On January 23rd, 2003, we saw Justin Timberlake’s first solo Rolling Stone cover, and man, was it hot. Photographer Herb Ritts did an incredible job capturing those ripped abs (And those eyes!). I recall having a subscription to Rolling Stone at the time, and was I happy. This issue had to have brought in tons of sales for Rolling Stone Magazine.
The cover came just two months after the release of Justin Timberlake’s first solo album “Justified.” This album peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and went on to be certified as 3-Times Platinum.
The album brought us such hits as “Like I Love You,” “Cry Me a River,” “Rock Your Body” and “Señorita.” “Cry Me a River” was the biggest on the LP, peaking at number 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
He was always destined to be the break-out of NSYNC. I always hoped that JC Chasez would have had a similar trajectory.