Tom Graves

Thomas Alan Graves, born in 1954, is an American writer and educator. He holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Memphis and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, specializing in Creative Nonfiction. Graves began his career in advertising and public relations, also freelancing for literary magazines. He has written for prominent publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times. He founded the magazine Rock & Roll Disc in the late 1980s.

Graves later returned to academia, earning his M.F.A. and subsequently teaching at the University of Memphis and LeMoyne-Owen College, where he achieved tenure. He is co-owner of the independent publishing company, The Devault-Graves Agency. His notable works include the biography Crossroads: The Life and Afterlife of Blues Legend Robert Johnson, which won a Blues Foundation award, and his contributions as a writer and producer for the Emmy-winning documentary Best of Enemies. He also published the novel Pullers and an anthology of his interviews and articles.

Tom Graves began his professional journey in journalism and writing after earning a degree in Journalism from the University of Memphis in 1976. His early career involved work in advertising and public relations, alongside freelance writing for various literary journals. He gained recognition for interviewing notable figures such as Harry Crews, Louise Brooks, and Frank Zappa, with one interview evolving into the book 'Getting Naked With Harry Crews.' Graves also founded and published 'Rock & Roll Disc,' a magazine focused on compact disc reviews. He later pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing, specializing in Creative Nonfiction, and began teaching at the college level. He eventually achieved tenure as an Assistant Professor of English at LeMoyne-Owen College.

Graves is widely recognized for his biography 'Crossroads: The Life and Afterlife of Blues Legend Robert Johnson,' published in 2007. This work critically examined and debunked prevalent myths surrounding the legendary blues musician, earning the Blues Foundation's Keeping the Blues Alive Award. He also co-authored the film 'Best of Enemies,' a documentary about the debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr., which received an Emmy Award. In addition to his biographical and documentary work, Graves co-owns The Devault-Graves Agency, an independent publishing company. Through this agency, he has published works such as an annotated edition of Jack Kerouac's 'Big Sur' and, notably, J.D. Salinger's 'Three Early Stories,' which generated significant attention due to its exploration of public domain copyright issues.