Bootleg Betty
How do you solve a problem Like Jann Wenner?
By Mister D
18 September 2023
The Masters is a book that collects Wenner’s interviews with seven rock icons: Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Jerry Garcia, Bono, and Bruce Springsteen. Wenner claims that these artists are the ‘philosophers of rock’, who can ‘really articulate’ their vision and influence on music and culture.
However, Wenner faced criticism for excluding any black or female artists from his book, and for his remarks that suggested they were not ‘articulate enough’ to be included. He apologized for his comments, saying that he ‘misspoke’ and that he ‘deeply respects’ the contributions of black and female musicians. He also said that he considered including Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, and Grace Slick in his book, but decided not to for various reasons.
Wenner’s comments sparked a backlash from many people, including some of his former colleagues and friends. He was removed from the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he co-founded in 1987. He also had his book event in New Jersey canceled by the festival organizers. Some of his critics accused him of being racist, sexist, elitist, and out of touch with the diversity and evolution of rock music.
Some of the black and female musicians who knew Wenner or were interviewed by him also expressed their opinions on his comments. Bette Midler, who was a close friend of Wenner, said that she was ‘shocked and saddened’ by his remarks and that she hoped he would ‘reconsider his position’.
Stevie Nicks, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice by Wenner, said that she was ‘disappointed’ by his comments and that she thought he was ‘missing out on a lot of great music’ by limiting his choices to white men.
Questlove, who was also inducted into the Hall of Fame by Wenner, said that he was ‘hurt’ by his comments and that he felt that Wenner had ‘dismissed’ the legacy and impact of black artists like James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Prince.
Wenner’s book The Masters is an attempt to capture the essence and philosophy of rock music through his conversations with some of its most influential figures. However, his book also reveals his personal biases and blind spots, which have alienated many of his fans and peers. His comments have sparked a debate on the definition and diversity of rock music, and the role and recognition of black and female artists in its history and future.
Disappointed, but not surprised…
How can I post in a comment that cat face I sent to you by WhatsApp? LOL
I don’t know, but you should be able to….
LOL, Crissssssssss
Did I say that? LOL
Yes, the lack of diversity is glaring and disappointing–especially noting that people such as Bette and Stevie Nicks like and admire Jann Wenner, or at least, used to. There is a way for Jann to work around his public relations dilemma, by announcing that he will continue his “The Masters” as a series of works/books in progress. Since he seems to have focused on only seven [white men] icons or ‘philosophers of rock’, I might suggest the following: [Pay attention, Mr. Wenner!]
Women: Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Dusty Springfield
Women of Color: Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Etta James
Men of Color: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Otis Redding, Ben E. King (so many others also come to mind, such as Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Gil Scott-Heron, James Brown, etc.)
Of course, everyone can come up with their own lists, but for Jann’s sake, I would say that it’s never too late to be inclusive! A mea culpa on Jann’s part, along with a plan for redemption could solve his problem, and possibly cancel that “cancel culture”. Just a thought.
–Ron