Clay Felker

Clay Felker was an influential American magazine editor and publisher who revolutionized New Journalism and urban publishing. He is best known as the founder and editor of New York magazine, which became a defining voice of New York City culture and politics. Felker's innovative approach blended rigorous reporting with stylish design, launching the careers of numerous prominent writers and creating a template for modern city magazines. His work left an indelible mark on American journalism and magazine publishing.

Early life and education

Clay Schuette Felker was born in Webster Groves, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, to a family with strong media connections; his father was managing editor of the St. Louis Sporting News. He developed an early interest in journalism, editing his high school newspaper before enrolling at Duke University. At Duke, he served as editor of the student newspaper, The Chronicle, and graduated in 1951 with a degree in political science. His education was briefly interrupted by service in the United States Navy.

Journalism career

Felker began his professional career in New York City as a sportswriter for Life magazine, later moving to Esquire where he worked under legendary editor Harold Hayes. In the early 1960s, he became an editor at the New York Herald Tribune, where he oversaw the creation of its groundbreaking Sunday supplement, New York. This section, designed by Milton Glaser and featuring writers like Tom Wolfe and Jimmy Breslin, pioneered the immersive, literary style known as New Journalism. After the Herald Tribune folded, Felker briefly worked at the Village Voice before securing backing to launch his own publication.

New York magazine

In 1968, Felker, with designer Milton Glaser, co-founded the standalone weekly New York. As editor and publisher, he assembled a stellar team including writers Gloria Steinem, Tom Wolfe, Pete Hamill, and Gail Sheehy. The magazine was renowned for its sharp coverage of New York City politics, pioneered by Joe Klein's "The City Politic" column, and its innovative service journalism, like the "Best Bets" column. It featured iconic covers and groundbreaking stories, such as Tom Wolfe's "Radical Chic" and Gail Sheehy's "The Secret of Grey Gardens". In 1974, Felker purchased the Village Voice, but in 1977, he lost control of both publications in a hostile takeover led by Australian media magnate Rupert Murdoch.

Later career and legacy

After leaving New York, Felker founded The East Side Express and later served as editor of Adweek, The Daily News Sunday magazine, and Manhattan, inc.. In 1994, he became the director of the Magazine Journalism center at the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, mentoring a new generation of editors. His legacy is that of a visionary who transformed city magazines into vital cultural forces, emphasizing narrative storytelling, bold graphics, and an intimate connection with urban life. The American Society of Magazine Editors inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2008.

Personal life

Felker was married twice, first to actress Pamela Tiffin from 1962 to 1969. In 1984, he married writer Gail Sheehy, a longtime collaborator from his New York days, and they remained together until his death. He was a prominent figure in the social and intellectual circles of Manhattan, known for his keen eye for talent and relentless drive. Felker died of cancer in his Manhattan home in 2008, survived by his wife and a large extended family of journalists he inspired.

Category:American magazine editors Category:American publishers (people) Category:2008 deaths