Jann Wenner ousted from Rock Hall leadership following controversial remarks

2023-09-18 21:00:04

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Rolling Stone co-founder removed from Rock Hall leadership following controversial comments

Jann Wenner, one of the co-founders of Rolling Stone magazine and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has been ousted from the hall's board of directors after making derogatory remarks about Black and female musicians. Wenner apologized for his comments shortly after they were published in an interview with The New York Times.

"Jann Wenner has been removed from the Board of Directors of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation," the hall announced on Saturday in response to Wenner's comments.

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Wenner generated significant controversy while promoting his latest book, "The Masters," which includes interviews with prominent musicians such as Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, and Bono from U2. Notably, all of these musicians are white males.

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When questioned about his decision not to interview women or Black musicians, Wenner responded dismissively, stating, "It's not that they're inarticulate, although, go have a deep conversation with Grace 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.

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Referring to Black artists, Wenner remarked, "I mean, they just didn't articulate at that level. Maybe Marvin Gaye, or Curtis Mayfield? I suppose when you use a word as broad as 'masters,' the fault is using that word."

Following a swift backlash, Wenner issued an apology through his publisher, Little, Brown and Company, expressing remorse for his remarks. He acknowledged the inflammatory nature of his words and accepted responsibility for the consequences.

In hindsight, Wenner suggested that including one Black and one female artist in his book, who may not have met the same historical standard, could have helped avoid criticism.

Last year, Rolling Stone magazine published its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, with albums by Black artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Ms. Lauryn Hill prominently featured.

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