Short answers, pulled from the story.
Robert Hilburn is an American pop music critic, editor, author, and radio host who served as the chief pop music critic and editor at the Los Angeles Times for more than thirty years. He is also the author of five books, including biographies of Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Randy Newman.
Hilburn has written biographies of Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash (Johnny Cash: The Life, 2013), Paul Simon (Paul Simon: The Life, 2018), and Randy Newman (A Few Words in Defense of Our Country, 2024), as well as a memoir, Corn Flakes with John Lennon, published in 2010.
Hilburn began writing for the Los Angeles Times as a freelancer in 1966 and was hired full-time as rock critic in 1970, replacing Pete Johnson. He accepted a buyout package and retired from his staff position in 2005.
Yes, Robert Hilburn was with Johnny Cash when he performed at Folsom Prison in 1968.
Hilburn was an early advocate for John Prine, Patti Smith, The Eagles, Tom Petty, Prince, Elvis Costello, Guns N' Roses, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Ice Cube, Public Enemy, Eminem, The White Stripes, Arcade Fire, and X. John Prine, U2, Springsteen, and Dr. Dre credited him for helping to launch or support their careers.
Robert Hilburn was born Charles Robert Nelms on the 25th of September 1939, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He took the surname Hilburn from his stepfather, John Edward Hilburn, after his mother remarried.