Studs Terkel
Biography of Studs Terkel
Full Name and Common Aliases
Louis "Studs" Terkel, commonly known as Studs Terkel, was a renowned American author, historian, actor, and broadcaster. His unique name, "Studs," was inspired by the fictional character Studs Lonigan from James T. Farrell's trilogy.
Birth and Death Dates
Studs Terkel was born on May 16, 1912, and passed away on October 31, 2008.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Studs Terkel was an American by nationality. Throughout his life, he wore many hats, including those of a writer, historian, actor, and radio broadcaster. He is best remembered for his oral histories and his ability to capture the essence of American life through the voices of everyday people.
Early Life and Background
Born in New York City, Terkel moved with his family to Chicago at the age of eight. His parents ran a boarding house, which exposed him to a diverse array of people and stories from a young age. This environment played a crucial role in shaping his interest in the narratives of ordinary individuals. Terkel attended the University of Chicago, where he earned a law degree in 1934. However, his passion for storytelling and the arts led him away from a legal career and into the world of radio and theater.
Major Accomplishments
Studs Terkel's career was marked by numerous accomplishments, most notably his pioneering work in oral history. He became a household name through his long-running radio show, "The Studs Terkel Program," which aired on WFMT in Chicago from 1952 to 1997. The show featured interviews with a wide range of guests, from musicians and authors to activists and everyday citizens, showcasing Terkel's exceptional interviewing skills and his genuine interest in people's stories.
In 1985, Terkel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction for his book "The Good War," an oral history of World War II. This accolade cemented his reputation as a master of capturing the human experience through the spoken word.
Notable Works or Actions
Studs Terkel authored numerous books that have become classics in the field of oral history. His notable works include "Working," which explores the lives of American workers, and "Hard Times," which delves into the experiences of those who lived through the Great Depression. "Division Street: America" and "Race: How Blacks and Whites Think and Feel About the American Obsession" are other significant contributions that reflect his commitment to documenting the diverse voices of America.
Terkel's ability to draw out candid and poignant stories from his interviewees made his works not only informative but also deeply moving. His books are celebrated for their authenticity and for providing a platform for voices that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Impact and Legacy
Studs Terkel's impact on American culture and literature is profound. He revolutionized the way oral history is perceived and practiced, demonstrating its power to illuminate the complexities of human life. His work has inspired countless historians, journalists, and writers to explore the narratives of ordinary people, emphasizing the importance of every individual's story.
Terkel's legacy is also evident in the continued relevance of his books, which remain widely read and studied. His approach to storytelling has influenced not only the field of oral history but also the broader landscape of American literature and media.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Studs Terkel is widely quoted and remembered for his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of the human experience through the voices of everyday people. His interviews and writings provide a rich tapestry of American life, offering insights into the struggles, triumphs, and dreams of individuals from all walks of life. Terkel's work resonates with readers because it speaks to universal themes of resilience, hope, and the quest for meaning.
His quotes often reflect his deep empathy and understanding of the human condition, making them timeless and relevant across generations. Terkel's legacy as a chronicler of the human spirit ensures that his words continue to inspire and provoke thought, keeping his memory alive in the hearts and minds of many.
Quotes by Studs Terkel
Studs Terkel's insights on:
I'm not up on the Internet, but I hear that is a democratic possibility. People can connect with each other. I think people are ready for something, but there is no leadership to offer it to them. People are ready to say, 'Yes, we are part of a world.'
How come you don’t work fourteen hours a day? Your great-great-grandparents did. How come you only work the eight-hour day? Four guys got hanged fighting for the eight-hour day for you.
This I remember. Some people put this out of their minds and forget it. I don’t. I don’t want to forget it. I don’t want it to take the best of me, but I want to be there because this is what happened. This is the truth, you know. History.
With optimism, you look upon the sunny side of things. People say, ‘Studs, you’re an optimist.’ I never said I was an optimist. I have hope because what’s the alternative to hope? Despair? If you have despair, you might as well put your head in the oven.
We sent him to school for him to take this heavy equipment. I worked and cooked over at the school, helped send him there. I said, “I’m not sendin’ you to school to come out here and go to work for these strip mines.” I’d rather see him in Vietnam than see him doin’ strip jobs.
Everybody’s entitled to that forty acres and a mule. You’re going to do the work, but you have to have something to work with. If you don’t have a job, where do you go from there? You hear people say Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and you don’t even have shoes. You’re barefooted. What are you going to pull yourself up by? Our country owes every citizen of the United States of America a means of livelihood. Not a handout, but a way to make it.
All the other books ask, ‘What’s it like?’ What was World War II like for the young kid at Normandy, or what is work like for a woman having a job for the first time in her life? What’s it like to be black or white?
I said, “Suppose communists come out against cancer, do we have to automatically come out for cancer?‘” I can’t take back that I’m against the poll tax, that I’m against lynching, that I’m for peace.
You know, ‘power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely?’ It’s the same with powerlessness. Absolute powerlessness corrupts absolutely. Einstein said everything had changed since the atom was split, except the way we think. We have to think anew.