Today is the birthday, in 1786, of David Crockett, American politician, militia officer and frontiersman. Often referred to in popular culture as the “King of the Wild Frontier”, he represented Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives and fought in the Texas Revolution.
Crockett grew up in East Tennessee, where he gained a reputation for hunting and storytelling. Crockett became famous during his lifetime for larger-than-life exploits popularized by stage plays and almanacs. After his death, he continued to be credited with acts of mythical proportion. These led in the 20th century to television and film portrayals, and he became one of the best-known American folk heroes.
When David was 12 years old, his father indentured him to Jacob Siler to help with the Crockett family indebtedness. He helped tend Siler’s cattle as a cowboy on a 400-mile (640 km) trip to near Natural Bridge in Virginia. He worked numerous jobs and joined the Tennessee Militia while raising a family. He was elected several times to represent Tennessee in the House of Representatives. In early 1836, he took part in the Texas Revolution and died at the Battle of the Alamo.
Davy Crockett by William Henry Huddle, 1889
But…there are wizards!
I was browsing through some songs the other day and I realized how many songs have a woman’s name as the title. So this week we’re going to listen to a few. If you have a favorite – let me know.
Here’s ‘Layla’ by Derek and the Dominoes. If it sounds like early Eric Clapton, it is…
And here’s Chuck Berry (with Keith Richards on guitar) singing about NADINE!
