Jann Wenner

Who is Jann Wenner?

Jann S. Wenner is the founder, co-editor, and publisher of "Rolling Stone" magazine and author of several books. His most recent is "Like a Rolling Stone: A Memoir." https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/jann-wenner/like-a-rolling-stone/9780316415392/

Topics and Timestamps

• 01Joe Rogan sits down with Jann Wenner for an in-depth conversation.

The Show

# JRE #1877 Recap: Jann Wenner on Building Rolling Stone and a Life in Music Publishing

Joe Rogan welcomed Jann Wenner to the podcast on June 27, 2024, sitting down with one of the most influential figures in music journalism history. Wenner, the founder, co-editor, and publisher of Rolling Stone magazine, brought decades of experience shaping how the world consumes music and culture coverage to the conversation.

As the man who built Rolling Stone from the ground up, Wenner has been central to documenting some of the most pivotal moments in rock and roll history. The magazine became synonymous with authoritative music journalism and cultural criticism, establishing itself as essential reading for anyone serious about understanding the intersection of music, politics, and society. Wenner's vision transformed Rolling Stone into more than just a publication about music; it became a cultural institution that influenced how generations understood their times.

The conversation covered Wenner's journey in the publishing world and his experiences at the helm of one of America's most storied magazines. As someone who worked directly with legendary musicians and artists, Wenner had a unique vantage point on the evolution of rock and roll from the late 1960s onward. His publication documented the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and countless other artists who defined generations, giving Wenner insider access to moments that became part of cultural mythology.

Joe and Wenner discussed the arc of Wenner's career and his insights into the music industry's transformation over the decades. Having navigated the magazine through technological changes, shifting consumer habits, and the digital revolution, Wenner offered perspective on how media and music journalism adapted to a changing world. His longevity in the industry gave him credibility to reflect on what mattered then versus what matters now in music coverage.

The podcast also touched on Wenner's recent memoir, "Like a Rolling Stone," which offers his firsthand account of building Rolling Stone and his experiences in the music world. The book represents Wenner's attempt to document his own history and the history he witnessed while at the center of one of popular culture's most important institutions. Through his memoir, Wenner reflected on the personalities, the music, and the moments that defined Rolling Stone's influence.

Throughout the conversation, Wenner emerged as a figure who understood the power of journalism to shape cultural narratives. His work at Rolling Stone positioned him as someone who didn't just report on music history but helped create it by deciding what stories mattered, which artists deserved coverage, and how the culture should understand its own moment.

The episode captured Rogan engaging with a media veteran whose career spanned from the counterculture of the 1960s through the digital age. Wenner's perspective on magazine publishing, music, and cultural influence provided the kind of long-view insight that comes from being an actual architect of modern music journalism rather than just a commentator on it.