Evel Knievel the Great Daredevil

One of the greatest stuntmen of our time is the legendary Evel Knievel. Throughout the late 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s Evel Knievel was known throughout the world for being the ultimate daredevil and stuntman. Evel Knievel came from humble beginnings to become world famous and extremely rich. While his life is full of many successes, his critics often have said that his failures have played a big part in his fame as well. For those looking to read more about this incredible man- which some say is made from steel due to so much reconstructive surgery, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article on the man, the daredevil, his stunts and his motorcycle.

Evel Knievel Becomes a Worldwide Celebrity
In late 1967, Evel Knievel was doing a promotion in Las Vegas near Caesar’s Palace and as he set his eyes on the fantastic fountains that stood, he knew he had the making of an ultimate daredevil stunt. For New Year’s Eve 1968, Evel Knievel would jump and try to sail over the fountains at the palace with his Harley Davidson motorcycle. The spectacle was so surreal, it included thousands of spectators and plenty of TV coverage. While daredevil Evel Knievel cleared the Caesar’s Palace fountains, Evel failed to land correctly on the landing ramp and tumbled off of his motorcycle violently. When his body came to a standstill, he was unconscious and in a coma. After about a month in a coma, he awoke to not only a wide range of broken bones and injuries, but being famous throughout the world.

Other Daredevil Stunts
With the Caesar’s Palace Fountains, daredevil Evel Knievel became a worldwide hit, Evel Knievel set out on even more incredible stunts. Some of his most famous stunts included an attempt to jump across the Snake River Canyon on a rocket motorcycle- which was actually a rocket with two wheels attached and his jump of 13 double-decker busses at Wembley Stadium, London in 1975. As he jumped the double-decker busses, he landed wrong and broke his pelvis, however he was able to regain composure and say some words to the audience which included him announcing his retirement. However, this announcement was a little premature, as Evel Knievel would once again continue to be a daredevil.

Read More About Evel Knievel
To read more about this daredevil the Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article on the subject. You can read it at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Great Daredevil Evel Knievel

For those that are fascinated by stuntman that risk life and limb for the entertainment of the masses, one man stands above all- Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel was more than just a daredevil, he was an icon. He truly embodied courage and instantly became a pop icon easily recognized around the world. Whether you were a child of the 70’s or the early 80’s, Evel Knievel’s name was one of fascination and excitement.

Daredevil Evel Knievel became famous after a disastrous and almost life ending stunt. On New Year’s Eve 1968, he attempted to jump the great fountains at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. While he did clear the fountain on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, he landed off the landing ramp, tumbled violently off his motorcycle and when he finally came to a full stop he was unconscious and in a coma. When he awoken from his coma about a month later he was an instant celebrity and vowed to ride and jump again.

Besides the Caesar’s Palace jump, Evel Knievel the great daredevil attempted a wide range of stunts including a jump over Snake River Canyon, a jump at Wembley stadium over 13 buses, jumping his motorcycle over a pool of sharks and much more. While he was successful at some, he failed at others, but even in failure, he always gave his audience a thrill. To read more about daredevil Evel Knievel, please read our article at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Daredevil Evel Knievel

Daredevils bring nail biting excitement to the masses. For millions of people, the thrill of watching a daredevil risk life and limb to please the audience is a phenomenal experience and one daredevil that made a name for himself and reached the pinnacle of fame and fortune is Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel was unlike any daredevil that came before him. He was able to truly move people and convey values such as courage and true grit to the masses. While many of his stunts ended in epic failure, with each jump on his motorcycle, he became more and more famous and beloved.

Daredevil Evel Knievel became a worldwide phenomenon after he attempted to jump the Caesars’ Palace fountains in 1968. While he cleared the fountains with his motorcycle, he inevitably crashed on the landing ramp and tumbled into a coma which lasted about a month. However, when he awoke he would be a legend as millions watched him defy death on TV.

Evel Knievel became an icon wearing his red, white and blue leather suit, riding a Harley and impressing audiences all over the world. While his jumps became more fantastic, he always remained accessible and well regarded. For those interested in the life of Evel Knievel, his motorcycle and the stunts he attempted, the Smithsonian Magazine offers a fascinating article on this true American daredevil. To read it, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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Evel Knievel: A Rare Daredevil

One of the most well known pop icons of the last century was daredevil Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel was infamous and known for risking life and limb jumping over a wide variety of items on a motorcycle. For those that grew up during the late 60’s to early 80’s, the man wearing the stars and stripes was synonymous with courage and true grit. While he succeeded in many of his stunts, his critics suggest that he became a world wide phenomenon, not because of his successes, but his incredible failures.

