Grantland Rice Story, The

Grantland Rice was one of the most influential and iconic sportswriters of the 20th century, known for his poetic and evocative descriptions of major sporting events and athletes. The Grantland Rice Story is a captivating old-time radio series that delves into the life and career of this legendary figure, offering listeners a glimpse into the golden age of American sports.

The series was produced in 1955 and features a collection of 52 episodes, each one exploring a different aspect of Rice’s remarkable life and legacy. Narrated by Jimmy Powers, the programs draw heavily from Rice’s own autobiography, The Tumult and the Shouting, as well as interviews with some of the legendary athletes and coaches he covered over the course of his illustrious career.

The Stars

At the heart of The Grantland Rice Story is, of course, the larger-than-life figure of Grantland Rice himself. Born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1880, Rice was a gifted writer who possessed a unique talent for elevating the drama and pageantry of sports to new literary heights. His vivid, poetic descriptions of events like the famous “Four Horsemen” backfield of the 1924 Notre Dame football team have become iconic in the annals of sports journalism.

In addition to Rice’s own voice, the series features appearances by a host of legendary sports figures, including Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Bobby Jones, Knute Rockne, and many others. These interviews and profiles offer listeners a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most celebrated athletes and coaches of the era.

Key Dates

• The Grantland Rice Story debuted in 1955, just a year after Rice’s death in 1954 at the age of 73. The series was produced as a way to honor and preserve the legacy of this towering figure in American sports journalism.
• The first episode aired on May 13th, 1955.
• Over the course of its run, the series explored a wide range of topics related to Rice’s life and work, from his early days as a sportswriter in Nashville and Cleveland to his rise to national prominence as the “Dean of American Sportswriters.”
• The final episode, titled “Memorable Tributes to Granny Rice,” aired on May 4th, 1956, serving as a fitting capstone to the series.

Other Information

In addition to his work as a sportswriter, Grantland Rice was also a prolific poet, publishing several collections of verse, including Songs of the Stalwart in 1917. His poetic sensibilities were a key part of his distinctive writing style, which often elevated the drama and heroism of sports to mythic proportions.

Rice’s influence extended far beyond his own writing, as he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many other prominent sportswriters and broadcasters. He was a mentor to figures like Fred Russell, and his legacy can be seen in the work of countless journalists who followed in his footsteps.

Today, Rice’s name lives on through various awards and honors, including the Grantland Rice Fellowship in Journalism at Vanderbilt University, the Grantland Rice Award given by the Football Writers Association of America, and the Grantland Rice Trophy, which was awarded to the college football national champion from 1954 to 1977.

The Grantland Rice Story stands as a fitting tribute to this legendary figure, offering listeners a unique and engaging glimpse into the life and times of one of the most influential and beloved sportswriters of the 20th century.