Rolling Stone (magazine)
History
Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason. The magazine was initially known for its coverage of rock music and for political reporting by Hunter S. Thompson. Over the years, it has broadened its scope to include a wide range of popular culture topics, including music, politics, movies, and television.
Founding and Early Years
The first issue of Rolling Stone was published on November 9, 1967. The cover featured a photo of John Lennon dressed in army fatigues from the film How I Won the War. The magazine's name was derived from the 1948 Muddy Waters song "Rollin' Stone," and it also referenced the Bob Dylan song "Like a Rolling Stone" and the Rolling Stones band.
The magazine's early years were marked by its countercultural stance and its focus on the burgeoning rock music scene. It quickly became a voice for the youth of the 1960s and 1970s, providing in-depth coverage of the music and cultural movements of the time.
Expansion and Influence
In the 1970s, Rolling Stone expanded its focus to include more political and social issues. The magazine became known for its investigative journalism, particularly the work of Hunter S. Thompson, whose "gonzo journalism" style became a hallmark of the publication. Thompson's coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign, later published as Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72, is considered one of the magazine's most significant contributions to political journalism.
The magazine also began to cover other aspects of popular culture, including film, television, and books. This broader focus helped Rolling Stone maintain its relevance as the counterculture of the 1960s gave way to the more commercialized culture of the 1970s and 1980s.
Digital Transition
As the media landscape began to shift in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rolling Stone faced the challenge of adapting to the digital age. The magazine launched its website in 1995, providing online access to its articles and archives. In 2010, Rolling Stone transitioned to a digital-first strategy, focusing on its online presence while continuing to publish a monthly print edition.
The digital transition allowed Rolling Stone to reach a broader audience and to provide more timely coverage of breaking news and cultural events. The magazine's website features a mix of original content and archival material, as well as multimedia content such as videos and podcasts.
Content and Editorial Focus
Rolling Stone's content is divided into several key sections, each focusing on different aspects of popular culture and current events.
Music
Music coverage remains a central focus of Rolling Stone. The magazine is known for its in-depth interviews with musicians, album reviews, and coverage of music festivals and concerts. Rolling Stone's music critics are highly regarded, and the magazine's annual lists of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" and the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" are considered authoritative.
Politics
Rolling Stone has a long history of political reporting, dating back to Hunter S. Thompson's coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign. The magazine's political coverage includes investigative journalism, opinion pieces, and profiles of political figures. Rolling Stone has covered a wide range of political issues, including elections, social justice movements, and environmental concerns.
Film and Television
Rolling Stone's film and television coverage includes reviews, interviews with actors and directors, and features on trends in the entertainment industry. The magazine's film critics are known for their insightful analysis and their ability to identify emerging talent.
Popular Culture
In addition to music, politics, and entertainment, Rolling Stone covers a wide range of popular culture topics. This includes profiles of celebrities, coverage of fashion and lifestyle trends, and features on technology and social media.
Notable Contributors
Over the years, Rolling Stone has featured the work of many notable writers, photographers, and illustrators. Some of the magazine's most famous contributors include:
- Hunter S. Thompson: Known for his "gonzo journalism" style, Thompson's work for Rolling Stone includes his coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign and his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
- Annie Leibovitz: A renowned photographer, Leibovitz's iconic portraits of musicians and celebrities have graced the covers of Rolling Stone for decades.
- Cameron Crowe: Before becoming a successful filmmaker, Crowe was a contributing editor for Rolling Stone, writing numerous articles and profiles of musicians.
Cultural Impact
Rolling Stone has had a significant impact on popular culture and journalism. The magazine has been credited with helping to shape the careers of many musicians and writers, and its coverage of music and politics has influenced public opinion and cultural trends.
Influence on Music
Rolling Stone's music coverage has played a key role in shaping the careers of many musicians. The magazine's reviews and features have helped to introduce new artists to a wider audience, and its annual lists of the greatest albums and artists are considered authoritative.
Influence on Journalism
Rolling Stone's investigative journalism has had a significant impact on the field of journalism. The magazine's coverage of political and social issues has influenced public opinion and has led to changes in policy and practice. Rolling Stone's commitment to in-depth reporting and its willingness to tackle controversial topics have set a high standard for journalistic excellence.
Controversies
Rolling Stone has faced several controversies over the years, including issues related to its editorial decisions and its coverage of certain topics.
UVA Rape Story
One of the most significant controversies in Rolling Stone's history was the publication of an article in 2014 titled "A Rape on Campus," which detailed an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia. The article was later found to be based on false information, and Rolling Stone retracted the story. The magazine faced lawsuits and criticism for its handling of the story, and the controversy raised questions about journalistic ethics and standards.
Political Bias
Rolling Stone has been accused of political bias, particularly in its coverage of American politics. Critics have argued that the magazine's political reporting is often skewed towards a liberal perspective, and that it does not always provide balanced coverage of political issues.
Legacy
Despite the controversies, Rolling Stone remains one of the most influential and respected magazines in the world. Its coverage of music, politics, and popular culture has shaped public opinion and has had a lasting impact on the fields of journalism and entertainment.
Awards and Recognition
Rolling Stone has received numerous awards and accolades for its journalism and its contributions to popular culture. The magazine has won several National Magazine Awards, and its writers and photographers have been recognized for their work with Pulitzer Prizes and other honors.
Influence on Other Media
Rolling Stone's influence extends beyond the magazine itself. The publication has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films, and its style of journalism has been emulated by other media outlets. Rolling Stone's commitment to in-depth reporting and its focus on cultural trends have set a standard for other publications to follow.