Born in Butte Montana, daredevil Evel Knievel was always rambunctious, rough, wild and had an eye for attention. Throughout his life, he would find ways to promote himself and his causes. One day, as he was short for cash and had a family to feed, Evel decided to become a daredevil and do incredible stunts for profit. Throughout his early years, he would attract large, local crowds and jump cars, busses and almost anything that would get a rouse out of the crowd. He hit the big time when he decided to jump the fountains at Caesar’s Palace.

Daredevil Evel Knievel’s attempt to jump the fountains at Caesar’s Palace proved his ticket to fame. While he did clear the fountains, he missed the landing ramp and tumbled wildly to a stop. He not only was knocked out, but fell into a coma that lasted about a month. However, when he came out of his coma, he was a worldwide star. Throughout the late 60’s and early 70’s, Evel Knievel traveled the world and attempted incredible stunts on his motorcycle. He attempted to jump Snake Canyon in a rocket, jumped sharks in a pool, and a wide assortment of busses and cars. Each time he jumped, the crowd was amazed and supportive. He packed in arenas all over the world to watch his incredible stunts and many TV sports shows or networks picked up his stunts for large amounts of money. Daredevil Evel Knievel became a wealthy man, however his body paid terribly for his occupation.

Daredevil Evel Knievel holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most broken bones (433) however Evel denied that he broke that many bones in his lifetime. While he did dodge death many times, he died at the age of 69 from Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Read more about this daredevil at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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Daredevil: The Evel Knievel Story

For those that grew up during the late 60’s to early 80’s one man that was a genuine pop icon and instantly recognizable was daredevil Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel embodied the true grit and courage of an American daredevil. He took incredible risks putting his body and life on the line and many times, he succeeded, other times he failed. For those that are fascinated with the man, his motorcycle and the legend, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an intriguing article.

Success Through Failure
Many critics of daredevil Evel Knievel state that he became overwhelming popular not necessarily through his successful stunts, but his astonishing failures. Evel Knievel caught the attention of America and the world when he attempted to jump Caesars Palace’s fountains in 1968. While he did clear the fountain on his motorcycle, he missed the landing ramp and crash landed tumbling many times finally coming to rest passed out and in a coma. When Evel emerged from his coma about a month later he awoke to instant celebrity and admiration.

His Many Stunts
Daredevil, Evel Knievel went on to attempt a wide variety of stunts, sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing, however the legend of Evel Knievel is not necessarily about his stunts, but the man itself. To read about this daredevil, visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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Daredevil Stuntman

One of the greatest daredevils ever to walk the earth or ride a motorcycle was Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel definitely had a flare for capturing the attention of America and people around the world as he tried to successfully complete a wide variety of stunts that risked his life and limb. While Evel Knievel definitely was successful on many of his jumps, a lot of his critics probably will tell you that it wasn’t his successes that made him a legend, but his incredible failures.

Daredevil Evel Knievel became an instant legend when in 1968, he attempted to jump the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. While he easily cleared the fountains, landing proved the difficult part of this stunt. He crashed landed and tumbled violently. When all was said and done, he survived, but was in a coma for about a month. However, when he came out of his coma, he was an instant celebrity, known throughout the world.

Over the years, daredevil Evel Knievel tried a wide variety of stunts displaying great courage and resolve. He attempted a jump over a canyon in a rocket, a pool of sharks, plenty of busses, cars and anything else you can think of. Along with his motorcycle, Daredevil Evel Knievel became an American Icon.

For those interested in daredevil Evel Knievel’s stunts and his motorcycles, the Smithsonian Magazine has an interesting article on the subject. You can read it at our main website at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Legendary Daredevil Evel Knievel

If you were around during the 60’s, 70’ and early 80’s one pop culture icon that made it’s way to the American psych and throughout the world was daredevil Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel was one of the most gifted daredevils to walk the earth and his stunts were legendary. For those that are impressed with daredevils that risk their life and limb to entertain a crowd, Evel Knievel raised the bar to a new level. He not only proved his courage dozens of times, but had true charisma that made him interesting to millions.

