Podcast Summary: Something About the Beatles – Episode 302: TeenSet and Rock Fan Magazines with Allison Bumstead

Introduction

In Episode 302 of "Something About the Beatles," hosted by award-winning author Robert Rodriguez of Evergreen Podcasts, the discussion delves into the intricate world of teen fan magazines from the 1950s and 1960s, with a particular focus on TeenSet. Joined by guest Allison Bumstead, the episode explores how these publications, especially TeenSet, played a pivotal role in shaping rock journalism and influencing The Beatles' narrative.

Background on Teen Fan Magazines

Robert Rodriguez opens the conversation by highlighting the evolution of teen fan magazines, tracing their origins back to the mid-1950s. He notes that early magazines like Digg (1955) were primarily focused on popular culture, including music and Hollywood stars, but were divided into sections catering separately to boys and girls. This segmentation reflected the societal norms of the time, directing content based on gendered interests such as cars for boys and love advice for girls.

Focus on TeenSet Magazine

TeenSet, launched in 1964 by Capitol Records, emerges as a central subject of discussion. Originally starting as promotional issues focused on Capitol’s artists like The Beach Boys, TeenSet quickly evolved under the editorial leadership of Judith Sims. Rodriguez describes TeenSet as a "forerunner" in teen journalism, surpassing its contemporaries in depth and sophistication.

Role of Judith Sims

Judith Sims, the editor of TeenSet, is portrayed as a visionary who transformed the magazine into a serious publication that went beyond superficial fanfare. Allison Bumstead emphasizes Sims' critical role, stating, "TeenSet traces the evolution of rock journalism, starting from a time when there was no dedicated rock journalism to the period when it was just beginning to take shape." Sims was lauded for her ability to connect deeply with readers, often responding to their letters candidly and fostering a sense of community akin to a "slow-moving chat room."

TeenSet’s Relationship with The Beatles

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the symbiotic relationship between TeenSet and The Beatles. Rodriguez shares insights into how TeenSet provided an intimate portrayal of the band, featuring exclusive photos and in-depth articles that contributed to shaping The Beatles' public image. He recounts how Judith Sims was often present at key moments, including The Beatles' tours and recording sessions, allowing her to deliver firsthand accounts to her readers. For example, at [09:00], Rodriguez mentions, “She even does an obituary for Brian Epstein in the magazine,” highlighting the magazine's comprehensive coverage.

Shift in Teen Culture and Terminology

The conversation shifts to the evolving concept of "teen" during the 1960s. Allison Bumstead points out that TeenSet was instrumental in redefining what it meant to be a teenager, moving away from the simplistic and often dismissive term it had been in the past. At [11:08], Rodriguez cites an advertisement from TeenSet, saying, “Don't let the name fool you,” challenging the perception that teen magazines were trivial. This redefinition was crucial as teen culture became more intertwined with the burgeoning counterculture and rock movements.

Decline and Name Change of TeenSet

As the decade progressed, TeenSet began to grapple with changing readership and cultural dynamics. The magazine attempted to rebrand itself to stay relevant, ultimately leading to a name change toward the end of its run. Rodriguez explains that despite efforts to evolve, issues like Teen Screen and later Teen Beat could not sustain the unique position TeenSet had carved out. At [83:44], he observes, “They changed the name and it didn't seem to hurt it, but they just decided to pack it in,” attributing the decline to difficulties in maintaining advertiser support and resonating with a shifting audience.

Legacy and Impact: Shaping Rock Journalism

TeenSet's legacy is underscored by its pioneering role in rock journalism. By providing serious, in-depth coverage of bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, it laid the groundwork for future publications like Rolling Stone. Rodriguez notes that TeenSet was "one of the first to document rock criticism," positioning it as a cornerstone in the history of music journalism. Additionally, the magazine's emphasis on female voices in a predominantly male-driven industry was groundbreaking, as highlighted by the contributions of editors like Judith Sims and Janie Milstead.

Conclusion

Episode 302 of "Something About the Beatles" offers an enlightening exploration of TeenSet and its critical role in the evolution of rock journalism. Through the expertise of Allison Bumstead and Robert Rodriguez's engaging narrative, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how teen fan magazines not only reflected but also influenced the cultural landscape of the 1960s. The episode underscores the importance of recognizing these publications as valuable historical artifacts that contributed significantly to the legacy of The Beatles and the broader music industry.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Rodriguez [05:16]: "Teen fan magazines of the 50s and 60s, a legitimate, serious topic of exploration and study."

• Allison Bumstead [05:16]: "This is serious stuff. This is the roots of rock journalism."

• Robert Rodriguez [11:08]: “Don't let the name fool you. TeenSet will change its name later.”

• Allison Bumstead [07:28]: "She was just a powerhouse in the Beatles world and Beatles fans remember her."

• Robert Rodriguez [16:06]: "TeenSet is the backbone of your thesis, you picked something that started at one end of the 60s as a sort of teen literature."

• Allison Bumstead [80:52]: "They weren't trying to stoke a scandal. It was a conversation starter rather than a tabloidy."

Final Notes

For those interested in the detailed history and impact of TeenSet and other teen fan magazines, this episode provides a rich, nuanced discussion backed by extensive research and personal anecdotes from industry insiders. The episode not only celebrates the legacy of TeenSet but also calls attention to the preservation efforts needed to keep these magazines accessible for future generations.