Jimmy Cannon
Jimmy Cannon: The King of Columnists
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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James Vincent "Jimmy" Cannon was a renowned American journalist and columnist, known for his sharp wit, keen observations, and inimitable style.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on October 21, 1909, in New York City's Lower East Side, Cannon passed away on April 5, 1973 at the age of 63.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Cannon was an American journalist and columnist by profession. His work spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on the world of sports journalism.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a working-class family, Cannon developed a passion for writing at an early age. He began his career as a copyboy at the New York Evening Journal, where he eventually became a reporter. His unique voice and perspective quickly made him stand out in the world of journalism.
Major Accomplishments
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Cannon's most notable achievement was becoming the first sports columnist to be syndicated nationwide. His column, "The Jim Cannon Sports Parade," ran in over 200 newspapers across the United States. He was known for his unapologetic and often provocative style, which earned him both praise and criticism.
Notable Works or Actions
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Cannon's work extended beyond his column, as he also wrote several books on sports history and culture. His most famous book, "The Underworld of Sports," exposed the seedy underbelly of professional sports in the 1950s. This exposé led to significant changes in the way sports leagues regulated their players and officials.
Impact and Legacy
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Cannon's influence on sports journalism cannot be overstated. He paved the way for future generations of columnists, inspiring writers like Jimmy Breslin and Tom Wicker. His fearless approach to storytelling continues to inspire journalists today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Cannon is widely quoted and remembered for his biting wit, sharp observations, and unflinching honesty. He was a true original, and his work continues to captivate readers with its timeless relevance. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of journalism to challenge societal norms and hold those in power accountable.
As one journalist noted, "Jimmy Cannon was a master of the column, able to distill complex ideas into razor-sharp prose." His impact on sports journalism and beyond is still felt today, making him an enduring figure in American literature.
Quotes by Jimmy Cannon
I can’t remember ever staying for the end of a movie in which the actors wore togas.
I suspect guys who say, “I just send out for a sandwich for lunch,” as lazy men trying to impress me.
A puck is a hard rubber disk that hockey players strike when they can’t hit one another.
Women aren’t embarrassed when they buy men’s pajamas, but a man buying a nightgown acts as though he were dealing with a dope peddler.
He was a parade all by himself, a burst of dazzle and jingle, Santa Claus drinking his whiskey straight and groaning with a bellyache... Babe Ruth made the music that his joyous years danced to in a continuous party... What Babe Ruth is comes down, one generation handing it down to the next, as a nation heirloom.
A puck is a hard rubber disk that hockey players strike when they can't hit one another.