The Legend Begins at Caesar’s Palace
Evel Knievel drew some large crowds, but his popularity when into hyperdrive after his infamous daredevil stunt to jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace. On two wheels of fury during 1968, Evel Knievel barreled down a short track and lifted off a steep ramp flying high above the fountains of Caesar’s Palace. In fact, clearing the fountains were not the problem- he accomplished this handily, the problem was landing. Unfortunately missing the landing ramp by about a tire, his bike careened into the ramp and started to roll, throwing Evel off the bike and careening towards the ground. His failure completely spectacular- caught be TV cameras would be shown around the world. Evel Knievel though surviving the fall, would be in a coma with plenty of broken bones for the month to come. However, when daredevil Evel Knievel would finally come out of his coma, he would be world famous and his jump legendary.

The Many Jumps of Daredevil Evel Knievel
Being a master showman, daredevil Evel Knievel became more popular due to his many failures than his actual successes, but even with plenty of broken bones (in which he holds the Guinness Book of World Record for- 433), he didn’t stop taking chances and his stunts didn’t get easier, but grander. Some of the stunts and failures that Evel was known for was his attempt to jump Snake Canyon, jumping over a pool of sharks, jumping over dozens of busses and much more. Just him and his Harley Davidson motorcycle were the only thing separating Evel from applause and death.

Read More About Daredevil Evel Knievel at Smithsonian Magazine
Interested in reading more about the life and stunts of daredevil Evel Knievel, the Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on the subject. To read it, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Ultimate Daredevil Evel Knievel

We all love to view people with lots of courage taking incredible risks and these professionals are usually called daredevils, however it takes much more than a simple daredevil to capture the American consciousness and become a worldwide sensation. One individual that has done so is Evel Knievel.

Evel Knievel is perhaps the most well known and imitated daredevil ever to ride a motorcycle. While he is known for his bravery, courage and miraculous feats of flight, many would say that it is not his achievements that made him famous, but his incredible failures. Evel Knievel practically broke every bone in his body (According to the Guinness Book of World Records he holds the record at 433), but beyond just mere broken bones, daredevil Evel Knievel survived the most fantastic crashes ever caught on tape.

A Master at Showmanship
Evel Knievel was a master at showmanship. He jumped objects that were awe inspiring. While he did enjoy jumping cars, buses and trucks, this daredevil also made a name for himself by jumping the fountains at Caesars Palace, a pool fool of sharks and he even attempted a canyon. For more on daredevil Evel Knievel, the Smithsonian Magazine has an intriguing article about the man, the legend and his motorcycles. You can read it at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Daredevil on Wheels

It seems that anytime one mentions the word daredevil, the imagery of a courageous Evel Knievel flying through the air on a Harley Davidson appears. Evel Knievel is perhaps the world’s best known daredevil and while he succeeded in many of his jaw dropping stunts, many still say, his reputation as a world class daredevil is not from his successes, but his epic failures.

From the late 1960’s to the early 1980’s Evel Knievel awed millions that watched him perform his incredible leaps of faith. From jumping over cars and busses to attempting to fly over a canyon on a rocket powered motorcycle, Evel Knievel tried to accomplish it all. One of his most well known stunts took place at Caesars Palace in 1967. He attempted to jump over the fountain and while he did clear the fountain, he crash landed, broke several bones and became comatose for about a month. However, when he awoke, he became a national and world star. Daredevil Evel Knievel went on to fail quite often and even today, he holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most broken bones (433). However, it is not his failures that many lament on, but his incredible and inspiring courage.

For those interested in the legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, the Smithsonian Magazine offers a fascinating article on the man, his stunts and his motorcycles. To read this article, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Ultimate Daredevil

Daredevils are a rare breed and Evel Knievel is considered perhaps the best the world has ever seen. Evel Knievel brought awe to thousands of fans that could not believe anyone would risk their life and limb by jumping over incredible objects with only a motorcycle. While his amazing successes brought him instant acclaim, it was his notorious failures that made him famous throughout America and the world- a true man of courage and real American daredevil Evel Knievel.

For anyone growing up in the 60’s and 70’s daredevil Evel Knievel was the go to guy for incredible stunts and a dose of integrity and courage that American’s seeked. While many of his stunts were extremely successful, his incredible failures which include violent crashes, broken bones and comas made him a legend. In fact, his Guinness Book of World Record for most broken bones ( an amazing 433) hopefully will never be challenged.

