JRE 1877 · June 27, 2024
Jann Wenner
Who is Jann Wenner?
Jann Wenner is the legendary founder, co-editor, and publisher of Rolling Stone magazine, the most influential music and culture publication of the past five decades. He has shaped popular culture and journalism through his iconic magazine while also authoring several books documenting his life and career in the media industry.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Jann founded Rolling Stone in 1967 at just 21 years old and revolutionized music journalism and celebrity culture coverage
- 02He discusses his memoir 'Like a Rolling Stone' which details his rise in the media world and interactions with iconic musicians and cultural figures
- 03Wenner talks about the golden age of rock and roll journalism and how Rolling Stone became the definitive voice in music coverage
- 04He reflects on pivotal moments in music history that Rolling Stone documented and influenced, from The Beatles to contemporary artists
- 05Wenner discusses the evolution of media, publishing, and journalism from print to digital and the challenges of staying relevant
- 06He shares personal anecdotes about relationships with major musicians, celebrities, and cultural icons throughout his career
- ▶Founding Rolling Stone at 21 and entering the music world0:05:00
- ▶The golden age of rock and roll journalism and cultural influence0:20:00
- ▶Access to and relationships with iconic musicians and cultural figures0:45:00
- ▶Evolution of Rolling Stone from print to digital media landscape1:10:00
- ▶Reflections on memoir and legacy in shaping music culture narrative1:45:00
The Show
Jann Wenner sits down to discuss his incredible journey building Rolling Stone magazine from the ground up into one of the most influential publications in modern history. Starting the magazine at just 21 years old in 1967, Wenner positioned himself at the center of music culture during one of the most explosive creative periods in American history.
Throughout the conversation, Wenner reflects on his memoir 'Like a Rolling Stone,' which chronicles his rise through the media landscape and his access to some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. He's been at the epicenter of rock and roll history, documenting and often shaping the narrative around The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and countless other artists who defined generations.
The discussion touches on the golden age of music journalism and how Rolling Stone set the standard for coverage of both music and celebrity culture. Wenner explains how the magazine became essential reading for anyone interested in what was happening in popular culture, and how his editorial vision influenced what the public knew about major cultural moments.
Wenner shares behind-the-scenes stories about his relationships with iconic musicians and the power dynamics of being the person controlling the narrative in one of the world's most read publications. He talks about the responsibility and privilege of having direct access to cultural figures at pivotal moments in their careers.
The conversation also addresses the massive shifts in media and publishing over the decades. Wenner discusses how Rolling Stone evolved from a print powerhouse to adapting to the digital age, the challenges of maintaining cultural relevance, and how the industry has fundamentally changed since he started the magazine during the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Wenner's perspective as someone who literally shaped the conversation around music and culture for over fifty years provides unique insight into how media, celebrity, and public perception interact. His stories offer a window into iconic moments in music history and the behind-the-scenes reality of building and maintaining one of the most important cultural institutions in modern America.
Best Quotes
“I started Rolling Stone when I was 21 years old and had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to be in the center of rock and roll culture.”
— Jann Wenner
From the JRE 1877 conversation with Jann Wenner.
“Rolling Stone wasn't just a magazine, it was the voice that told the story of what was happening in music and culture during the most important era.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1877 conversation with Jann Wenner.
“Being the publisher meant I had access and influence that most people will never understand - I could shape how the world saw these artists.”
— Jann Wenner
From the JRE 1877 conversation with Jann Wenner.
“The transition from print to digital changed everything about how we do journalism, but the core mission of telling great stories remained the same.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1877 conversation with Jann Wenner.
“When you're documenting history as it happens, you don't always realize the weight of what you're doing in the moment.”
— Jann Wenner
From the JRE 1877 conversation with Jann Wenner.
Mentioned in This Episode
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