In honor of Pride Month, I am sharing this issue of People Magazine from January 16, 1978 featuring Elton John on the cover.
First, a little background on People Magazine- the first issue was released in 1974 by two previous magazine editors from Time and Life magazines. They wanted to create a magazine that focuses on people and not “issues” or concepts. Since Life magazine had ceased publication just a few months earlier, they hired a bunch of past employees and started producing magazines focusing on “people”. Today, it is still in publication and has stuck to its roots (Source).
This issue certainly delivers on the promise of “people”- there is a little something for everyone inside. Sports stars, politicians, singers, actors, and personalities alike are featured.
The cover and feature story is on Elton John. Just a year before, in 1977, Elton John had announced his retirement from performing. Reading the article in 2020, it is clear that he was facing some serious depression and mental health issues, along with admitting to a suicide attempt. However, these important things are glossed over within 1 paragraph. At the time, Elton was publicly out as a bisexual man, but the article also alludes that he is, or should, focus on women. Here is a link to the article typed and archived from People. I also made a video reading the article and some thoughts, attached below if you are interested.
There is also a really interesting article on the newest fad, “COCAINE in Hollywood”. This article talks about the current trend of cocaine for Hollywood stars, and also documents the history of the drug, along with other famous figures from years past that consumed a form of it.
Since the magazine caters to a little of everything, the ads are also quite generic and not specific- cars, cigarettes, food, etc. They are fun to see with classic 70s charm.
Overall, People Magazine is such a fun look into the pop culture of the time. Compared to the People Magazines today, not much as changed in terms of template and that “people-centric” focus.
Cover. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Elton John Article Page 1/6. Written by Fred Hauptfuhrer, photographs by Terry O’Neill. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Elton John Article Page 2/6. Written by Fred Hauptfuhrer, photographs by Terry O’Neill. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Elton John Article Page 3/6. Written by Fred Hauptfuhrer, photographs by Terry O’Neill. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Elton John Article Page 4/6. Written by Fred Hauptfuhrer, photographs by Terry O’Neill. Ad for Hobbit House & Peoples library cases. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Elton John Article Page 5/6. Written by Fred Hauptfuhrer, photographs by Terry O’Neill. Ad for Tracs AudioMagnetics. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Elton John Article Page 6/6. Written by Fred Hauptfuhrer, photographs by Terry O’Neill. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
People Chatter spread featuring Roger Moore, Tatum O’Neal, Rod Carew and Dolly Parton. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Crest ad. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Zest Zestimonial soap ad featuring Kay Bruner. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
People Crime: Judge Weaver by John Collier. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
People In Style: Charles Hix advice for looking good. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Chevorlet Chevy Malibu ad. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Shop with People. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
Back Cover. Ad for Carlton cigarettes. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
People Up Front: Cocaine in Hollywood. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
People Upfront: Cocaine in Hollywood. People Magazine, January 16, 1978. 
People Sequel: Edie Beale Cabaret. People Magazine, January 16, 1978.
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