“What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson? “Joltin’ Joe has gone away.” — Simon and Garfunkel During my career in the media, I encountered some iconic celebrities. I once shared a twenty-minute cab ride with the great Jackie Robinson, chatting like old buds, though we were complete strangers.
Permit me to expand Maxwell Scott's idea: “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” I genuinely believe that sometimes the legend is superior to the fact.
Of course, there are times when this is not the case, notably where political figures are involved. "Legends" often arise (or are deliberately spawned) in the interest of a political agenda. This was very much the case with Walt Disney's *Davey Crockett* series, which not only took horrendous historical liberties but did so deliberately (in the interest of creating "an American hero").
On the other hand, baseball has its share of legends. Did Babe Ruth actually call the spot where he'd plant a home run? Did Satchel Paige actually call in the outfield and have them sit on the grass, so that he could strike out Josh Gibson in the 1942 Negro League World Series? I find it far more pleasant -- and completely harmless -- to believe both of these "legends," even though it is possible that neither one is historically accurate.
Thanks for sharing. I may even do a column on classical music in which I develop Scott's theme more thoroughly!
Lenny, thanks for your wonderful thoughts. As always, you add interesting insights to the commentary. Legends define cultures, in my opinion. Or, at least contribute mightily. DiMaggio certainly defined a part of American culture.
Permit me to expand Maxwell Scott's idea: “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” I genuinely believe that sometimes the legend is superior to the fact.
Of course, there are times when this is not the case, notably where political figures are involved. "Legends" often arise (or are deliberately spawned) in the interest of a political agenda. This was very much the case with Walt Disney's *Davey Crockett* series, which not only took horrendous historical liberties but did so deliberately (in the interest of creating "an American hero").
On the other hand, baseball has its share of legends. Did Babe Ruth actually call the spot where he'd plant a home run? Did Satchel Paige actually call in the outfield and have them sit on the grass, so that he could strike out Josh Gibson in the 1942 Negro League World Series? I find it far more pleasant -- and completely harmless -- to believe both of these "legends," even though it is possible that neither one is historically accurate.
Thanks for sharing. I may even do a column on classical music in which I develop Scott's theme more thoroughly!
Lenny, thanks for your wonderful thoughts. As always, you add interesting insights to the commentary. Legends define cultures, in my opinion. Or, at least contribute mightily. DiMaggio certainly defined a part of American culture.