Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jazz Critic Francis Davis, 78, Dies After Illness

4/18/2025

50 10

Summary

Story summary

Francis Davis, celebrated jazz critic and husband of NPR's Terry Gross, has passed away at 78 due to complications from emphysema and Parkinson's disease. A prolific writer for The Village Voice and The Atlantic, he authored influential jazz books and earned a Grammy for his liner notes on Miles Davis' iconic "Kind of Blue." His legacy lives on through the Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll.

1 of 1

Story summary

Francis Davis, celebrated jazz critic and husband of NPR's Terry Gross, has passed away at 78 due to complications from emphysema and Parkinson's disease. A prolific writer for The Village Voice and The Atlantic, he authored influential jazz books and earned a Grammy for his liner notes on Miles Davis' iconic "Kind of Blue." His legacy lives on through the Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll.