Who do you think is an American treasure that is still alive? And don't give me some bullshit person who has done one thing remarkably well and is famous for that.
People like Michael Jordan, Oprah, Buzz Aldrin, etc. are all very noteworthy, but they each basically did one great thing. Bill Gates has a chance to become an American treasure based on what he has done for technology/business and his donations of $50 billion of his personal empire, but I think there has to be something more solid in terms of what he has done outside of business. His charity could get him there, but it would have to be something tangible to completely change an issue in the country. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has done a lot for women legally, has a strong cult following, and obviously has an important role in the country, but her contributions have strictly been in the legal sphere. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a huge part of bodybuilding/working out in this country, obviously had a huge acting career, and became a governor, but he also has some black marks on his life.
The only living person I can think of who squarely fits the mold for an American treasure is Tony Bennett.
Everyone knows his career success: he's won a remarkable 19 Grammys, 2 Emmys, was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient, was best friends with another legend (Frank Sinatra), and is still touring to sold-out crowds in his 90s.
But the things he has been a part of throughout his life outside of his music are unbelievable.
-He was a first generation American who grew up in poverty in NYC.
- At 10 years old, he performed at the opening of the Triborough Bridge alongside Mayor La Guardia (which the airport is named after). That's a hell of a long time ago.
-After his father passed away, Tony had to drop out of high school at 16 years old to work and support his family. It led him to having a lifelong value of education and funding secret scholarships for needy kids to be able to afford college. It also led to he and his current wife founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in NYC.
-He fought in WWII . . . and not some basic shit. He was involved in heavy fighting in France and Germany, nearly died a few times, was in the Battle of the Bulge, and wrote about the hell of war. His experience fighting led him to being a lifelong pacifist.
-He was one of the U.S. soldiers who liberated a concentration camp.
-After the end of the war, while still serving, he allowed a former high school friend who was black to eat with him. That earned him a demotion, as the Army was still segregated.
-He was on the front lines marching with MLK in Selma. A white civil rights activist from Detroit made the trip to Selma after hearing MLK's call for help. This woman transported marches to/from the march and the airport. One of the people she took to the airport was Bennett. On her way back to get more marchers after dropping Bennett off, she was shot and killed by the KKK.
-After a huge music career, he almost died from his huge coke addiction, went bankrupt, and had a bleak future.
-He rejuvenated his career and again became a modern day star by playing with Billy Joel, making an duet album with Lady Gaga, having duets with Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Amy Winehouse, and other big acts.
-Turned his childhood dream into reality by learning how to paint. And he isn't just thriving off of his music name. He has had legitimate gigs and showings around the world with some of his pieces going for nearly $100,000.
Even outside of his music career, he has had some pretty remarkable contributions and been a part of some big moments.
Who are some other nominees?
People like Michael Jordan, Oprah, Buzz Aldrin, etc. are all very noteworthy, but they each basically did one great thing. Bill Gates has a chance to become an American treasure based on what he has done for technology/business and his donations of $50 billion of his personal empire, but I think there has to be something more solid in terms of what he has done outside of business. His charity could get him there, but it would have to be something tangible to completely change an issue in the country. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has done a lot for women legally, has a strong cult following, and obviously has an important role in the country, but her contributions have strictly been in the legal sphere. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a huge part of bodybuilding/working out in this country, obviously had a huge acting career, and became a governor, but he also has some black marks on his life.
The only living person I can think of who squarely fits the mold for an American treasure is Tony Bennett.
Everyone knows his career success: he's won a remarkable 19 Grammys, 2 Emmys, was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient, was best friends with another legend (Frank Sinatra), and is still touring to sold-out crowds in his 90s.
But the things he has been a part of throughout his life outside of his music are unbelievable.
-He was a first generation American who grew up in poverty in NYC.
- At 10 years old, he performed at the opening of the Triborough Bridge alongside Mayor La Guardia (which the airport is named after). That's a hell of a long time ago.
-After his father passed away, Tony had to drop out of high school at 16 years old to work and support his family. It led him to having a lifelong value of education and funding secret scholarships for needy kids to be able to afford college. It also led to he and his current wife founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in NYC.
-He fought in WWII . . . and not some basic shit. He was involved in heavy fighting in France and Germany, nearly died a few times, was in the Battle of the Bulge, and wrote about the hell of war. His experience fighting led him to being a lifelong pacifist.
-He was one of the U.S. soldiers who liberated a concentration camp.
-After the end of the war, while still serving, he allowed a former high school friend who was black to eat with him. That earned him a demotion, as the Army was still segregated.
-He was on the front lines marching with MLK in Selma. A white civil rights activist from Detroit made the trip to Selma after hearing MLK's call for help. This woman transported marches to/from the march and the airport. One of the people she took to the airport was Bennett. On her way back to get more marchers after dropping Bennett off, she was shot and killed by the KKK.
-After a huge music career, he almost died from his huge coke addiction, went bankrupt, and had a bleak future.
-He rejuvenated his career and again became a modern day star by playing with Billy Joel, making an duet album with Lady Gaga, having duets with Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Amy Winehouse, and other big acts.
-Turned his childhood dream into reality by learning how to paint. And he isn't just thriving off of his music name. He has had legitimate gigs and showings around the world with some of his pieces going for nearly $100,000.
Even outside of his music career, he has had some pretty remarkable contributions and been a part of some big moments.
Who are some other nominees?