About this episodeJann Wenner reflects on the founding of Rolling Stone, detailing how the magazine co-opted mainstream culture …AI summary
Jann Wenner reflects on the founding of Rolling Stone, detailing how the magazine co-opted mainstream culture rather than being co-opted by it, and establishing a journalistic style that blended insider access with authoritative reporting. He discusses the evolution of music criticism, the pivotal role of Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe, and the eventual decline of print media due to digital platforms, while asserting that Rolling Stone provided definitive coverage of Black music and cultural shifts.
Key takeaways 6
Cultural Co-optation: Wenner argues that Rolling Stone did not sell out to mainstream culture but rather co-opted it, noting that 'mainstream culture turned into rock culture' and values like long hair and counter-culture ideals became dominant.
Journalistic Philosophy: The magazine's success relied on a dual approach: speaking from the 'inside' of a situation with authority and access, while maintaining an 'outside' perspective that felt authoritative to the reader.
Music Criticism Evolution: Early reviews were often idiosyncratic essays (e.g., Lester Bangs) rather than traditional critiques. Wenner shifted towards a more professional, consumer-service model with star ratings to provide responsible assessment for artists and readers.
Digital Disruption: The internet 'sucked the blood out' of the news business by stealing high-cost editorial products and giving them away for free, destroying the advertising model that sustained print magazines.
Black Music Coverage: Wenner defends Rolling Stone's record on Black music, stating they covered R&B and soul from the early days (Stax, Aretha Franklin) and believe they did the best coverage of any magazine, including Black-specific publications.
Hunter S. Thompson Dynamic: Despite a public persona of conflict, Wenner describes his relationship with Thompson as a close friendship built on mutual respect for talent, noting Thompson was 'loud' but never actually fought or caused real trouble.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“We are co-opting mainstream culture... Mainstream culture turned into rock culture... we really kind of took over the culture.”
▶ 6:27Wenner explains the magazine's cultural impact in the late 60s/early 70s, rejecting the idea that they were selling out.
“The internet destroyed it all... they sucked the blood out of the news business... they stole without compensation all the editorial products that we produced at great cost.”
▶ 45:12Wenner's assessment of how digital platforms like Apple and Google destroyed the traditional magazine business model.
“Rolling Stone should always speak from the inside of a situation... but it should always be authority from the outside.”
Wenner defines the core journalistic style that made Rolling Stone distinctive: intimate access combined with objective authority.
“I think we can hold our head up very high as having done the best coverage of black music of every era of any magazine that was being published.”
▶ 1:02:37Wenner's response to audience criticism regarding the lack of coverage for Black music stars like Earth, Wind & Fire.
“Hunter was just loud and big language... but he never had a fight... we were great friends.”
▶ 21:20Wenner clarifies the nature of his relationship with Hunter S. Thompson, debunking the myth of constant conflict.
Chapters & Sections (51)▼
0:00Rolling Stone History and Autobiography Discussionchapter4
0:00The History and Legacy of Rolling Stone Magazine
2:04Author's Interview Experience and Insights
3:54Early Days of Rolling Stone Magazine
5:27Mainstream Culture's Influence on Rock Music
8:02Early Life and High School Journalism Experienceschapter2
8:02The Influence of Rolling Stone on Journalism
9:53Origins of Counterculture Sensibilities in Journalism
12:52Early Days of Magazine Distribution and Saleschapter3
12:52Early Days of Magazine Distribution and Sales
15:00Impact of Provocative Magazine Covers on Culture
16:18The Power of Sex and Sensationalism in Media
17:33Breaking into National Politics and Journalismchapter2
17:33Breaking into National Politics and Journalism
20:18Hunter S. Thompson's Personal and Professional Relationships
22:25Legacy of a Pioneering Music Magazinechapter2
22:25Legacy of a Pioneering Music Magazine
24:47Evolution of Music Review Process and Standards
26:42The Evolution of Music Journalism and Criticismchapter2
26:42The Evolution of Music Journalism and Criticism
28:39Rock Stars' Public Feuds and Personalities
31:03Conversational Journalism Techniques and Interview Preparationchapter3
31:03Conversational Journalism Techniques in Interview Settings
32:15Beatles' Inner Dynamics and Personal Relationships
33:51The Beatles' Personal Relationships and Drama
35:11Musicians' Reactions to Criticism and Coveragechapter2
35:11Rolling Stone's Relationship with Musicians
36:54Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Voting Process
39:43Evolution of Celebrity Gossip Magazineschapter2
39:43Evolution of Celebrity Gossip Magazines
42:16The Rise of Competitive Print Journalism
44:44Impact of the Internet on Magazine Publishingchapter3
44:44Impact of the Internet on Magazine Publishing
46:30The Power of Print Magazines in Society
47:55Jay Penske's Leadership and Business Strategy
49:08Bridging Age Gaps in Music Journalismchapter2
49:08Maintaining Relevance in a Changing Music Landscape
50:40Evolution of Music Industry and Cultural Trends
53:30The Making of Rolling Stone Magazinechapter2
53:30Writing an Autobiography or Memoir
55:15The History of Rolling Stone Magazine
57:41The Role of Authority in Journalism Writingchapter3
57:41The Role of Authority in Journalism
59:21Lack of Coverage of Black Music in Rolling Stone
1:00:49Representation of Black Music in Rock Magazines
1:02:50Legacy of Music Journalism and Personal Lifechapter2
1:02:50Legacy of Music Journalism and Writing
1:05:01Navigating the Challenges of 60s and 70s Counterculture
1:07:38Hunter Thompson and Ralph Steadman's Creative Partnershipchapter2
1:07:38Origins and Dynamics of Hunter and Ralph's Relationship
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