A Beloved Figure in Chicago's Journalism Scene Dies at 89
Basil Talbott Jr., a stalwart figure in Chicago journalism, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. The renowned political editor and chief columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times had spent nearly four decades chronicling the city's politics and notable figures.
Talbott's reporting career was marked by his tenacity and commitment to getting to the heart of a story. He tackled high-profile topics with authority, including the mayoralty of Jane Byrne, the first female mayor of Chicago, and Harold Washington, the city's first Black mayor. His coverage also spanned presidential campaigns, particularly those led by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
A lifelong resident of the North Side of Chicago, Talbott joined the Sun-Times in 1961 after studying philosophy at the University of Chicago. He followed in his father's footsteps as a journalist, who was a veteran of the Front Page Era Chicago journalism scene.
Talbott's personal life was marked by a passion for art and culture. His marriage to Susan, an art museum director, exposed him to new interests and opportunities. The couple spent 29 years crisscrossing the country together, including time in Iowa where Talbott taught at the University of Iowa School of Journalism.
Talbott is survived by his wife, daughter Maggie MacKay, and two grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for the coming months to honor his contributions to Chicago journalism.
Basil Talbott Jr., a stalwart figure in Chicago journalism, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. The renowned political editor and chief columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times had spent nearly four decades chronicling the city's politics and notable figures.
Talbott's reporting career was marked by his tenacity and commitment to getting to the heart of a story. He tackled high-profile topics with authority, including the mayoralty of Jane Byrne, the first female mayor of Chicago, and Harold Washington, the city's first Black mayor. His coverage also spanned presidential campaigns, particularly those led by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
A lifelong resident of the North Side of Chicago, Talbott joined the Sun-Times in 1961 after studying philosophy at the University of Chicago. He followed in his father's footsteps as a journalist, who was a veteran of the Front Page Era Chicago journalism scene.
Talbott's personal life was marked by a passion for art and culture. His marriage to Susan, an art museum director, exposed him to new interests and opportunities. The couple spent 29 years crisscrossing the country together, including time in Iowa where Talbott taught at the University of Iowa School of Journalism.
Talbott is survived by his wife, daughter Maggie MacKay, and two grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for the coming months to honor his contributions to Chicago journalism.
The question now is, what's next for the Chicago Sun-Times? Are they gonna let this void in political reporting be filled by some young gun or are they just gonna sit there and collect dust? I mean, we need people like Basil Talbott Jr. who aren't afraid to stir up controversy and bring attention to important issues. It's like when you lose a key player on your favorite sports team, it's not just about replacing them, it's about finding someone who can come in and lead the charge 
just heard about Basil Talbott Jr. passing away at 89. what a legend in Chi-Town journalism! I mean, four decades of covering politics and notable figures? that's some serious dedication 
. I'm sure his reporting career was marked by some high-profile scoops 
. The fact that he followed in his dad's footsteps is pretty cool too 
. Anyone else from the Chi-Town area remember hearing about him or reading his work back in the day? 
. Four decades of reporting on Chicago politics, that's like, a whole lotta scoops! Kinda like how my aunt can still remember where she put her keys after all these years... yeah right 
. Anyway, I'm sure his legacy will live on through the many journalists he inspired and mentored along the way. And who knows, maybe in heaven, he's now the " editor-in-chief" of a cosmic newspaper that only accepts stories about cats 
. Rest in peace Basil, you were a real "headline"-maker 
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, but maybe his timing wasn't entirely coincidental... all that reporting could've been a carefully crafted PR machine for some big players in the city. And what about that art museum thing? Sounds like a nice hobby, but was it just a cover for something more... 
... really sad to hear that a legend like him is gone. I mean, 4 decades of covering Chicago politics? That's insane! He must've seen so many changes in the city over the years. And it's awesome he followed his passion for art and culture - who wouldn't want an art museum director as a wife 
? The guy was clearly a true journalist at heart, always trying to get to the bottom of things. I'm sure there will be lots of tributes and memories shared about him in the coming months... RIP Basil 
From Jane Byrne to Harold Washington, he got the scoop 
And did you know he was a philosophy grad from the University of Chicago? Talk about versatility 
I'm sure his love for art and culture helped him cover some amazing stories 
... RIP Basil 
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. He was a legend in Chicago journalism & left an indelible mark on the city's politics scene. I mean, who else could say they covered Jane Byrne and Harold Washington? The guy must've had some serious stories to tell! 
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. i hope they throw him a proper memorial service to celebrate his life and contributions to chicago journalism 
. RIP basil talbott jr 
... life lessons, you know? We celebrate his legacy, but we also gotta remember that everything comes to an end, and it's up to us to keep the fire burning 
. And have you seen how he balanced work and personal life? His art and culture-filled marriage was the ultimate win-win 
... after all, there's more to life than just reporting on politics 
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And let's be real, he covered some pretty high-profile politicians and events without ever really challenging them... it's almost like he was complicit in perpetuating the status quo? 
Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that maybe we should take a closer look at how journalists are supposed to hold power accountable rather than just singing their praises after they pass away 
️ he was definitely tenacious & got to the heart of stories 
his coverage of Rev Jesse Jackson's campaigns was particularly notable 
rest in peace Basil Talbott Jr.