Top 40 Magazine Covers of the Last 40 Years

I caught this in passing the other day at Good Morning America on the Water Cooler segment: American Society of Magazine Editors Unveils Top 40 Magazine Covers of the Last 40 Years

"The breadth and quality of the 444 submissions we received was striking, and showed the creativity and innovation of our industry," said ASME Executive Director, Marlene Kahan. "Clearly, the top-ranked covers were resonant and iconic, striking a deep chord with our judges. In total, these covers provide an evocative snapshot of our nation and its preoccupations throughout the past four decades."

"This diverse and surprising spectrum of covers is a fascinating cultural montage, and beyond that, points to the role that magazines play in shaping our culture and telling our history," said Whitaker. "From newer magazines, such as Budget Living and Details, to venerable titles such as Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, these images reflect and shape decisive moments in American society -- revolutions in design, technology and landmark geo-political events."

TOP 40 MAGAZINE COVERS:

1. Rolling Stone - Jan. 22, 1981 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono lying in bed

2. Vanity Fair - Aug. 1991 - Nude pregnant Demi Moore

3. Esquire - April 1968 - "The Passion of Muhammad Ali": Ali with arrows in his body

4. The New Yorker - March 29, 1976 - Drawing of New York from Hudson River and rest of the country to Pacific Ocean

5. Esquire - May 1969 - Andy Warhol drowning in Campbell’s soup can - "The decline and collapse of American avant-garde"

Descriptions of the Top 40 Covers

View the Top 40 Covers