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Tip of the Hat to Evel Knieval
When it comes to setting media trends, there are very few people who can be called innovators. Labels: Evel Knieval, Tip of the Hat, trendsetter
Evel Knieval was one.
He was a walking (and jumping) media trend maker.
While daredevils have often captured the public's imagination (especially magicians), Evel Knieval was the first to bring extreme sports to TV and create a merchandising empire from it.
He had it all -- the name (you HAVE to use both words in his name for due respect, unlike the first-name casual basis of modern-day celebs); the look of red-white-and-blue icon costume; the personality of someone larger than life, even if reckless; and the greatest toy line ever made for kids around the world.
Evel Knieval passed away Friday...he was a huge Wide World of Sports icon and daredevil, motorcycle jumping just about everything he could. The Caeser's Palace Fountain, shark tanks, rows of 18-wheel transportation trucks, even the famous Snake River canyon jump.
He also licensed his fame to create one of the greatest toys ever! Remember this?
posted by Unknown @ Monday, December 03, 2007,
