Will Rogers, American, would have been 130 years old today, November 4. In 1879 in a place called Dog Iron Ranch near Oologah OK, Will Rogers was born. His mother was part Cherokee and his father was a respected war veteran, judge and rancher. Will took his education and then bummed around in South America and Australia before he landed in New York City, where he tried to break into show business. During one performance an animal broke free and was climbing into the crowd when Will roped it and saved the day. The ensuing publicity launched his career. From the vaudeville stage, he honed down his act. Will Rogers became as American as apple. He was the laconic cow poke speaking plainly, but eloquently on topics of the day. He could reduce complex issues into a simple sentence and by so doing make fun of it. It was something the least educated person could understand and the highly educated person would enjoy. It was basic. It was sublime. During the course of his career Will Rogers’ popularity as the American philosopher cum humorist was evidenced by 71 roles in movies, 4000 syndicated columns and hundreds of radio shows. His death in an airplane crash in 1935 threw the nation into collective mourning. Now 70 years after his death, Will Rogers’ observations have a veracity and gentleness that evoke a mythic image. It is the image of what America would like to believe it is – simple, plain speaking, truth seeking, good natured while poking a not too unsharp elbow in someone’s pompous ribs...read moreI know, it's a day late, but still wanted to honor him.
1 comment:
his is the land where Larry Gordy was destined to live, until it was made unlivable. The Navajo believe that a person will always be tied to the place where his or her umbilical cord is buried.
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