While this daredevil thrilled audiences and ultimately survived all of his stunts, unfortunately, he did succumb to pulmonary disease at the age of 69. And while Evel Knievel was simply a mortal man, his courage and performances will live on for the years to come.

For more information on the man, the legend, and the daredevil Smithsonian Magazine has an interesting article available, please visit us at our main website at the following link to read it: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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Daredevil on a Motorcycle

Evel Knievel, one of the worlds most famous and beloved daredevil became a sensation not after an incredible success, but a dismal failure. In 1967, this daredevil attempted to jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace and while clearing them, landed wrong, tumbled and fell into a coma for about a month. When he awoke, he might have thought he was dreaming as he was now infamous throughout the US and many parts of the world.

Daredevil Evel Knievel’s incredible career spanned in the nation’s limelight from the late 60’s to early 80’s. During these years, Evel Knievel jumped or attempted to jump busses, cars, sharks and even a canyon. With his leather outfit emblazoned with stars and stripes, he brought thousands to arenas and landmarks to watch him defy death with each new stunt.

While daredevil Evel Knievel made many successful jumps (mainly using a modified Harley Davidson), he also experienced some of the most traumatic failures. In fact, Evel Knievel is listed as the individual who has broken the most bones by the Guinness Book of World Records (an incredible 433). Although disputed by Evel Knievel, this record still stands today.

For more information on the life and the true grit of this daredevil, please visit our main website to read the full article today. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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Daredevil: The Evel Knievel Experience

Anyone growing up in the late 60’s to early 80’s knew firsthand the legend that was Evel Knievel. While today, stuntmen are more like engineers making numerous calculations in order to safely complete a stunt, Evel Knievel was a true daredevil that threw caution to the wind. Evel Knievel was the master at jumping objects on a motorcycle, no matter what it was (buses, cars, sharks, a canyon, etc). Evel Knievel felt the need to not only jump it on his motorcycle, but make it a world class spectacle. While daredevil Evel Knievel was famous for his many successful jumps, many believe he became a legend from his notorious failures.

Evel Knievel’s Famous 1967 Caesars Palace Jump
One of these infamous failures can be said to be his biggest success (notary wise). In 1967, daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump his motorcycle over the fountains of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It should be noted that he was very successful flying over the fountains, unfortunately his landing went terribly wrong. As he fell from his motorcycle on impact, Evel Knievel was badly injured and went into a coma that he would not come out of for a month. While most would call it quits, Evel Knievel can be said to just be starting his most productive era of his career as a daredevil.

Evel Makes a Comeback
After daredevil Evel Knievel took some time to heal, he made a comeback, first by jumping a small 40 foot stunt in front of 40,000 people and then jumping 13 cars in Seattle Washington, 11 cars in San Francisco and an attempt at 15 cars- which while he did crash, he only suffered a broken ankle. What made this daredevil a legend was his courage and bravery. After breaking his ankle, instead of seeking medical attention, he hopped around on one leg and thanked his audience of 9,000 people.

A World Record of Broken Bones
One of the records this daredevil is known for is that of broken bones. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Evel Knievel has broken a staggering 433 bones- the most documented by any individual. While Evel disputed this total, it can be said that he did break practically every bone at least once. For more on the life of this incredible daredevil, the Smithsonian Magazine has an article on the man, his motorcycles and the stunts he performed. Please visit the Smithsonian Magazine at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com

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Daredevil Extraordinaire Evel Knievel

For those that grew up in the 60’s 70’s and early 80’s, one man defied the odds and became a legendary daredevil. Evel Knievel will always be one of the best and notorious stuntmen ever to walk the earth and his incredible successes as well as dismal failures have become celebrated throughout America and the world.

Evel Knievel was possibly more famous for his incomprehensible crashes than his incredible achievements. This daredevil it seemed defied the laws of gravity and sailed endlessly on a motorcycle. However, on a few occasion, Evel Knievel crashed violently doing great harm to his body, but never to his ego. Evel Knievel holds the record for most broken bones by the Guinness Book of World Records. It is said that he had broken 433 bones during his lifetime, although he had disputed this amount saying the total was much lower.

