Ep 1. Episode 1

Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge is a fascinating six-part documentary covering the evolution of the renowned American magazine Rolling Stone from the late 60s to the present. Episode 1, the opener, chronicles the early days of the magazine when its founder, Jann Wenner, and his cohorts, Ralph Gleason and Hunter S. Thompson, sought to create a publication that would chronicle the changing times in America.

The episode begins in San Francisco in the mid-60s, a city that was going through a cultural revolution wherein young people were turning to drugs, music, and protest to express their discontent with the status quo. Wenner was working as a reporter for a local newspaper at the time and was aware of the seismic shifts happening in the city. And so, he started to put together a publication that would celebrate this counterculture in all its forms.

We are taken through the grueling process of putting together the first issue, which entailed a lot of late nights and hard work. The team understood that they were creating something that was unprecedented, a magazine that would be equal parts journalistic and artistic, that would be politically aware and culturally relevant, that would appeal to young and old.

The magazine's first cover featured a relatively unknown musician by the name of John Lennon, who was in the midst of a performance with his band, The Plastic Ono Band, in Toronto. The cover photo and accompanying story catapulted Rolling Stone into the national spotlight, garnering a lot of attention for the fledgling publication.

The episode spends some time discussing the unique style of journalism that the magazine pioneered, which was characterized by a conversational tone and an ear for the vernacular. The writing was often irreverent, opinionated, and infused with a sense of humor that was yet to be seen in mainstream media. The show also looks at the many notable writers who have contributed to the magazine over the years, including Tom Wolfe, Hunter S. Thompson, and Lester Bangs.

The episode also gives us insight into the publishing industry in the 60s and the challenges that Rolling Stone faced in the early years. As a relatively small and niche publication, it was difficult for the magazine to attract advertisers or secure distribution contracts. But Wenner was committed to making the magazine work, and he gradually built up a loyal readership who appreciated the magazine's unique voice.

The episode also talks about the magazine's coverage of the Vietnam War and its support of the anti-war movement. Rolling Stone provided a platform for some of the most influential voices of the time, including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Allen Ginsberg, giving them a platform to share their perspectives on the war and its impact on American society.

Perhaps the most compelling part of Episode 1 is the focus on the relationship between Wenner and Thompson. The two were close friends, and Thompson was one of the most important writers for the magazine in the early years, contributing some of its most memorable pieces. We see footage of Thompson at work, typing away on his typewriter, smoking, and drinking. We also hear from Wenner about their complex relationship, which was marked by a mutual respect and an intense rivalry.

Overall, Episode 1 of Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of one of America's most iconic magazines. It is a story of ambition, creativity, and a deep love of music and culture. The episode sets the tone for what is sure to be an insightful and entertaining look at the history of Rolling Stone and the evolution of American popular culture.