A couple weeks ago I was struck by a rather strange coincidence of events. The stars of two media icons passed one another in the heavens. They will forever share a date, a final date, yet they are almost diametrically opposed to one another when it comes to image and approach.
The date in question was May 26, a Wednesday. Mid week. Pretty standard day as I remember. Except for Simon Cowell and Art Linkletter. I probably don’t need to introduce Cowell. The acerbic judge from American Idol is a modern media icon. Art Linkletter may not be as familiar if you’re under the age of 50 or so. Linkletter was the long time host of hit radio and TV shows like “House Party”, and “People Are Funny” but may be best known for his interviews with children on a segment of “House Party” which was called “Kids Say the Darndest Things”.
So what’s the May 26th connection? That’s the date of Cowell’s last “American Idol” show and it was the day Linkletter passed away at 97.
As I read the two items I thought about the difference between these two men. Both of them were true media stars. They both created multi-media businesses that were incredibly successful. Again you’re probably aware of Cowell’s multiple hit TV shows in the US and England plus his recording empire. Linkletter had extremely popular radio and TV shows, a very successful series of books based on the kid interviews and made a fortune as a large investor in the hula hoop.
Beyond that they share very little. Linkletter was known for his kind and easy going manner. He perplexed critics because he was so easy going that they found him rather bland and dull. But his audience loved him. People could feel relaxed around him and that enabled him to get the best and funniest response out of them.
I can’t imagine anyone ever feels relaxed and comfortable around Simon Cowell. He is renowned for his biting criticism and often brutal commentary. He is sarcastic and superior and sometimes down right rude. And he’s fabulously popular in his own right.
Simon Cowell wouldn’t have lasted five minutes in Art Linkletter’s day. And Art wouldn’t last five minutes today. The world has changed. It may be that where we once laughed with people, today we laugh at them. That’s probably not a good change. So maybe that intersection in history gives a moment to reflect. And that’s always a good thing.
Call that the View From the Phlipside.
"The View From the Phlipside" airs on WRFA-LP Jamestown NY. You can listen to WRFA online HERE
Copyright - Jay Phillippi 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment