What is Rolling Stone magazine and what are its primary areas of focus?

Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that primarily focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It has been a significant voice in cultural commentary since its inception.

When and where was Rolling Stone magazine founded, and by whom?

Rolling Stone magazine was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason. Their aim was to create a publication that reflected the evolving landscape of rock music and its associated attitudes.

What was the initial format and publication frequency of Rolling Stone?

The first issue of Rolling Stone, released on November 9, 1967, was in a tabloid newspaper format and was published bi-weekly. The cover price was 25 cents.

What was featured on the cover of the very first issue of Rolling Stone?

The inaugural cover of Rolling Stone featured John Lennon in costume for the film 'How I Won the War'. The issue also included a lead article on the Monterey International Pop Festival.

What is the origin and significance of the magazine's name, Rolling Stone?

The magazine's title, Rolling Stone, is derived from an old saying, 'A rolling stone gathers no moss.' It was also influenced by a Muddy Waters song and Bob Dylan's hit single 'Like a Rolling Stone,' reflecting the magazine's connection to the music world.

How did Rolling Stone initially position itself in relation to the counterculture and underground press of the 1960s?

Rolling Stone initially identified with and reported on the hippie counterculture of the era. However, it distinguished itself from underground newspapers by embracing more traditional journalistic standards and avoiding radical politics.

What was the slogan of Rolling Stone magazine, and what is its origin?

The magazine's long-running slogan was 'All the news that fits,' which was a parody of The New York Times' slogan, 'All The News That's Fit To Print.' This slogan first appeared in 1969.

How did Hunter S. Thompson contribute to Rolling Stone's reputation in the 1970s?

Hunter S. Thompson, a pioneer of gonzo journalism, wrote extensively for Rolling Stone's political section. His most famous work, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' was first published in the magazine, where he remained a contributing editor until his death.

What significant journalistic achievements did Rolling Stone receive in the early 1970s?

In 1970, Rolling Stone published a lengthy feature on Charles Manson, including an interview with him, which earned the magazine its first National Magazine Award. The following year, an article covering the Altamont Free Concert and the killing of Meredith Hunter won a Specialized Journalism award.

Which photographer became Rolling Stone's chief photographer in 1973, and how many covers did her images appear on?

Annie Leibovitz became Rolling Stone's chief photographer in 1973, and her iconic images graced more than 140 covers during her tenure.

Why did Rolling Stone move its headquarters from San Francisco to New York City in 1977?

In 1977, editor Jann Wenner moved the magazine's headquarters to New York City, stating that San Francisco had become 'a cultural backwater.' This move signaled a shift in the magazine's focus and operational center.

How did Rolling Stone's content and focus evolve during the 1980s and 1990s?

During the 1980s, Rolling Stone began to shift towards becoming more of an entertainment magazine, increasing its coverage of celebrities and pop culture alongside music. In the 1990s, it further adapted to appeal to a younger readership interested in youth-oriented television, film, and music, though this led to criticism about emphasizing style over substance.

What was Tom Wolfe's contribution to Rolling Stone in the 1980s, and how did it lead to a famous novel?

Tom Wolfe serialized his novel, which eventually became 'The Bonfire of the Vanities,' in Rolling Stone from July 1984 to August 1985. This serialization provided Wolfe with the motivation to revise and complete the work, which was later published as a novel in 1987.

Which journalists contributed to a resurgence of interest in Rolling Stone in the late 2000s?

Michael Hastings and Matt Taibbi, two young journalists, were instrumental in bringing renewed interest and relevance to Rolling Stone in the late 2000s with their impactful reporting.

What was the nature of Matt Taibbi's reporting that gained acclaim in 2009?

In 2009, Matt Taibbi published a series of critical reports on the financial meltdown, famously describing Goldman Sachs as 'a great vampire squid.' His work highlighted illegal and fraudulent actions by banks.

What controversy did Rolling Stone cause in the White House in June 2010?

Rolling Stone published an article by Michael Hastings titled 'The Runaway General,' which quoted General Stanley A. McChrystal criticizing Vice President Joe Biden and other administration members. This led to significant controversy and McChrystal's subsequent resignation.

What was the outcome of Rolling Stone's attempt to open a restaurant?

Rolling Stone planned to open a chain of restaurants, with the first one slated for Hollywood in 2010. However, the restaurant, which opened in late 2010 or early 2011, eventually closed in February 2013.

When did Penske Media Corporation acquire full ownership of Rolling Stone magazine?

