Devendra Kumar
Jann Wenner, the co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has been ousted from the hall’s board of directors following a scathing New York Times interview in which he made disparaging remarks about black and female musicians. The 77-year-old music industry icon sparked outrage by omitting women and minority artists from his new book, “The Masters,” which features interviews with predominantly white and male rock legends. When asked why he didn’t include women or black musicians, Wenner seemed dismissive, citing that they “didn’t articulate at that level” or “didn’t meet the test” of being considered “masters” of rock music. He also criticized legendary artists such as Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, and Stevie Wonder, stating that they didn’t exhibit the same level of genius as their white male counterparts.
Wenner’s comments were met with widespread condemnation, and his apology came too late to salvage his reputation. His publisher, Little, Brown and Company, issued a statement on his behalf, in which he apologized for diminishing the contributions, genius, and impact of black and women artists. Wenner acknowledged that his words were “badly chosen” and “inflammatory” and accepted the consequences of his actions. The move to remove Wenner from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s board of directors comes as a significant blow to his legacy, particularly given his role in shaping the music industry and fostering a cultural institution that celebrates rock and roll’s rich history.
Wenner’s fall from grace is a stark contrast to his long-standing influence in the music world. As the editor or editorial director of Rolling Stone, he played a significant role in shaping the magazine’s fortunes and establishing it as a leading authority on music and popular culture. His co-founding of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 cemented his status as a music industry giant. His publication’s 500 greatest albums of all time list, which included works by black and female artists, seemed to contradict his own dismissal of their importance.
Wenner’s actions have sparked a necessary reckoning about the music industry’s troubled history and its tendency to marginalize and erase the contributions of women and minority artists. As the industry continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, Wenner’s removal from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s board of directors serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and respect for the legacy of black and women artists.