While daredevil Evel Knievel did survive all of his incredible stunts, at the age of 69, he did succumb to pulmonary disease. For those that enjoy the myth and legend that was Evel Knievel, Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article. Please visit us today at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

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The Most Famous Stunts of Daredevil Evel Knievel

Unlike most of today’s stuntmen, Evel Knievel was a true daredevil. Instead of calculating thrust and windspeed and angles, this daredevil just… jumped. There was no math involved in his jumps. He would simple look at the distance to be jumped, make some estimates and… hope for the best. But the best didn’t always come to pass, and Evel Knievel crashed very, very often. Many even think that his incredible popularity was due to his failures more than his successes.

Evel Knievel became a household name in 1967, when he attempted to jump his motorcycle over the fountains of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. And while he cleared the fountains themselves, his motorcycle crashed, and the daredevil was very badly injured. Knievel was in a coma for a month, but when he came out, he was a very famous man. It was a fame that Evel Knievel didn’t want to let go to waste. After taking some time to heal, the daredevil made his first jump after the disaster at Caesars Palace in 1969, at Cycle Word in Los Angeles, CA. He played it safe, and made this first return jump just a 40-footer-- and 40,000 people cheered him on.

After that, the daredevil got his stride back. In 1970, he jumped 13 cars in Seattle Washington, 11 cars at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, and 12 cars on his Harley. That same year, in front of a crowd of 9,000 people, the daredevil attempted to jump fifteen cars-- and almost succeeded. He made it over the vehicles, but lost control when he landed and crashed. Evel Knievel “only” suffered a broken ankle, and --hopping around on one leg-- he talked to a cheering, screaming audience after the crash and received a standing ovation.

The world’s most famous daredevil kept breaking records, breaking bones, and thrilling crowds for several more years before taking on his most famous stunt in 1974. On September 8, Evel Knievel risked life and limb to thrill crowds by riding his “Skycycle” over Snake River Canyon-- even though two previous unmanned test flights of the Skycycle had failed. The daredevil made it over the quarter-mile canyon on his Skycycle, but was blown into the bottom of the canyon when strong winds caught his parachute. Daredevil stuntman Evel Knievel passed away in 2007, but his stunts will live on for years to come. To learn more about this daredevil and his life, visit the Smithsonian Magazine website at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com

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American Daredevil: Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel is known throughout the world as the ultimate daredevil.  He has amazed millions by risking his life and limb to bring real, live spectacle to the masses.  Evel Knievel is an American original and it can be said that the likes of his courage and charisma will not be seen for a long time.

Evel Knievel from the late 60’s to the early 80’s would pretty much try to jump anything that would guarantee a large audience, from busses, to sharks to a canyon and while many of those watched this daredevil to see his fantastic successes, his failures were not only dramatic, but jaw dropping.

Evel Knievel would do incredible harm to his body, but his mythical daredevil persona grew as he consistently defied death.  According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Evel Knievel holds the record for most bones broken at a staggering 433.  However, while documented, Evel continued to deny this amount to his death in November of 2007.  While Evel did cheat death as a daredevil, he eventually succumbed to pulmonary disease at the age of 69.

For more on the life, the stunts and the motorcycles this daredevil rode, visit the Smithsonian Magazine at the following link:  http://www.smithsonianmag.com

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Evel Knievel: Elvis on Wheels

For those that lived through the 60’s and 70’s, Daredevil Evel Knievel was the world’s best known cowboy on wheels, jumping (or attempting to jump) Mac trucks, sharks, buses and even a canyon. His stunts, charisma and attitude exemplified what the term daredevil represents in America.

Daredevil Evel Knievel is known for his successful motorcycle stunt jumps just as much as his unbelievable failures. The motivation it took one man to disregard life and limb to chance many of these jumps was seen as ultimate bravery by some and foolishness by others. While all his jumps weren’t a success, no matter the outcome he did thrill us all. In fact, many of his jumps were some of the most widely viewed sporting events ever to grace the TV screen.

Daredevil Evel Knievel cheated death numerous times and outlived all his stunts to die recently of pulmonary disease. While he holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most broken bones- 433, he is looked upon as one of the most charismatic entertainers the world has ever seen, with many calling him Elvis on Wheels. For more interesting facts about the man and his wheels, please visit Smithsonian Magazine at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/


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Daredevil: True Grit on Wheels

If you say the word “daredevil” one image universally comes to mind- a man wearing red, white and blue leather riding a motorcycle up a ramp to complete an incredibly dangerous stunt. Evel Knievel is the quintessential daredevil and one in which we might never see again in our lifetime.