Penske Media Corporation acquired a majority stake in Rolling Stone in December 2017 and then purchased the remaining 49% stake from BandLab Technologies in January 2019, gaining full ownership.

What significant change occurred with the July 2018 issue of Rolling Stone?

Starting with the July 2018 issue, Rolling Stone transitioned to being published monthly and returned to its previous large-format size (10 x 12 inches).

What is notable about the cover of the January 22, 1981, issue featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono?

The cover of the January 22, 1981, issue featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono was later called the 'Greatest Rolling Stone Cover Ever' by Vanity Fair, highlighting its iconic status.

Which musical artists have appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone most frequently?

The Beatles have appeared on the cover more than 30 times, either individually or as a band, making them one of the most frequently featured artists.

What was the cost and concept behind the 1000th issue cover in May 2006?

The 1000th issue cover, released on May 18, 2006, featured a 3-D hologram of multiple celebrities and personalities. The magazine invested $1 million in this special cover.

How has the print format of Rolling Stone evolved over the years?

Rolling Stone began in a tabloid newspaper format (1967-1972), then moved to a larger gloss-paper magazine format (1980 onwards). It switched to a standard 8x11 inch size in 2008 before returning to the larger 10x12 inch format in 2018, with a redesign in June 2024.

What issues did Rolling Stone's website face regarding its message boards?

The magazine's website experienced issues with its message-board forums, including vandalism by Internet trolls. The forums were abruptly deleted multiple times between 2004 and 2010.

What new feature was introduced to the Rolling Stone website in April 2010?

In April 2010, the Rolling Stone website underwent a redesign and began featuring the complete archives of the magazine, initially under a paid model before transitioning to a free-with-subscription model.

What was Glixel, and what happened to it?

Glixel was an online publication launched by Wenner Media in May 2016 dedicated to video games and culture. It was later closed down by Rolling Stone in June 2017, with its content merged into Variety after Penske Media Corporation acquired Rolling Stone.

How has Rolling Stone's political alignment been described?

Rolling Stone has been described as a 'liberal cheerleader' and as having 'routinely support[ed] liberal candidates and causes' since the 1990s. Its founder, Jann Wenner, has exclusively made political donations to Democrats and conducted high-profile interviews with Democratic presidents.

What criticism has Rolling Stone faced regarding its historical lists and coverage?

The magazine has faced criticism for generational bias, particularly its focus on the 1960s and 1970s, and what some call 'rockist fogeyism' in its lists. Its 'Record Guide' was also criticized for largely ignoring hip-hop and panning heavy metal.

What controversy arose from the 2003 article 'Bug Chasers: The men who long to be HIV+'?

The 2003 article claimed that homosexuals intentionally seeking HIV accounted for 25% of new cases annually. However, the physicians cited in the article later denied making these statements, leading to controversy over the accuracy of the reporting.

What was the issue with the 2005 article 'Deadly Immunity'?

The article, written by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., attracted criticism for quoting material out of context. Rolling Stone eventually amended the story with corrections in response to these criticisms.

What was the public reaction to the August 2013 Rolling Stone cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev?

The cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the accused Boston Marathon bomber, drew widespread criticism for allegedly 'glamorizing terrorism.' This led several major retailers, including CVS and Walgreens, to stop selling the issue.

What were the findings of the investigation into the 'A Rape on Campus' story?

Separate inquiries by Phi Kappa Psi (the accused fraternity) and The Washington Post revealed major errors and discrepancies in the story. An investigation commissioned by Rolling Stone itself, conducted by the Columbia School of Journalism, uncovered journalistic failure and institutional problems within the magazine's reporting practices.

What was the outcome of the defamation lawsuit filed by Nicole Eramo against Rolling Stone regarding the UVA rape story?

Nicole Eramo, an administrator at the University of Virginia, sued Rolling Stone for defamation, claiming the story falsely portrayed her. A jury found Rolling Stone, its publisher, and the reporter liable for defamation and awarded Eramo $3 million.

What ethical concerns were raised about Sean Penn's interview with Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán?

Ethical concerns were raised because Guzmán reportedly demanded and received final editorial control over the article. Experts criticized this pre-approval as a failure of editorial control, with one calling it 'inexcusable' and more akin to public relations than journalism.

What was the controversy surrounding Rolling Stone's September 2021 article about ivermectin overdoses in Oklahoma?

The article claimed that ivermectin overdoses were overwhelming Oklahoma intensive care units, but a hospital statement and subsequent reporting indicated this was inaccurate. Rolling Stone later added an editor's note retracting the core point of its story.

