Former music critic Nelson dead at 69

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NEW YORK, July 10 (UPI) -- Paul Nelson, a former music reviewer for "Rolling Stone" magazine, has been found dead in his New York apartment.

The cause of death of the 69-year-old last week in Manhattan has not yet been determined, but The New York Times reported Nelson leaves behind a legacy of recognizing great musical singer-songwriters.

"For anyone still passionately in love with rock & roll, Neil Young has made a record that defines the territory. Defines it, expands it, explodes it. Burns it to the ground," Nelson wrote in a 1979 regarding Neil Young's "Rust Never Sleeps" album.

Born in Minnesota, Nelson eventually worked his way to New York, and following his writing years with "Rolling Stone," he was responsible for Mercury Records' signing of the influential punk band, the New York Dolls.

The Times said that Nelson is survived by a son, Mark; his sister, Linda Barna, and one grandchild.