Awakenings: Two 'Kings' Remembered

Today's History Lesson...legends in their own time

History connects past events to the present and sets the precedence for the future. As with any historical account, emotions control the day as we recall, remember and reflect upon both happy and sorrowful times. It is through history that all is not lost...the memories remain.

This Day in History: August 16, 1948

The King of Swing

George Herman Ruth, Jr., aka Babe Ruth
(February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948)
Associated Press Photo

One of the greatest sports heroes of American culture, Babe Ruth, died of cancer at the age of 53, August 16, 1948. Born February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland his birth parents, George Sr. and Kate, named him George Herman Ruth, Jr. During his baseball career, he would acquire different nicknames, such as "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," but the one which would endure the sands of time was "Babe."

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You might be wondering why a man of such strong statue would acquire a nickname such as 'Babe'. Having been discovered at the age of 19 by Jack Dunn, owner and manager of the then minor-league Baltimore Orioles, the other Oriole players dubbed Ruth "Jack Dunn's baby" thus prompting the nickname 'Babe', which would follow him the rest of his life.

The Roaring Twenties did more than roar as jazz music blossomed and the flapper monopolized the scene. The sports highlight of this gin-soaked, jazz-syncopated, frivolous time era was baseball and at the top of the list was Babe Ruth's career with the New York Yankees.

Many athletes have left their mark in baseball history but few as indelible as Babe Ruth. He will long be remembered and revered not only as a baseball champion but also a champion of hearts. His athletic prowess and fun-loving personality dominated the Jazz Age.

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from coming up to bat. All that can be asked of you is to give it your best." ~Babe Ruth

Are you like the Babe? Do you give it your best?

Babe Ruth epitomizes the America Classics!

This Day in History: August 16, 1977

♫The King of Rock 'n' Roll♫

Elvis Aaron Presley

(January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977)

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Rock 'n' Roll legend Elvis Aaron Presley mesmerized fans of the 50s and 60s with his unconventional musical style. His gyrating hips and handsome looks made his debut provocative and followed him throughout his career, which spanned radio, television and the silver screen.

“Music should be something that makes you gotta move, inside or outside.”

Elvis Presley's versions of existing songs exemplified a mixture of 'black' and 'white' sounds. They exhibited what was dubbed as rockabilly, an uptempo fusion of country and rhythm and blues with a strong back beat. As a result, this new sound became both popular and controversial.

"Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.”

To this day, Elvis continues to be The King of rock 'n' roll. His music is widespread across the Internet and does not appear to have plans of wavering any time soon.