Jann Wenner, the creator of Rolling Stone magazine, has been fired from the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. This decision comes after Wenner made controversial remarks about black and female musicians, suggesting that they are not as articulate as their white counterparts. Wenner specifically mentioned iconic artists like Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell, implying that they lack the same level of verbal prowess as white stars. These comments have sparked outrage and led to his swift removal from the prestigious board.
Wenner was quizzed about the lack of diversity in his new book, “The Masters.” He speaks highly of the likes of John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Bruce Springsteen, and Bono, but says that black artists like Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye “just didn’t articulate at that level.” He continued, “Insofar as the women, just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level… It’s not that they’re not creative geniuses.” Furthermore, no woman was apparently “articulate enough” to live up to those same white aforementioned artists.
Wenner’s dismissal from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation board sends a clear message that his views aimed at female and black artists will not be tolerated in the music industry. The foundation, which aims to celebrate and honor the contributions of influential musicians, took a firm stance against Wenner’s remarks. In a statement, they emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and equality, making it evident that any form of racism or sexism will not be condoned.
The impact of Wenner’s comments extends beyond his role in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As the creator of Rolling Stone magazine, he has played a significant role in shaping the music industry’s narrative for decades. Rolling Stone has been a platform for showcasing diverse voices and talents, making Wenner’s remarks even more disappointing. It raises questions about the editorial decisions made throughout the magazine’s history and whether they were truly representative of the diverse range of musicians and artists in the industry.
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The controversy surrounding Wenner’s comments also highlights a larger issue within the music industry – the underrepresentation and marginalization of artists from minority backgrounds. While there have been significant strides towards diversity and inclusion in recent years, it is clear that there is still work to be done. The music industry should strive to uplift and amplify the voices of all artists, regardless of their race or gender, recognizing that talent knows no boundaries.
The post Rolling Stone Co-Founder Fired From Hall Of Fame Board After Saying Black Artists Weren’t As Articulate As White Stars appeared first on Hollywood Unlocked .