The Historical Impact of Rolling Stone Magazine: Music, Politics & Culture

Lifestyle, Music
March 25, 2025

The Historical Impact of Rolling Stone Magazine

By Henry Tilman

The Historical Impact of Rolling Stone Magazine

Since its founding in 1967, Rolling Stone magazine has played a significant role in shaping music journalism, political discourse, and popular culture. Originally envisioned as a publication dedicated to rock music and countercultural movements, Rolling Stone quickly evolved into a powerful media institution that chronicled the most important cultural, social, and political events of the last five decades. With its signature blend of investigative journalism, in-depth interviews, and iconic photography, the magazine has left a lasting imprint on both the music industry and the broader media landscape.

The Birth of Rolling Stone and the Counterculture of the 1960s

Founded in San Francisco by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason, Rolling Stone emerged at the height of the 1960s countercultural revolution. The magazine’s first issue, published on November 9, 1967, featured John Lennon on the cover, setting the tone for its deep connection to rock music and the anti-establishment movement. The magazine’s title was inspired by Muddy Waters’ song Rollin’ Stone, as well as Bob Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone and the Rolling Stones themselves, reflecting its commitment to covering rock and roll in all its forms.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rolling Stone became a leading voice for a generation that sought change. It provided in-depth coverage of the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the Watergate scandal, alongside profiles of cultural icons like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. Writers such as Hunter S. Thompson, who pioneered “gonzo journalism,” gave Rolling Stone an edge that set it apart from traditional news outlets. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and his political reporting on the 1972 presidential election for the magazine are now considered seminal works of American journalism.

The 1970s: Defining Rock Journalism

As rock music grew into a dominant cultural force, Rolling Stone became its primary chronicler. The magazine offered extensive coverage of artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac, often publishing long-form interviews and behind-the-scenes stories that provided unprecedented access to musicians. Remember, this was long before the internet, so accessing information and insight into your favourite musicians was very difficult back then. Rolling Stone’s in-depth reporting helped elevate music journalism to a serious art form rather than mere entertainment writing.

One of the magazine’s most iconic features was Cameron Crowe’s 1975 profile of Led Zeppelin, which later inspired his semi-autobiographical film Almost Famous (2000). The film captured the essence of Rolling Stone’s unique relationship with rock stars, as well as the ethical dilemmas that music journalists often faced when writing about the people they admired.

The 1970s also saw Rolling Stone transition from a countercultural magazine to a more mainstream publication. As its influence grew, so did its reach beyond music, covering politics, film, and television with the same intensity and insight it applied to rock and roll.

The 1980s and 1990s: Expanding Influence and Embracing New Genres

During the 1980s, Rolling Stone adapted to the changing musical landscape by covering emerging genres like punk, new wave, and hip-hop. While initially slow to embrace rap music, the magazine eventually acknowledged its cultural significance, featuring artists like Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy (FLAVOR FLAV!!), and Tupac Shakur.

The 1980s and 1990s were also a golden era for Rolling Stone’s political journalism. The magazine played a key role in investigative reporting on issues such as government corruption, corporate greed, and climate change. Writers like P.J. O’Rourke and Matt Taibbi continued the publication’s tradition of sharp political analysis, ensuring that it remained relevant beyond music.

In the 1990s, Rolling Stone expanded its focus to include grunge, alternative rock, and pop music. Iconic covers featuring Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Britney Spears reflected the magazine’s ability to evolve with the times while still maintaining its core identity.

The 2000s and 2010s: Digital Transformation and Cultural Shifts

The rise of the internet and digital media in the 2000s posed a challenge to traditional print publications, and Rolling Stone was no exception. To stay relevant, the magazine launched an online edition and began covering a broader range of topics, from social justice issues to the growing influence of technology on music and entertainment.

One of Rolling Stone’s most significant moments in the 21st century came in 2010, when it published journalist Michael Hastings’ exposé on U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal. The article, which revealed McChrystal’s critical comments about the Obama administration, led to the general’s resignation and demonstrated that Rolling Stone still had the power to influence national politics.

At the same time, the magazine faced criticism for some of its editorial choices, including a controversial 2014 article about an alleged sexual assault at the University of Virginia, which was later discredited. The incident damaged Rolling Stone’s reputation, but it also underscored the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in the digital age.

The Legacy of Rolling Stone

Despite its ups and downs, Rolling Stone remains one of the most influential magazines in American history. Its signature mix of music journalism, cultural criticism, and political reporting has shaped generations of readers and writers. The magazine’s extensive archives serve as a historical record of the most important cultural and political moments of the last half-century.

So really, Rolling Stone’s influence extends beyond print. Its iconic covers have defined the careers of countless musicians, actors, and public figures, while its deep investigative reporting has held powerful institutions accountable. The magazine has also helped launch the careers of some of the most respected journalists and critics in the industry.

Today, Rolling Stone continues to evolve in the digital era, embracing new media formats like podcasts, video content, and social media. While the music industry has changed dramatically since its founding, the magazine’s commitment to storytelling and cultural commentary remains as strong as ever.

Certain copies of Rolling Stone magazine, such as early issues, those with iconic interviews or ones capturing the early days of popular artists (including Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift) have become very collectable on the secondary market, such as on eBay, both with Rolling Stone readers and fans of specific artists. If you ever see a cheap issue at an op shop, be sure to grab it and put it on eBay!

That being said, not every issue is particularly valueable.

Conclusion

From its countercultural roots in the 1960s to its status as a mainstream media powerhouse, Rolling Stone has had a profound impact on music, journalism, and popular culture. Whether through groundbreaking interviews, investigative reporting, or iconic photography, the magazine has remained a cultural touchstone for over five decades. While the media landscape continues to change, Rolling Stone’s legacy as a defining voice in music and journalism is undeniable.