Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is an American biweekly magazine founded on November 9, 1967, by Jann Wenner, with music critic Ralph J. Gleason, in San Francisco, California, initially focused on rock music, counterculture, and related journalism.[1] The publication emerged amid the Haight-Ashbury scene and the Summer of Love, aiming to provide serious coverage of emerging rock artists and cultural shifts, drawing inspiration from underground press and figures like Bob Dylan. Early issues featured long-form interviews, album critiques, and gonzo-style political reporting, notably by Hunter S. Thompson, establishing Rolling Stone as a pivotal force in elevating rock criticism to mainstream legitimacy and influencing industry narratives.[2][3] Over time, it broadened to encompass politics, film, and pop culture, producing enduring rankings such as the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," which have shaped public perceptions of musical canon despite debates over subjective curation.[4][5] The magazine's editorial stance has often reflected progressive viewpoints, contributing to its cultural impact but also drawing accusations of ideological slant in coverage.[3] Since 2019, Rolling Stone has been fully owned by Penske Media Corporation, following partial acquisitions from founder Wenner's company.[6] It has encountered major controversies, including the 2014 retraction of "A Rape on Campus," an article alleging gang rape at a University of Virginia fraternity that was discredited due to unverifiable claims and inadequate fact-checking, as detailed in a Columbia Graduate School of Journalism review labeling it "a complete failure."[7][8] The piece and its reporter were subsequently found liable for defamation in a civil suit, highlighting lapses in journalistic standards.[9] In 2023, Wenner faced backlash and removal from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame board after comments in a New York Times interview questioning the inclusion of women and black artists in a book on music visionaries for lacking sufficient "articulation."[10]