How did Rolling Stone's reporting on the James Gordon Meek case draw criticism in early 2023?

Rolling Stone's initial report on the FBI raid of ABC News producer James Gordon Meek omitted details about child sexual abuse material that led to the investigation. Critics noted that the editor had the story rewritten to exclude these details, suggesting Meek was 'targeted' for his reporting rather than facing charges related to the material.

In what ways has Rolling Stone been referenced in popular culture, such as songs and films?

Rolling Stone has been referenced in popular culture through George Harrison's song 'This Guitar (Can't Keep from Crying),' the film 'Almost Famous' (which centered on a journalist writing for the magazine), and the Dr. Hook song 'The Cover of Rolling Stone,' which satirized the pursuit of fame.

When was the first international edition of Rolling Stone launched, and what is the latest?

The first international edition was Rolling Stone Australia, launched in 1969. The latest international edition mentioned is Rolling Stone Philippines, launched in print in 2025.

Which countries have had defunct editions of Rolling Stone magazine?

Defunct editions of Rolling Stone have included those from Bulgaria (2009-2011), Canada (publication dates unclear), Chile (2003-2011), China (2005-2006, relaunched 2021-2022), Spain (1999-2015), Indonesia (2005-2017), Russia (2004-2022), South Africa (2011-2014), Turkey (2006-2009), and Serbo-Croatian (2013-2015).

What is the significance of Shirley Halperin's appointment in August 2025?

In August 2025, Shirley Halperin was appointed co-editor-in-chief alongside Sean Woods, also becoming the magazine's head of music. This appointment marks Halperin as Rolling Stone's first female editor-in-chief.

What is the current total circulation of Rolling Stone magazine as of June 2023?

As of June 2023, the total circulation of Rolling Stone magazine was reported as 423,377.

What is the official website address for Rolling Stone?

The official website for Rolling Stone is rollingstone.com.

What is the ISSN identifier for Rolling Stone magazine?

The ISSN identifier for Rolling Stone magazine is 0035-791X.

What was the magazine's stance on George W. Bush and Donald Trump?

Rolling Stone has been critical of Republican Presidents George W. Bush, whom it once described as the 'worst president in history,' and Donald Trump.

What was the purpose of the 'Perception/Reality' campaign in 1985?

In 1985, Rolling Stone hired an advertising agency to refocus its image through the 'Perception/Reality' campaign, which compared symbols of the Sixties with those of the Eighties. This initiative led to an increase in advertising revenue and pages.

What specific criticism did Slate magazine level against 'The Rolling Stone Record Guide'?

A critic for Slate noted that 'The Rolling Stone Record Guide' virtually ignored hip-hop and ruthlessly panned heavy metal, genres that would soon dominate the pop charts. This oversight led to questions about the guide's long-term relevance.

What was the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity against Rolling Stone?

The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity filed a $25 million lawsuit for defamation and infliction of emotional distress. Rolling Stone settled the suit out of court for $1.65 million.

What did the Columbia School of Journalism report uncover regarding the 'A Rape on Campus' story?

The investigation commissioned by Rolling Stone uncovered journalistic failure in the UVA story and identified broader institutional problems with reporting practices at the magazine.

What was the nature of the controversy surrounding the James Gordon Meek child pornography case reporting?

The controversy involved Rolling Stone's reporting on the FBI raid of ABC News producer James Gordon Meek. Critics alleged that the magazine's editor rewrote the story to omit details about child sexual abuse material, suggesting Meek was targeted for his reporting rather than facing charges related to the material.

How did the 'Almost Famous' film relate to Rolling Stone?

The 2000 film 'Almost Famous' centered on a teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone in the early 1970s, covering a fictional band. The film was directed by Cameron Crowe, who based it on his own experiences as a young journalist for the magazine.

What is the significance of the 'Rolling Stone' name in the context of music history, as mentioned in the article?

The magazine's name is linked to music history through Bob Dylan's song 'Like a Rolling Stone,' which was the title of his first rock and roll record, and the band The Rolling Stones, who took their name from Muddy Waters' song of the same name.

Rolling Stone Wiki: The Rolling Stone Chronicle: A Cultural Zeitgeist

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Overview

Publication Identity

Rolling Stone is a distinguished American monthly magazine renowned for its comprehensive coverage of music, politics, and popular culture. Established in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason, it has evolved into a significant voice in cultural commentary.

