Dave Marsh Remembered: Jon Landau’s Tribute Highlights a Rock Critic’s Legacy

Long-time music journalist and biographer Dave Marsh died in August at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut, of unknown causes. Marsh, 76, was an early editor of *Creem* and later wrote for *Rolling Stone*, *The Village Voice* and *Newsday*, authoring more than 25 books, including the seminal *Born to Run: The Bruce Springsteen Story*.

Rolling Stone

Marsh helped shape the voice of rock criticism, launching *Creem* in 1969 as a “punk alternative” to *Rolling Stone* and later succeeding as the magazine’s record-section editor. His biography of Springsteen remains a definitive account of the artist’s early years. Over a career spanning five decades, Marsh also created E Street Radio, hosted the SiriusXM show *Kick Out the Jams* for nearly twenty years, and authored over twenty books.

Rolling Stone

Jon Landau, Springsteen’s manager and longtime friend, posted a tribute that recalled Marsh’s confrontational yet caring nature. He highlighted Marsh’s charitable focus on the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, noting that the organization’s benefit shows, often featuring Springsteen, supported cancer research after the death of Carr, the daughter of Marsh’s wife Barbara. Landau emphasized that Marsh’s efforts “trained countless doctors” and “aided countless suffering patients” through the fund’s work. He concluded with a personal note of loss, saying he would miss his friend forever.

Rolling Stone

Marsh’s influence extended beyond criticism. The Kristen Ann Carr Fund, founded with Barbara Carr, organized benefit concerts for more than three decades, directly supporting medical training and patient care. His biography of Springsteen continues to be cited as the essential reference on the artist’s formative period.

Rolling Stone

• “They usually fought each other to a draw,” — Jon Landau, bruce springsteen manager

Rolling Stone

• “Countless doctors were trained, in no small measure, due to Dave’s efforts; Dave’s efforts through KAC aided countless suffering patients,” — Jon Landau, bruce springsteen manager

Rolling Stone

• “I will miss him for the rest of my life.” — Jon Landau, bruce springsteen manager

Rolling Stone