Jann Wenner, co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine, has issued an apology after making controversial comments regarding Black and female musicians’ inclusion in his new book.
The apology came on Saturday night, shortly after the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced Wenner’s removal from the board of directors.
In an interview with The New York Times to promote his new book, “The Masters,” Wenner explained that he didn’t include interviews with Black and female musicians because he believed they weren’t “articulate” enough. However, on Saturday, he issued a full apology for his remarks.
Wenner stated, “In my interview with The New York Times, I made comments that diminished the contributions, genius, and impact of Black and women artists, and I apologize wholeheartedly for those remarks.” He clarified that “The Masters” is a collection of interviews that represented highlights of his career and personal interests in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. He emphasized that the interviews were not meant to reflect the entire spectrum of music and its diverse and important creators.
Wenner acknowledged the inflammatory nature of his poorly chosen words and expressed deep regret while accepting the consequences of his comments.
Wenner’s book features interviews with renowned rock legends like Bono, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Pete Townshend. However, it notably excludes interviews with Black or female musicians.
When asked by The New York Times about his selection process, Wenner stated, “When I was referring to the zeitgeist, I was referring to Black performers, not to the female performers.” He explained that the selection of musicians was intuitive and driven by his personal interests. He further stated, “Insofar as the women, just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level.”
Wenner faced criticism for these comments, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation subsequently announced his removal from the board of directors. Wenner had been a key figure in the music industry, leading Rolling Stone for five decades and co-founding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
