Born in New York City, Jann and his two younger sisters, Kate and Merlin were sent to boarding schools after his parents divorced in 1958. He was inspired by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, he was also a good friend of John Lennon and remains friends with Mick Jagger. In 1967 he founded Rolling Stone magazine.

He is Vice Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation; Editor in Chief/Chairman of Wenner Media Incorporated (Rolling Stone, US, Men's Journal).

In 2000, after about 20 a years marriage, Jann left his wife, Jane Schindelheim, and is now involved in a homosexual relationship with the model ,turned fashion and menswear designer, Matt Nye.