Bob Margolis, who has written the lion’s share of Alm@nac’s music coverage for nearly a decade, died unexpectedly of complications due to diabetes last Thursday, January 6. “Bobby M,” as he was known to his colleagues and legions of friends and fans, was only 44 when he passed away. He leaves behind a loving family – his parents Charles and Irma (nee Silver) Margolis of Baltimore, and sister Beth Davis, brother-in-law Michael, nieces Lucy and Jenny of Harrison, New York – and his irrepressible chocolate Labrador, Ruben.

Bob also leaves behind a rich legacy of words, many of which are preserved in our archives as well as the backup drives of Thomson-Reuters News Service, Forbes Magazine and MTV Interactive, where he worked at various points in his career – a professional odyssey that also included teaching at Rikers Island Penitentiary and serving as a research analyst at the Brookings Institution, one of the country’s most prestigious think tanks. Bob held a Master’s degree in Political Science from Columbia University.

In addition to his work in the classroom and at the keyboard, Bob was an avid and deeply knowledgeable music fan and an accomplished guitarist. He knew firsthand how difficult it was to perform creative work before a live audience, and his music coverage conveyed his easygoing support and respect for all who dared.

The funeral services and interment were held last Sunday, January 9 at Arlington Cemetery. Contributions in Bob’s memory may be sent to: The Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21211.