Jesse Kornbluth, known for his insightful and diverse coverage of culture across various magazines during the peak of the industry’s glory days, passed away at the age of 79. His brother Richard confirmed that Jesse succumbed to Lewy body dementia in a Manhattan assisted living facility.
Born with an innate curiosity and talent for storytelling, Jesse Kornbluth made his mark early on in the journalism world. Marie Brenner, a fellow journalist, fondly recalls how he burst into the scene as a published author while still in Harvard back in 1968. During his senior year, he curated “Notes From the New Underground,” a collection of articles from counterculture newspapers of that era.
One particular incident that showcased Jesse’s dedication to his craft was when he got arrested for selling copies of The Avatar on the streets and ended up spending a night in jail. This rebellious spirit and thirst for uncovering untold stories defined his career right from the start.
After graduation, Jesse briefly dabbled in communal living at Montague, Mass., residing at a place called “The Farm.” However, it soon became evident that chopping wood and manual labor were not exactly his forte. Tom Fels, a member of The Farm, reminisced about Jesse’s brief stint there: “He wanted to go to New York and win.”
Despite facing initial struggles and setbacks at The Farm, Jesse’s determination and ambition only grew stronger. He believed in aspiring for greatness and making an impact through his writing—a sentiment that would propel him towards success in New York City’s vibrant media landscape.
Fast forward to later years when Jesse became synonymous with incisive cultural commentary and captivating storytelling across renowned publications like Vanity Fair. Tina Brown, one of his former editors aptly described him as “the expert on everything,” showcasing how Jesse effortlessly delved into varied subjects with finesse.
His body of work extended beyond magazine articles; he authored seven nonfiction books and two novels—each piece reflecting his depth of knowledge, wit, and unparalleled ability to engage readers on diverse topics spanning from celebrity profiles to investigative features.
“Jesse was the expert on everything.” – Tina Brown
In an era marked by rapid changes within print media landscapes, Jesse stood out as a beacon of consistency—a writer who could seamlessly navigate between different genres while maintaining an authentic voice that resonated with audiences far and wide.
As we bid farewell to this literary luminary whose words illuminated countless pages over the years, let us remember Jesse Kornbluth not just as a magazine writer but as a storyteller who shaped cultural narratives with flair and finesse.
