Josh Friedberg
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joshfrmusic.bsky.social
Josh Friedberg
@joshfrmusic.bsky.social
Author, TEDx speaker, music historian, staff writer at PopMatters 🏳️‍🌈

linktr.ee/joshfriedberg
joshfrmusic.substack.com
I felt this deeply.
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
November 20, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I have GIGANTIC NEWS: in a NATIONAL communications contest, I got FIRST PLACE in three categories, placing in seven total for published work from 2024 . . . AND tying for Second Place for the most points in the entire contest!!!!!!! I am ecstatic.
September 14, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Last night, I got to perform @steppenwolfthtr.bsky.social with some amazing storytellers as part of 80 Minutes Around the World!! Telling a story about my extraordinary immigrant grandmother felt like a dream come true. THERE WILL BE A VIDEO OF MY STORY AND OTHERS!!!! Here are a few cast photos.
July 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM
June 16, 2025 at 8:40 PM
June 13, 2025 at 11:41 AM
New haircut and beard trim #selfie
April 26, 2025 at 8:19 PM
January 29, 2025 at 3:14 PM
New haircut and beard trim, working slowly on a manuscript, but making progress. And I have an interview for a full time job tomorrow!
December 17, 2024 at 6:48 PM
Ella Fitzgerald > The Beatles
December 6, 2024 at 3:21 AM
November 26, 2024 at 12:54 AM
2014: This memory never gets old. 10 years ago, I was somehow in an English graduate program and apparently kicking ass enough to get inducted into the international honor society Sigma Tau Delta (aka STD). I'll never forget it.
November 21, 2024 at 11:34 PM
I'm the Chair for the Illinois Woman's Press Association's 2025 High School Communications Contest. For high school students and their teachers and advisors, learn about the categories and enter now for your affiliate at www.nfpw.org/high-school-contest
November 20, 2024 at 4:26 PM
Alright, y'all, I got a haircut
November 19, 2024 at 1:24 AM
Okay, I'll bite . . .
November 18, 2024 at 10:23 PM
Brainstorming for a potential listicle on great readings on Black American R&B/Soul for @popmatters. I think I have at least eight books or essays that could work; they aren't case studies or biographies of artists, labels, or cities. I'm going to have to read/reread all of these 😱😱😱
November 18, 2024 at 3:35 AM
I did not win Communicator of Achievement from the National Federation of Press Women, but being honored as a nominee tonight was the biggest honor I've ever received. One of the best events I've ever been a part of!!
June 22, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Researching for a potential book on '90s country wasn't the only reason my top 10 songs on Apple Music this year were all country. These stories and songs really made an impact on me this year.

And as a reminder about my #1 song this year: check this out! joshfrmusic.substack.com/p/i-never-li...
November 29, 2023 at 12:24 PM
First ever computer sticker
November 26, 2023 at 11:01 PM
3 writing projects: a potential personal essay collection on music, an upcoming personal essay on Ella Fitzgerald, and an essay on freedom. Pictured are three piles of papers for these projects. Not pictured are lots and lots of books to be read.
November 15, 2023 at 3:49 AM
OMG! I got accepted to present my journal article on James Baldwin and music at the national Popular Culture/American Culture Association in March!!!!!!!!!
November 3, 2023 at 5:19 PM
I'm gathering ideas and writings for a collection of personal essays on music and autism that I hope to make into a manuscript by the end of 2024!
November 3, 2023 at 1:27 AM
October 26, 2023 at 12:09 AM