Key Statistics

As of June 2023, the magazine reported a total circulation of 423,377. Its first issue, featuring John Lennon, was published on November 9, 1967. The publication is headquartered in New York City and operates under Penske Media Corporation.

Foundational Mission

The magazine's inception was marked by a mission to reflect the evolving landscape of rock music and its associated cultural attitudes. Wenner articulated this as capturing "the things and attitudes that music embraces," establishing a broad cultural lens beyond mere musical reporting.

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years (1967-1979)

Founded by Jann Wenner and Ralph J. Gleason, the inaugural issue of Rolling Stone debuted on November 9, 1967, featuring John Lennon. Initially published bi-weekly in a newspaper format, it quickly became associated with the hippie counterculture while maintaining distinct journalistic standards, differentiating itself from underground publications. Its early coverage of music and politics, notably by Hunter S. Thompson, garnered critical acclaim and awards.

Evolution and Expansion (1980-1999)

The 1980s saw Rolling Stone shift towards a broader entertainment focus, incorporating more coverage of celebrities, film, and pop culture alongside its core music journalism. This era also saw the introduction of its annual "Hot Issue." The 1990s continued this trend, targeting a younger demographic, which led to some criticism regarding a perceived emphasis on style over substance.

Resurgence and Digital Age (2000-2015)

Following a period of declining readership, the magazine experienced a resurgence in the late 2000s, driven by influential reporting from journalists like Michael Hastings and Matt Taibbi. The website's development, including the launch of archives and interactive features, expanded its reach. The period also saw the opening and subsequent closure of a Rolling Stone restaurant.

New Ownership and Modern Era (2016-Present)

Significant ownership changes occurred from 2016 onwards, with stakes sold to BandLab Technologies and subsequently full acquisition by Penske Media Corporation in 2019. The magazine transitioned to a monthly format in July 2018. Recent years have seen expansion into live events and international editions, alongside continued recognition for digital journalism and awards.

Iconic Covers

Visual Storytelling

Rolling Stone is celebrated for its provocative photography and influential cover images, which have featured a vast array of musicians, politicians, athletes, and actors. The magazine's covers have often become iconic cultural artifacts, reflecting the zeitgeist of their respective eras.

Frequent Appearances

Certain artists have achieved numerous cover appearances, signifying their enduring impact. The Beatles, for instance, have graced the cover over 30 times, individually or as a group. The cover featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono in January 1981 is particularly noted as one of the magazine's most celebrated images.

Innovative Formats

The magazine has experimented with its print format, evolving from a tabloid newspaper style in its early years to a gloss-paper magazine. Notably, the 1,000th issue in May 2006 featured a $1 million, 3-D hologram cover showcasing multiple personalities, demonstrating a commitment to visual innovation.

Digital Presence

Website Evolution

The Rolling Stone website has undergone significant transformations, including the development and subsequent removal of message board forums due to issues with online trolls. A major redesign in 2010 introduced complete archives, initially behind a paywall, later transitioning to a subscription model. The site now serves as an interactive platform for biographical information and historical rankings.

Glixel Initiative

In 2016, Rolling Stone launched Glixel, an online publication dedicated to video games and gaming culture, reflecting the perceived cultural significance of gaming akin to rock 'n' roll's early days. While initially hosted on the Rolling Stone domain, it later moved to its own. The initiative faced restructuring and eventual integration of its content into Variety following Penske Media Corporation's acquisition.

Political Stance

Editorial Alignment

Rolling Stone has been characterized as a "liberal cheerleader" and has consistently supported liberal candidates and causes, particularly since the 1990s. Its founder, Jann Wenner, has exclusively made political donations to Democratic candidates, and the magazine has featured high-profile interviews with Democratic presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Critiques and Endorsements

The publication has been critical of Republican presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, with one instance describing Bush as the "worst president in history." In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Rolling Stone formally endorsed Hillary Clinton. Conversely, a cover featuring Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posed the question, "Why can't he be our president?"

Criticism and Controversies

Generational Bias and Rockism

A recurring criticism targets Rolling Stone's perceived generational bias towards the 1960s and 1970s, often labeled as "rockist fogeyism." Critics point to evolving stances on artists and genres, such as initially dismissing Led Zeppelin and later celebrating them as "the Heaviest Band of All Time," and the historical underrepresentation of hip-hop and heavy metal in early critical assessments.