Evel Knievel is true grit on wheels, with a showmanship that is unequaled; he exploded onto the national consciousness from humble beginnings. His stunts are legendary and while he known for his successful stunts, his failures are probably better known. In his lifetime, he is estimated to have broken over 400 bones (433 to be exact, a Guinness Record). A true daredevil, Evil Knievel is quoted as describing himself as “nothing but scar tissue and surgical steel”.

While his incredible failures cemented his persona as a true showman willing to risk his life and limb for the masses this type of individuals was exactly what the national conscious needed to occupy its time during the dark periods of the 60’s and 70’s. Evel Knievel with all his faults and failures is still considered a true daredevil performer.

For more daredevil facts about the man, the legend and his wheels, please visit Smithsonian Magazine at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/


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Daredevil Evel Knievel

Anyone growing up in the 60’s and 70’s fondly remembers the great Evel Knievel- perhaps the world’s finest daredevil. Evel Knievel was known for his incredible stunts that required fearlessness and courage, as well as his spectacular failures. However, know matter which stunt Evel Knievel was performing he always seemed to entertain and move the masses.

1970’s pop culture would not be the same without daredevil Evel Knievel which attempted to jump a wide range of objects including buses, sharks and even a canyon and while many times he came up short of his goal, one record he did break was the amount of broken bones he has suffered throughout his life (a total of 433 according to Guinness).

America loves daredevils, these men and women risk their lives usually for the entertainment of the crowds, but what makes these people tick and especially what made Evel Knievel risk life and limb many times during his career is quite fascinating.

For those interested in this extraordinary daredevil and his attributes of courage, fearlessness and some may say recklessness, Smithsonian Magazine has put together an incredible piece of writing regarding Evel Knievel that answers many of our questions and brings up more.

For more information regarding the man, his incredible daredevil feats and the ensuing legend he created, visit our magazine online today to read more. You can find our article on Evel Knievel at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com

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Evel Knievel: A World Class Daredevil

In The Guinness Book of World Records, famous daredevil motorcycle rider Evel Knievel is honored with a top spot: he’s survived the “most broken bones in a lifetime.” And while his tally of broken bones alone (433 according to Guinness) makes Evel Knievel’s life an incredible one, it’s his dedication to his audiences that made him one of the best-loved figures in popular culture.

From the middle of the 1960’s to the early 1980’s Evel Knievel entertained --and shocked and frightened-- audiences by putting his life at risk again and again. A true daredevil, Evel Knievel broke records (and many of his famous bones) jumping over boxes of snakes, stacks of cars, and long lines of Greyhound buses. And sometimes --much more often than you’d think he’d survive-- he just didn’t… quite… make it… across.

The History of a Daredevil
But what made Evel Knievel into the no-respect-for-his-own-life daredevil he would one day become? Some of it may come from a dark-and-difficult time as a young adult. After dropping out of high school in his hometown of Butte Montana, a boy named Robert Craig Knievel ended up in jail for petty crime-- he just couldn’t keep out of trouble.

Funnily enough, it was jail that gave him the nickname Evel Knievel; the warden, trying to be clever, one day dubbed him “Evil Knievel.” And Knievel must have liked the name, because he kept it. In 1965, under the name Evel Knievel, he began to do stunt motorcycle riding for no more than peanuts. Early on, one of his most popular daredevil stunts was to hop his motorcycle 20 feet over a crate of rattlesnakes. Evel Knievel found true fame in 1968 when he attempted to jump over the fountain in front of the Ceasar’s Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, injuring himself badly.

More than just a daredevil, Evel Knievel is also considered to be something of an ambassador for the motorcycle. At a time when riding motorcycles was frowned upon, Knievel brought public attention --and admiration-- to the powerful, rebellious two-wheeler. Today, the sport that Knievel began --riding an old Harley that would be considered a “dinosaur” today-- has expanded into one of the most popular in the world.

Evel Knievel survived all of his adventures, only to go on to die of pulmonary disease at age 69. For almost 20 years the daredevil showman amazed audiences and put his life in constant danger for the love of a show. To read more about Evel Knievel and what made him the legend he became, visit the Smithsonian Magazine website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/