Many music critics begin their careers writing for college newspapers. Ralph J. Gleason penned his first music column for the Columbia Spectator, published on October 1, 1936. It was called “Off the Record,” and swing jazz discs ruled the reviews.

Gleason also wrote about jazz shows at the many venues around Columbia University, especially the Apollo Theater, where his favorite musician, Jimmie Lunceford, had just opened.

As you’ll see, Gleason disliked his first batch of review records. The Fred Astaire discs offended his hot jazz sensibility.