing column, and continued to contribute stories for over twenty-five years, later preferring to remain freelance. He wrote forSpin,Country Rhythms, CenterlineNews.com, his own website blog and other publications.[6][7][8][9]
Linda Moran, president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame was quoted as saying: "...he was a great historian...he knew hidden facts about everything. He was a great fan of songwriters..."[11][12]
