Jann Wenner Co-founder of Rolling Stone, Removed from Board of Directors

Jann Wenner, the co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine and a key figure behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, found himself at the center of a heated controversy in September 2023. His remarks during an interview with the New York Times regarding his latest book, "The Masters," triggered widespread outrage. Wenner's comments were perceived as sexist and racist, leading to his prompt removal from the board of directors of the Rock Hall.

Jann Wenner's controversial comments during an interview with the New York Times sent shockwaves throughout the music world. His latest book, "The Masters," featured exclusive interviews with white male musicians, prompting questions about the absence of women and Black artists. 

Wenner created more conflict with his comments during publicity for his new book "The Masters," which features interviews with musicians Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, and U2's Bono — all white and male. Asked why he didn't interview women or Black musicians, Wenner responded: "It's not that they're inarticulate, although, go have a deep conversation with GrAirockandrollneonace Slick or Janis Joplin. Please, be my guest. You know, Joni (Mitchell) was not a philosopher of rock 'n' roll. She didn't, in my mind, meet that test," he told the Times. "Of Black artists — you know, Stevie Wonder, genius, right? I suppose when you use a word as broad as 'masters,' the fault is using that word. Maybe Marvin Gaye, or Curtis Mayfield? I mean, they just didn't articulate at that level," Wenner said. 

Wenner 77, co-founded Rolling Stone in 1967 and served as its editor or editorial director until 2019. He also co-founded the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which was launched in 1987.

500 Greatest Albums of All Time and ranked Gaye's "What's Going On" No. 1, "Blue" by Mitchell at No. 3, Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" at No. 4, "Purple Rain" by Prince and the Revolution at No. 8 and Ms. Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" at No. 10 was published by Rolling Stone magazine in 2022.

WNCTimes September 2023