Charles Aaron

Charles Aaron
Charles Aaron
Born	Rockingham, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Music journalist, editor
Years active	1985–present
Known for	Spin magazine (23-year career), music journalism

Charles Aaron is an American editor and music journalist, recognized primarily for his extensive 23-year career at Spin magazine.

Personal life

Charles Aaron was born in Rockingham, North Carolina and spent his formative years in both Asheboro, North Carolina, and Rome, Georgia. He completed his studies at the University of Georgia in Athens, graduating in 1985. Prior to his departure from Spin, Aaron lived in Brooklyn, New York City, with his wife Tristin and their son. Subsequently, he relocated to Durham, North Carolina.

Career

Upon earning his degree in 1985, Aaron launched his journalism career contributing to magazines such as AdWeek and Sassy. Before securing a permanent position at Spin, he worked as a freelance writer for Spin as well as other notable publications including Rolling Stone, Village Voice, and Vibe.

Spin, an alternative music publication founded in 1985, began featuring Aaron’s work around 1991 during the period when hip hop started gaining popularity among white listeners. Identifying himself as a "white hip hopper," he authored numerous pieces celebrating the genre. His inaugural feature for the magazine appeared in 1993 and focused on Snoop Dogg’s father. Aaron officially joined the Spin editorial team in 1996, progressing to music editor roles by 1998 and again in 2002, before being elevated to editorial director in 2011.

In 2011, after BuzzMedia (now SpinMedia) acquired Spin, the publication underwent staff reductions and strategic changes. That same year, the magazine decreased its print issues from eleven annually to prioritize digital content. Aaron shifted to the role of editor at large in 2013, with his last issue published in February 2014.

Following his tenure at Spin, Aaron continued writing for leading music outlets such as Rolling Stone and Wondering Sound.

Noteworthy journalism

Aaron’s article "Remembering Notorious B.I.G." was reissued in the March 2010 edition of Spin, earning him an accolade.

For his concluding issue with Spin (February 2014), some of his most acclaimed music journalism was republished, including the 1993 article "'Sir Real'" about Snoop Doggy Dogg.

During his time as editorial director, Aaron also introduced applications that allowed readers to listen to artists while engaging with articles or remix dance tracks using app-based tools.

Awards

In 2000, Charles Aaron and Sia Michel from Spin were honored with the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award for their January 1998 coverage of The Notorious B.I.G.'s career.

That year also saw Aaron receive a National Arts Journalism Fellowship from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

In 2012, the tablet edition of Spin was shortlisted for the American Society of Magazine Editors' Ellie Awards.

Impact

Music critic Amanda Petrusich has acknowledged Aaron’s work at Spin as a significant influence on her own writing.

In popular culture

There was widespread speculation that Charles Aaron authored "The Rock Critical List," which surfaced online in February 1999. Although he denied involvement and no definitive proof connected him to it, the list was widely believed to have been created by someone within the industry.

References

External links

Charles Aaron's article "'Sir Real': SPIN's 1993 Profile of Snoop Doggy Dogg" at Spin
Charles Aaron's "Remembering Notorious B.I.G." at Spin
ASCAP Deems Taylor Award recipients for 1997