Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone. First published in San Francisco in 1967, it was founded by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason. Initially rooted in the hippie counterculture of the 1960s, the publication quickly became the definitive voice of rock and roll journalism and youth culture. Over decades, it expanded its scope to encompass in-depth reporting on American politics, film, and broader societal trends, solidifying its status as a cultural institution.

History

The magazine was launched with a focus on the burgeoning San Francisco Sound and artists like Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane. Its early ethos was deeply intertwined with the anti-war movement and the writings of Hunter S. Thompson, whose "gonzo journalism" became a hallmark. A pivotal move occurred in 1977 when the headquarters relocated from San Francisco to New York City, signaling a shift towards mainstream media influence. Landmark issues included the 1981 cover featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono, shot just hours before Lennon's murder, and the controversial 1993 "Grunge" issue that featured Kurt Cobain. In 2017, a majority stake was sold to Penske Media Corporation, publisher of Variety and WWD.

Content and features

The magazine's core has always been its extensive music coverage, featuring legendary interviews with figures from Bob Dylan to Madonna, and pioneering album reviews that could make or break careers. Its long-form political and cultural journalism is equally renowned, with seminal works like Thompson's Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 and Matt Taibbi's scathing critiques of the 2008 financial crisis. The annual "500 Greatest Albums" and "500 Greatest Songs" lists are highly anticipated cultural events. Visually, it is known for its bold, often provocative photography and iconic covers shot by photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Mark Seliger.

Cultural impact and criticism

It played a critical role in shaping the canon of rock music and legitimizing popular culture as a subject for serious critique. Its influence extended into television with awards shows and into digital media with a robust online presence. However, it has faced significant criticism, notably for a 2014 story "A Rape on Campus" about an alleged assault at the University of Virginia, which was later retracted following a Columbia Journalism Review investigation. Critics have also long debated its perceived move towards mainstream celebrity coverage over hard-edged reporting, and its record on representing women in music and African-American music genres has been scrutinized.

Business and circulation

Originally a bi-weekly, it transitioned to a monthly frequency in the 21st century. Peak paid circulation exceeded 1.5 million in the 2000s, but like many print magazines, it has faced declines due to competition from digital media and changes in advertising revenue. Its business strategy has evolved to emphasize its website, digital subscriptions, and video content. The sale to Penske Media Corporation marked a new chapter in its corporate history, integrating it into a larger portfolio of entertainment and fashion brands. Licensing its brand for projects like the Rolling Stone Music Awards and restaurants has been part of its commercial expansion.

Notable personnel

Founder Jann Wenner served as editor and publisher for five decades, defining its voice until his departure in 2019. Key editors have included Ben Fong-Torres, Joe Levy, and Jason Fine. Legendary writers beyond Hunter S. Thompson include Cameron Crowe, Patti Smith, and Tom Wolfe. Photographer Annie Leibovitz created some of its most enduring images, including the famous nude cover with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Music critics such as Greil Marcus, Rob Sheffield, and David Fricke have been central to its authority. Recent leadership under Penske Media Corporation has included editors like Noah Shachtman.