Journalistic Integrity Issues

The magazine has faced significant scrutiny regarding journalistic standards and accuracy. Notable instances include:

"Bug Chasers" HIV Story (2003): Accusations of misrepresenting sources regarding intentional HIV infection among homosexual men.
"Deadly Immunity" (2005): Criticism for quoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of context regarding vaccine safety, necessitating later corrections.
Tsarnaev Cover (2013): Widespread condemnation for featuring the Boston Marathon bomber on the cover, perceived as glorifying terrorism, leading to retail bans of the issue.
"A Rape on Campus" (2014): A highly publicized story about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia that was later retracted due to significant journalistic failures, resulting in a defamation lawsuit and a $3 million jury award against the magazine.
El Chapo Interview Ethics (2016): Controversy surrounding Sean Penn's interview with Joaquín Guzmán, which allowed Guzmán final editorial control, raising ethical questions about journalistic practice.
False Ivermectin Story (2021): An article that propagated misinformation about hospital bed shortages due to ivermectin overdoses, later retracted with an editor's note acknowledging insufficient research.
James Gordon Meek Case (2023): Allegations of editorial interference to omit child pornography charges from reporting on an ABC News reporter's arrest, raising concerns about editorial bias and transparency.

Cultural Resonance

Musical Influence

Rolling Stone has played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of music and artists. Its lists, such as the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," have become influential benchmarks in music discourse. The magazine's coverage has launched the careers of numerous writers and photographers, contributing significantly to music journalism.

Cinematic and Literary References

The magazine's cultural impact extends to popular culture, notably inspiring the film Almost Famous, which chronicled the experiences of a young journalist covering a fictional band for Rolling Stone in the 1970s. Numerous songs and literary works also reference the magazine, underscoring its pervasive presence in the cultural landscape.

International Editions

Global Reach

Rolling Stone maintains a significant international presence, with numerous editions published worldwide. These editions adapt the magazine's core focus on music, politics, and culture to local contexts, reflecting diverse global perspectives and talent.

Editions Overview

As of 2025, active international editions include those in Africa, Argentina, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Middle East/North Africa, Philippines, Quebec, and the UK. Several other editions have been published historically but are now defunct.

Current Editions: Africa, Argentina, Australia/New Zealand, Brasil, France, Germany, India, Italia, Japan, Korea, Middle East and North Africa, Philippines, Quebec, UK.

Defunct Editions: Australia (early), Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China (multiple periods), España, Indonesia, New Zealand (early), Russia, South Africa, Türkiye, Serbo-Croatian.

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References

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Rolling Stone Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and maintain an academic tone suitable for higher education students, the content is based on data that may be subject to change or interpretation.

This is not professional media or journalistic advice. The information provided herein is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consulting primary sources, official documentation, or seeking expert analysis in media studies, cultural history, or journalism.

The creators of this content are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the content and consult original sources for verification.

The Rolling Stone Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📰 Publication Identity

📊 Key Statistics

📜 Foundational Mission

Historical Trajectory 📜

🚀 Founding and Early Years (1967-1979)

✨ Evolution and Expansion (1980-1999)

📈 Resurgence and Digital Age (2000-2015)

🏢 New Ownership and Modern Era (2016-Present)

Iconic Covers 🖼️

🌟 Visual Storytelling

👑 Frequent Appearances

🎨 Innovative Formats

Digital Presence 🌐

💻 Website Evolution

🎮 Glixel Initiative

Political Stance 🏛️

📣 Editorial Alignment

🗣️ Critiques and Endorsements

Criticism and Controversies ⚠️

⏳ Generational Bias and Rockism

🔬 Journalistic Integrity Issues

Cultural Resonance 🎭

🎶 Musical Influence

🎬 Cinematic and Literary References

International Editions 🌍

🌐 Global Reach

🗺️ Editions Overview

Related Topics 🔗

📰 Sister Publications

💡 Cultural Movements

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Publication Identity

Key Statistics

Foundational Mission

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years (1967-1979)

Evolution and Expansion (1980-1999)

Resurgence and Digital Age (2000-2015)

New Ownership and Modern Era (2016-Present)

Iconic Covers

Visual Storytelling

Frequent Appearances

Innovative Formats

Digital Presence

Website Evolution

Glixel Initiative

Political Stance

Editorial Alignment

Critiques and Endorsements

Criticism and Controversies

Generational Bias and Rockism

Journalistic Integrity Issues

Cultural Resonance

Musical Influence

Cinematic and Literary References

International Editions

Global Reach

Editions Overview

Related Topics

Sister Publications

Cultural Movements

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice