When Rolling Stone Rocked Culture

Rolling Stone's takedown of effusive Army general Stanley McChrystal is just the latest cultural stamp the music magazine's left on the world. Since launching Rolling Stone in 1967 at age 21, gay publisher Jann Wenner has overseen a string of whistle-blowing stories and indelible images, launched the careers of legendary writers and photographers, and shaped the images of superstars like Janet Jackson and Britney Spears. Here are the highlights of Wenner's 43-year reign:

American Idol superstar Lambert came out to the world on Wenner's June 9, 2009 cover. “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay,” he said in the piece. “I’m proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It’s just
another part of me.”