Stanley Crouch (Finding Aid)

Stanley Crouch

1945 -

Favorite Time of Year: Winter

Interview Length: 345 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 21, 2001, March 3, 2002

Interview Location(s): New York, New York

Abstract

Writer and jazz critic, Stanley Crouch, provides richly detailed anecdotes of his family history and childhood in Los Angeles. He describes his integrated elementary school replete with Asians, Mexicans and gypsies. Crouch also discusses his father's criminal life and impact on his life. Writer and jazz critic Stanley Crouch describes his childhood in Los Angeles as a vibrant and slightly violent place. He recalls one of his stepfathers as a barbarian who poured syrup on his steak and a .45 in his glove compartment. Crouch's grandmother was a character as well, known not to suffer fools gladly, and also carried a loaded .45 in her glove compartment. He also recalls how his interest in writing was nourished by his mother. He also details the religious exposure in the holy roller church and his surrounding neighborhood. Writer and music critic Stanley Crouch adds more layers to his childhood and adolescence in Los Angeles. Turning to more philosphical debates, Crouch ponders the nature of gender difference, the development of black female intellect and sensibilities and male-female interaction. Writer and jazz critic, Stanley Crouch, discusses life as a child in a single parent home, assisted by the firm hand of his grandmother. He recalls the state of affairs in black Los Angeles during the 1960s, and vividly recalls the 1965 Watts riots. Writer and critic Stanley Crouch assesses the Watts riots and the politcal and social ramifications which flowed thereafter. Writer and critic Stanley Crouch critiques the black nationalist movement, derides Amiri Baraka, reflects on the degraded role of white women within the black nationalist movement, blasts those who pigeonhole him as a reactionary right-wing writer. He also posits on why Ralph Ellison really only wrote one great book. Writer and jazz critic, Stanley Crouch, in a 2002 continuation of his earlier interview, continues with his thoughts on black nationalism, how LeRoi Jones went astray, the influence of Amos Moore on his writing and details his early writings. Writer and critic, Stanley Crouch continues to confound and delight with his caustic and on-point critique of the black nationalist movement and some major figures contained therein. Writer and critic, Stanley Crouch, details his friendship with Ralph Ellison and his sadness in Ellison's inability to produce a greater body of work during his lifetime. Crouch also details his entry into music criticism and his tenure at the Village Voice. Writer and critic Stanley Crouch offers his opinions on why blacks don't reject human rights violations in Africa, genital mutilation in African society, the misapplication of the term 'African American', the lack of achievement in African society among other controversial opinions. Writer and critic Stanley Crouch discusses the impact and critical review of his book. 'Don't the Moon Look Lonesome?' Writer and critic Stanley Crouch talks further about his book, ' Don't the Moon Look Lonesome' Writer and critic Stanley Crouch reflects on black political leadership, shares his hopes for the future of the black community, and talks about how he is perceived in the public.

71 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)