Dan Rather
Biography of Dan Rather
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Daniel Irvin Rather Jr.
Common Aliases: Dan Rather
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: October 31, 1931
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Journalist, News Anchor, Author
Early Life and Background
Dan Rather was born on October 31, 1931, in Wharton, Texas, a small town southwest of Houston. He was the eldest of three children in a modest family. His father, Daniel Irvin Rather Sr., was a ditch digger and pipe layer, while his mother, Byrl Veda Page, was a homemaker. Growing up during the Great Depression, Rather's early life was marked by economic hardship, but his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance.
Rather attended John H. Reagan High School in Houston, where he developed an interest in journalism. He went on to study at Sam Houston State Teachers College (now Sam Houston State University), earning a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1953. During his college years, Rather worked for the school newspaper and radio station, laying the groundwork for his future career in journalism.
Major Accomplishments
Dan Rather's career in journalism began in earnest when he joined the Associated Press in Huntsville, Texas. He later moved to Houston, where he worked as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle and a television reporter for KTRK-TV. His big break came in 1961 when he joined CBS News as a correspondent.
Rather quickly rose through the ranks at CBS, becoming a national figure during his coverage of major events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. His reporting from Dallas and later from Washington, D.C., during the tumultuous days following the assassination, earned him national recognition.
In 1981, Rather succeeded Walter Cronkite as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, a position he held for 24 years. During his tenure, he covered significant historical events, including the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the September 11 attacks.
Notable Works or Actions
Dan Rather is known for his fearless reporting and distinctive style. One of his most notable works was his coverage of the Vietnam War, where he reported from the front lines, providing American audiences with a firsthand look at the conflict. His reporting on the Watergate scandal also stands out, as he was one of the first journalists to question President Richard Nixon directly about the issue during a live press conference.
Rather's career was not without controversy. In 2004, he was involved in a report on CBS's "60 Minutes Wednesday" about President George W. Bush's military service, which was later discredited due to questionable document authenticity. This incident led to Rather's departure from CBS in 2005.
Impact and Legacy
Dan Rather's impact on journalism is profound. He is remembered as a pioneer of broadcast journalism, known for his tenacity and commitment to uncovering the truth. His work set a high standard for investigative journalism and inspired a generation of journalists to pursue stories with integrity and courage.
Rather's legacy is also marked by his ability to adapt to the changing media landscape. After leaving CBS, he founded the production company News and Guts and continued to engage with audiences through social media and digital platforms, demonstrating his enduring relevance in the field of journalism.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dan Rather is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive commentary and memorable phrases, often referred to as "Ratherisms." His colorful language and unique expressions have left a lasting impression on audiences. Phrases like "courage" and "what's the frequency, Kenneth?" have become part of the cultural lexicon, illustrating his influence beyond traditional journalism.
Rather's quotes often reflect his deep understanding of American society and politics, making them relevant and insightful. His ability to distill complex issues into memorable soundbites has ensured that his words continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying his place as one of the most respected and quoted figures in American journalism.
Quotes by Dan Rather
Dan Rather's insights on:
So-called samples of opinion are no more accurate or reliable than my grandmother's big toe was when it came to predicting the weather.
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau. Sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called “truth.”
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth'.
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.
The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.
God forbid, but if this nation ultimately fails, I believe it will be because opinions, propaganda, and superstitions replaced facts as the basis for our governance. By doing so, we will have undercut a key strength of the United States over the course of its history, one that receives too little attention: science.
The Republican convention opens in New York to re-nominate George W. Bush and showcase the party’s, quote, ‘moderate side.’ Will voters buy it?
We may see Michael Jackson’s baby before we know the final outcome of this race for the House of Representatives tonight.
The true foundations for those buildings are not brick and stone, but our Constitution, our rule of law, our traditions, our work ethic, our empathy, our pragmatism, and our basic decency. As I have seen over the years, when we cultivate these instincts, we soar. When we sow seeds of division, hatred, and small-mindedness, we falter.