Rolling Stone: The Complete Covers

by Fred Woodward, Jann S. Wenner

This book assembles 30 years of Rolling Stone covers-totaling more than 700-which together chronicle the period's rock and roll, the cutting edge in pop culture, and the hipper reaches of film and television. With the work of such renowned photographers as Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon, Herb Ritts, and Matthew Rolston; a lively introduction by magazine founding editor and publisher Jann S. Wenner; excerpts from groundbreaking cover stories; and tantalizing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Rolling Stone: The Complete Covers offers an intriguing and evocative journey.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction, Photography, Art

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fav "photo"-books. That so many brilliant photographs made cover of Rolling Stone is no surprise of course, but I'm amazed that so many are not used or seen in other settings. A large number here are quite unique and many are so good you'll get stuck on pages for the longest time...

[Seizure Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am usually of the opinion that Jakob Dylan is the best thing that Bob ever produced* (commence outrage in 10, 9, 8...), I'm not quite sure why they chose his mug for one of the variant covers. My copy has Jimi Hendrix and his flaming guitar on one side and Patti Smith on the other, and I'm quite happy with that. Regardless of who's on the cover of this collection of covers, it's pretty damned entertaining, especially to readers "of a certain age" (Warning: some may experience flashbacks). Within lies photographic proof that Keith Richards has always looked scary, John Oates probably had the most wicked pornstache in the history of music, and that Michael Jackson was once black (and, presumably, human). On the down side, you have to look at John Lennon's ass. Twice.



*Yeah, I know, great lyricist, yadda yadda yadda; if he hadn't written "All Along the Watchtower" Hendrix wouldn't have been able to release a better version. I actually do like some of his music, but every time I hear that voice a) I can't stop myself from launching into a nasal-heavy bad imitation; and b) I can't help thinking that the man sounds like he's had the flu for 40 years.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many would have predicted almost 50 years ago, that Jann Wenner would be still publishing his mag, Rolling Stone. There are a many things that contribute to this icon of pop culture, but the covers are at the core.

Like its mentor, Life Magazine, Rolling Stone "invested" in the best photographers (and artists, such as Andy Warhol) to make each issue's cover a statement. Going back in time was easy with these pages. Most of the covers have a list of the articles that key you into the pop culture of that week/month/year. There are also quotes from most of the issues. Watch artists age: Dylan, Springsteen, McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, etc. That's another aspect of a long career in entertainment.

If you want substance, buy the interviews or other excerpts. This is the sizzle. If it means less in your life, you might give it only 3 stars, but I really connected with this graphic material.

[Tiffany]

Having this book would remind me of eating downstairs at the HUB ...

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the covers. But every picture tells a story.

[Elaine Duree]

fantastic!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complete covers from 1967-1997.