History of Rolling Stone magazine

Rolling Stone is an American magazine that has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of music journalism, pop culture, and politics since its founding in 1967. Known for its focus on rock and roll music, its coverage has expanded over the years to include a wide range of cultural, social, and political topics. The magazine has been both a trendsetter and a mirror of American cultural movements, earning a reputation as an iconic publication that chronicled the evolving tastes, values, and challenges of several generations.

Founding and Early Years (1967–1970s)
Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner, a 21-year-old Berkeley dropout, and Ralph J. Gleason, a respected jazz critic and columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Wenner was inspired by the growing counterculture movement, and the magazine was born out of his desire to create a publication that focused not just on music but also on the social movements that were shaping the world, particularly in the turbulent 1960s.

Initial Concept:
The first issue of Rolling Stone was published on November 9, 1967. The magazine’s name was partly inspired by the song “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan, as well as the band The Rolling Stones, both of whom were central to the rock music scene of the time.
The magazine’s early mission was clear from the first issue, which stated, “Rolling Stone is not just about the music, but about the things and attitudes that music embraces.” This reflected its aim to capture the spirit of the youth culture, political activism, and social upheaval of the 1960s.

Countercultural and Rock Coverage:
During its early years, Rolling Stone quickly became the go-to publication for news, reviews, and in-depth reporting on the rock and roll scene, with extensive coverage of artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. The magazine also provided detailed commentary on key events in the counterculture, such as the Vietnam War protests, the civil rights movement, and the rise of hippie culture.

The magazine’s first cover featured John Lennon from his film How I Won the War, and over the years, Rolling Stone would become known for its iconic covers, often featuring major musical and cultural figures.

Key to its early success was the work of influential writers and critics like Lester Bangs, Greil Marcus, and Cameron Crowe, who helped shape the magazine’s distinct voice.

1970s: Iconic Coverage and Expanding Influence
As Rolling Stone grew in influence throughout the 1970s, it became synonymous with rock journalism and was at the forefront of documenting the golden age of rock music. The magazine expanded its scope beyond music, covering the political scene, social issues, and major events of the decade, with in-depth articles that often merged music criticism with social commentary.

Iconic Stories and Interviews:
Rolling Stone was responsible for many legendary interviews and stories. Some of the most notable include Hunter S. Thompson’s seminal works of Gonzo journalism, such as his “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” series, which were serialized in the magazine before being published as a book.

The magazine also featured famous profiles and interviews with artists like Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and Elton John, providing fans with unprecedented insight into the personal and creative lives of these icons.

Expanding to Politics and Investigative Journalism:
In addition to its music coverage, Rolling Stone increasingly tackled political issues. Throughout the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, for example, the magazine provided critical commentary on the Nixon administration, making its mark as a serious political outlet as well as a music magazine.

Hunter S. Thompson’s political writings, especially his coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign in the book “Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72”, became some of the magazine’s most influential political journalism.

1980s: Mainstream Success and Pop Culture Shift
The 1980s were a transformative time for Rolling Stone as it continued to evolve alongside the changing music industry and cultural landscape. With the rise of MTV, pop music, and new genres like hip-hop, the magazine began covering a broader spectrum of musical styles and cultural phenomena. This period marked Rolling Stone’s shift from its countercultural roots to a more mainstream position in media.

Covering a New Era of Music:
While still committed to rock, Rolling Stone began covering artists from a variety of genres, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen, who dominated the music charts in the 1980s. The magazine embraced the changing music scene and helped launch the careers of newer artists while continuing to celebrate its classic rock roots.

The 1980s also saw the magazine chronicle the rise of hip-hop, with early coverage of pioneering artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy.

The Shift to New York:
In 1977, Rolling Stone moved its headquarters from San Francisco to New York City, reflecting the magazine’s growing commercial success and desire to be closer to the heart of the American media industry.

Focus on Pop Culture and Celebrity:
During this period, Rolling Stone also expanded its focus to include broader pop culture, particularly film, television, and celebrity culture. In addition to music reviews and political commentary, the magazine began publishing articles about Hollywood stars and covering entertainment more broadly.

This shift to covering a wider array of topics allowed the magazine to remain relevant to younger readers, but it also sparked some criticism that it had moved away from its countercultural roots in favor of mainstream celebrity culture.

1990s: Digital Age and Broader Coverage
By the 1990s, Rolling Stone was an established institution in American media, with a global reputation as a leading music and culture magazine. However, this decade also brought significant changes in media consumption, as the digital age began to take shape and the music industry evolved with the rise of alternative rock, grunge, and hip-hop.

Covering New Music Movements
In the early 1990s, Rolling Stone played a crucial role in documenting the rise of alternative rock and grunge, covering bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. The magazine also embraced the continued evolution of hip-hop and began featuring artists like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z on its covers.

The 1990s saw a return to more serious political and social commentary, with coverage of the Clinton presidency, the O.J. Simpson trial, and the growing concern over globalization and climate change.

The Digital Revolution:
In response to the growing influence of the internet, Rolling Stone launched its website in the mid-1990s, adapting to the digital age and making its content accessible to a global online audience. The website allowed the magazine to engage with readers in new ways, offering a platform for multimedia content, including music videos, interviews, and additional reporting.

2000s: Controversies, Political Coverage, and Evolution
The 2000s presented new challenges and opportunities for Rolling Stone, as it continued to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment and increasing competition from online platforms. During this period, the magazine also gained attention for its controversial covers, in-depth investigative journalism, and continued coverage of both music and politics.

Political Impact:
One of the most notable stories of the 2000s was Rolling Stone’s 2006 article by Matt Taibbi, “The Great American Bubble Machine,” which examined the role of Goldman Sachs in the 2008 financial crisis. The magazine continued to build its reputation for political and investigative journalism, particularly under Taibbi’s leadership.

In 2010, the magazine published an explosive profile of General Stanley McChrystal, which led to his resignation as the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan after McChrystal and his aides made disparaging comments about the Obama administration.

Cultural and Musical Shifts:
The magazine continued covering the major musical trends of the time, from indie rock to pop, while also grappling with the rise of digital music and the decline of physical media sales. Artists like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Radiohead were frequently featured.
2010s to Present: Challenges and Resilience
The 2010s were marked by significant changes in the media landscape, with the rise of social media, increased reliance on digital content, and declining magazine sales. Rolling Stone faced new competition and challenges but remained an influential voice in music, culture, and politics.

Ownership Changes:
In 2017, Jann Wenner sold 49% of Rolling Stone to BandLab Technologies, a Singaporean company. Later that year, the remaining shares were sold to Penske Media Corporation, marking the end of Wenner’s control over the magazine. These sales reflected broader challenges in the publishing industry and the need to adapt to new digital realities.

Continued Cultural Relevance:
Despite the changes in ownership, Rolling Stone has maintained its reputation for in-depth reporting, music journalism, and cultural commentary. The magazine continues to cover a wide range of topics, from emerging music trends to social justice issues, and its iconic covers still generate significant attention.

Legacy
Rolling Stone has played an indelible role in the shaping of music culture, journalism, and politics for more than five decades. Its blend of music criticism, celebrity profiles, investigative journalism, and political commentary has made it an iconic publication that both reflected and influenced the cultural landscape of its time.

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