As a Pacific Islander, Duke Kahanamoku broke through racial barriers with his athletic accomplishments, earning five Olympic medals and introducing the world to surfing. Though he shattered records as a swimmer, Kahanamoku dreamed of being a Hollywood actor. Unfortunately, not only did he face discrimination, ...
For many reasons, Hawaii has become known as a vacation destination for people from around the world, yet most don’t know much about its rich and complicated history. The following is based on a discussion guide created by The Foundation for Global Sports Development. When ...
Paul Strauch, Duke's former surf teammate, recounts a conversation he had with Duke about the power of the word "Aloha." "Alo" translates to "in the presence," and "ha" is "the breath of life." "[Aloha] was a symbol of intense greeting and respect." This is an ...
On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do ...
The Amateur Athletic Union held its first swim race in Hawaii in 1911, where Duke Kahanamoku shattered the world record by whole seconds. "Hawaiians came into this excited for national recognition, but Duke gave them the world spotlight."
After smashing the Amateur Athletic Union's world record in 1911, Duke Kahanamoku was brought from Hawaii to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to prove his talents in another race. But Duke found his mind and body shocked by his first time swimming in an indoor pool. Though he ...
On July 31, 1997, Patti Smith shared her thoughts on the 70s rock and roll scene and how Lou Reed of the Velvet Underground inspired her as a young girl in South Jersey. Interview conducted by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, director of American Masters—Lou Reed: Rock And ...
Betty White talks about funny women in comedy history
On May 29, 2007, comedian Betty White discussed the groundbreaking work of Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. She delves into the history of women in comedy in this extended outtake from the American Masters Digital Archive. Interview originally conducted for American Masters - Carol Burnett: ...
Dionne Warwick on Lena Horne and her musical influences
On February 8, 1996, Dionne Warwick discussed her musical influences and the impact that Lena Horne and others had on her career, in this clip from our digital archives. Interview conducted for American Masters—Lena Horne: In Her Own Words (1996), directed by Susan Lacy. Chapters: 00:00 ...
Herbie Hancock on jazz and Quincy Jones' influence
On August 6th, 2001, musician Herbie Hancock sat down with Michael Kantor, director of American Masters — Quincy Jones: In The Pocket (2001) and current executive producer for American Masters, to discuss the legendary producer's career and influence in the music industry. Chapters: 00:00 - ...