How a Chicago music magazine became the definitive voice of jazz for nine decades

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Established in 1934, DownBeat magazine has evolved from a jazz-exclusive publication into a broader authority on blues and beyond. Famous for its rigorous star-rating system and the iconic Blindfold Test, the magazine remains a central pillar of music criticism, consistently recognized by industry peers for its enduring editorial excellence.

Founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1934, DownBeat takes its name from the first beat of a musical measure. The magazine initially focused exclusively on jazz but has since expanded its scope to cover blues and other musical forms. Its growth was rapid; by September 1939, circulation had surged from a few hundred to over 80,000 copies monthly, prompting a shift from a monthly to a fortnightly publication schedule. This frequency lasted until July 1979, when the magazine returned to a monthly format.

The publication is perhaps best known for its critical infrastructure. Its review section employs a five-star rating system to evaluate new recordings, vintage releases, and literature. This same scale is utilized in the Blindfold Test, a signature column where musicians listen to tracks by their peers, attempt to identify the artists, and provide candid ratings. Beyond reviews, the magazine maintains the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame, which incorporates selections from annual reader and critic surveys. Since 2008, this process has also included input from a dedicated Veterans Committee.

The magazine’s influence is reflected in its historical leadership and industry recognition. Don DeMicheal served as editor-in-chief from 1961 to 1967, a period during which the magazine expanded its international footprint, including the launch of a Japanese edition in the summer of 1960. In more recent years, the Jazz Journalists Association has repeatedly honored the publication, naming it the Jazz Publication of the Year across five separate occasions between 2016 and 2021. Today, the magazine remains a primary reference point for the jazz community, balancing its deep historical roots with contemporary coverage.

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