Pop Culture Icons
Standing the test of time means a trend or idea has achieved longevity and remains valid and valued over a long period of time. It is a measurement of greatness. It is not a one hit wonder. In this fast moving world, things come and they go. Only the test of time can determine the true quality and regard of something. Good marriages and friendships withstand the test of time. But so do good movies, books and cars. Following are examples of trends in our societies that have passed this test. They are only a sampling.
MUSIC -
Musicians -
Elvis Presley - If Elvis was still living, he would be 75 years old. Yet the king of Rock and Roll lives on in the hearts of fans everywhere.
Louis Armstrong - The trumpet playing "Satchmo" had an enormous influence on jazz. His charismatic stage presence and easily recognizable voice will always be loved.
Ledwig Van Beethovan - Like all the ubiquitous classical musicians, Beethovan's music is heard around the world everyday. He was probably the greatest composer that ever lived.
The Beatles - The Beatles influence on popular music is unquestionable. They became a worldwide phenomenon and fans to this day keep them timeless.
Luciano Pavarotti - This beloved Italian tenor brought opera into the mainstream. His wonderful voice took the world by storm and his music lives on.
Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald - These two women of early jazz sang from the heart. Their contribution to American culture is priceless.
Songs -
Happy Birthday To You - It is the most recognized song in the English language. It was composed in 1893 by American sisters Patty and Mildred Hill who were both kindergarden teachers.
Auld Lang Sine - This Scottish poem written by Robert Burns and adapted to a Scottish folk melody is still sung today. It may be translated in English as "days gone by".
Christmas Carols - Many of the Christmas songs sung around the world have been around as far back as the 1600's. They are a celebration of the season and have withstood the test of time.
For He's A Jolly Good Fellow - Originally composed in 1709, this song is the second most recognizable song in the English language. "He" is often changed to "she" to be gender appropriate.
MOVIES -
The Wizard Of Oz - First shown in 1939, this perennial favorite of children and families has passed the test of time.
King Kong - After 72 years when the greatest of all apes made his debut on film, King Kong is still an immortal tale of unrequited love. The remake wasn't too bad either.
It's A Wonderful Life - Who doesn't like Jimmy Stewart? This often aired television movie continues to portray with grace the life of an ordinary man moved to the edge of madness.
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers - This classic 1956 science fiction movie is still one of the best alien movies ever made. It is a suspenseful icon of the era and is enjoyable to watch to this day.
Psycho - One of the best by Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho continues to examine the feelings of obsession and guilt in the masterful technique Hitchcock is known for.
Pinocchio - This 1940 animated tale by Walt Disney is not only a masterful classic, it combines craft and story-telling for all ages and every age.
CARTOONS -
Charlie Brown - Starting off as a comic strip, Charlie Brown is one of the most beloved characters ever. He is a child possessed with determination and always the loveable loser.
Snow White - First shown in 1933, Snow White is considered one of the greatest cartoons ever made. Originally filmed in black and white, Snow White continues to win the hearts of all.
Popeye - Popeye and his girlfriend Olive Oyl have survived for over eighty years. The gritty sailor not only graced comics and comic books, but can still be enjoyed eating his spinach on the television screen.
Woody Woodpecker - Woody was born in 1940 and has evolved to a more refined mischief-maker. Nevertheless, kids everywhere can mimic his characteristic laugh.
The Flintstones - Who hasn't met the Flintstones? These modern cave people live in a world of stone yet had a dishwasher.
BOOKS -
The Bible - The first Bible was published over 2000 years ago and is still going strong. It has been translated into 2257 languages.
Gone With The Wind - First published in 1936, this Pulitzer Prize winning novel is timeless. Having sold over 30 million copies, it is considered one of the most popular novels of all time.
Huckleberry Finn - First published in 1884, this novel by Mark Twain is among one of the greatest contributions to American literature.
Don Quixote - This book came out in 1605 but remains an influential literary work. Cervantes managed to create a world in this novel that can still be related to today.
1984 - Though the year has come and gone, 1984 by George Orwell is a classic novel and has been since its publication in 1949.
CHILDREN'S BOOKS -
Charlotte's Web - The lovable pig, Wilbur, made his debut in 1952 and has continued to capture the hearts of both children and adults everywhere.
The Velveteen Rabbit - This endearing story about a stuffed rabbit who can only become real if it is loved is a favorite among children. First published in 1922 and written by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit has passed the test of time.
Little Women - First published in two parts in 1868 and 1869, Little Women was written by Louisa May Alcott. The story of the three March sisters remain popular today.
The Hardy Boys - The adventures of these fictional amateur detectives and teenage brothers gave way to a wonderful series of mystery novels.
TOYS -
Slinky - It walks down the stairs and makes a lovely sound. This toy which is no more than a spring was created in 1943 by Richard James.
Barbie - This fashion doll has more clothes and has had more jobs than the average doll. Introduced in 1959 by Ruth Handler, Barbie has been both controversial and loved.
Magic 8-Ball - Yes, it's still around and has been since 1946. The fortune telling ball is always fun.
Silly Putty - An American toy classic since 1943, Silly Putty bounces high and copies the comics. And it comes in an egg. No wonder it's still around.
Lincoln Logs - Lincoln Logs are miniature notched logs to build your own miniature log cabin. This great toy was invented in 1916 by John L. Wright and is still popular today.
GAMES -
Monopoly - This family board game first published by Parker Brothers in 1935 is the most commercially successful game in U.S. history and around the world.
Operation - This battery operated game of hand-eye coordination was invented by John Spinello in 1965. Kids are still learning about body parts to this day thanks to this game.
Scrabble - 150 million sets of this word board game have been sold worldwide to a 121 countries and in 29 different language versions. Need I say more?
Yahtzee - This dice game came out in 1956 and 50 million Yahtzee games are sold worldwide every year.
Candy Land - The beauty of this game is that it is a simple racing game perfect for younger children. It was invented by Eleanor Abbott in the 1940s and has passed the test of time.
TRANSPORTATION -
Volkswagen Beetle - Though the German automaker stopped producing the Beetle in 2003, it continues to be popular. Small and great on gas, it was ahead of its time.
Harley Davidson - One of only two American motorcycle companies to survive the Depression, Harley Davidson enjoys a cult following of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Pick-up truck - Maybe it won't always be around but so far has passed the test of time. This motorized workhorse first debuted in 1925 and sold for $281.
Rolls-Royce - This British luxury car has been around since 1906 and is a classic for both collectors and those who desire well-built transportation.
Ford Mustang - The "pony car" still has a cult-like following and though they will never recreate the classic 1964 model, it remains a classic favorite.
CLOTHES -
Bell-bottoms - Bell-bottoms had their start in the U.S. Navy and became fashionable in the 1960s in Europe and North America. They are seeing a revival.
The Black Dress - It is still considered a wardrobe basic for all women. A simple black dress can be adapted to any occasion.
Cowboy Boots - Historically worn by cowboys as riding boots, they have found their way as a fashionable accessory and basic for men, women and children.
Jeans - They are still comfortable and they are still popular. These denim pants will probably be around for a long time.
Trench Coat - This serviceable raincoat keeps the bad weather out and was invented in the United Kingdom in the 1850s by Thomas Burberry.
PHRASES -
God bless you.
Thank you.
You're Welcome.
Have a nice day.
NAMES - Is your name timeless? You can find out here - classic names
I realize the above is only a small sampling of the test of time. Please add your own in the comments section.
