Ben Fong-Torres

Ben Fong-Torres is a prominent figure in music journalism, known for his work at Rolling Stone magazine and his career as an author, broadcaster, and cultural commentator. Fong-Torres began contributing to Rolling Stone as one of its earliest staff writers and later served as the publication's inaugural music editor. He became the nation's first national magazine deskman of Chinese American descent. His writing features detailed profiles and a style reminiscent of The New Yorker, capturing the essence of the rock-and-roll era.

During his tenure at Rolling Stone, Fong-Torres conducted interviews with artists such as Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, the Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Sly and the Family Stone, the Jackson 5, and Bonnie Raitt. He also interviewed rock icons including Jim Morrison of The Doors, Sly Stone, and members of the Grateful Dead, shaping music reporting with profiles that combined personal insight and cultural analysis. A Fong-Torres interview with Ray Charles received the Deems Taylor Award for Magazine Writing. After leaving Rolling Stone, he remained in San Francisco, continuing his journalism career.

In addition to print journalism, Fong-Torres has worked in broadcasting. He was a DJ for KSAN-FM, a San Francisco radio station, and hosted "Fog City Radio" on NPR affiliate KQED-FM. On television, he won five Emmy Awards as co-anchor of the Chinese New Year Parade broadcast on KTVU. He has also served as an onstage interviewer and emcee, engaging live audiences with his knowledge of music culture.

As an author, Fong-Torres has published more than a dozen books, including "Hickory Wind," a biography of Gram Parsons; "The Rice Room," a memoir; "The Hits Just Keep on Coming," a history of Top 40 radio; and two compilations, "Not Fade Away" and "Becoming Almost Famous." He has also written books on The Doors, the Grateful Dead, the Eagles, and Little Feat. Fong-Torres was portrayed in the film "Almost Famous," where the character serves as the lead character's editor at Rolling Stone.

Fong-Torres is the subject of the documentary "Like a Rolling Stone: The Life and Times of Ben Fong-Torres," and was recognized by the Critics Circle Awards as one of nine compelling living subjects of a documentary. He was inducted into the San Francisco State Alumni Hall of Fame and delivered the commencement address at his alma mater. California State University awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts in recognition of his contributions to journalism, broadcasting, film, television, and the entertainment industry.