Clarence Waldron, known as the “Dean of Arts and Entertainment Journalists” reflects on his distinguished career that has lasted nearly more than 40 years.
N’DIGO recently caught up with Waldron, the recipient of a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago Headline Club. He recalls the summer internships he had as a student at Columbia University and how an interview with Dionne Warwick when he was a senior started his extraordinary career.
Herein, he reminisces on his 29 years with Jet Magazine, reveals his favorite interview subject, and shares a few teaching tips from his classes at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
N’DIGO: How did you become interested in journalism? Who were your influencers?
Clarence Waldron: Internships in college. My first internship was at CBS Records during my freshman year. I loved the atmosphere of music. I would get the latest recordings by LaBelle, Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls and Earth, Wind and Fire. I knew then that music would play an essential role in my career.
It came together the following summer when I landed an internship with PBS-TV in New York for a popular news show called The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. They asked me to compile a 143-page report on the progress Blacks had made since the Civil Rights Movement. I majored in English since they did not offer journalism at Columbia College.
I knew, based on that summer experience, that I wanted to be a journalist. I remember Robert MacNeil wrote a letter of recommendation for me to attend Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. I was so thrilled and I thanked him profusely. He said, “No, Clarence. You got into Columbia on your own merit, not my letter.”
How did you become interested in writing about entertainment?
It all started with Dionne Warwick. She gave me my first interview when I was 20 and a senior at Columbia. The interview was scheduled for the standard 30 minutes, but lasted nearly two hours. Remember, this is before I studied journalism at Columbia University Journalism School.
Everything just worked. It was spiritual, to tell you the truth. Dionne was earning her master’s degree in music and I realized it would be a great opportunity for The Black Collegian Magazine to do a story.
Dionne encouraged me “to be more than there is.” She said, “There is no top. You decide what the top will be.” She added, “You know your blessings come from the Almighty. Stay with Him as He will stay with you.” Dionne has been my biggest cheerleader ever since. Before the glamor of Jet Magazine, I had interviewed Dionne Warwick and I’m very proud of that.
Who has been your most interesting interview and why?
This is a tough question. So many have given me great interviews over the years, but if I can only pick one, it would have to be the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. My boss, Bob Johnson, introduced us after her Park West concert. She didn’t say anything, just nodded her head and smiled. She was very cautious with people, somewhat even shy. I knew I had to break through to get the stories that we wanted at Jet.
As time went by, she began to play with me – “Clarence, more news next time. We will pour a whole pot of tea.” I was with her for my entire time at Jet and wrote her last cover story. She gave me at least five exclusive interviews on her mysterious illness. She once said, “Clarence, how can I forget 29 years of fabulous stories?” And one of her favorite sayings, “Clarence, you’re on the one.” I can hear her saying that right now. I miss her dearly.
What’s on your playlist?
India.Arie Worthy, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Cheek to Cheek; Will Downing Greatest Love Songs; Dionne Warwick in Paris; The Best of Jennifer Holliday; Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits (1980-1994); and Nancy Wilson Now I’m A Woman.
Talk about your time at Jet Magazine.
Jet Magazine was the premiere magazine. It was the Bible. It was always a source of pride to work there. I really grew up there as well. Those years went by so quickly but I made lifelong family friends and formed professional bonds with people that I never thought I would know.
I mean, not only was I Aretha Franklin’s favorite writer, but I also was her publicist for a two-year period. The professional bonds with Dionne, Aretha, and others were always supported by Mr. John H. Johnson, the founder of Jet and Ebony. The celebrity luncheons were unbelievable. Every entertainer stopped at Jet. Every day was always a new adventure. You never knew who might drop by. And I almost forgot, lunch only cost $1. Unbelievable.
You teach journalism; what do you most want your students to know?
How to write an effective lead. I always stress how the lead is the most important part of a news story. This business is not for shy people. I always have them leave the classroom and find someone to interview. I also teach them about how to conduct a celebrity interview. Do your homework. Don’t waste the entertainer’s time with silly, obvious questions. Be on time, show respect and realize the interview is not about you; it is about the newsmaker.
In your nearly 45 years in journalism, besides social media, what changes are the most significant?
The news moves faster than ever. Now we have bloggers; it’s almost as if everybody has an opinion. We have to be so careful when we read something online that it comes from a credible source.
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What is the future of media, from your perspective?
The future of media is still bright. It might move very quickly, but we will always need the same fundamental tools to tell a story.
What constitutes a great interview story?
A newsmaker who is willing to talk and share. A good story is filled with quotes. The reader wants to hear from the newsmaker. And always try to find something that the other publications don’t have. Strive for exclusivity.
You are receiving the lifetime achievement award – what has been the most significant factor in your life?
My family’s love and support and my belief in God. I’ve been blessed beyond measure and I recognize my blessings.
