This Is Your Life - Jesse Owens

1960 recording of the TV show "This Is Your Life" produced by Ralph Edwards - featuring athletics champion Jesse Owens,
Jesse Owens set three world records and tied in another at one track and field event in 1935. At the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games he won four gold medals.
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Credits:
Video: Source: archive.org/details/this_is_y... (public domain)

[@mr.g1758]

I met Jesse at an Alabama Sports Hall of Fame dinner in 1971 and asked him at age 10 for his autograph. He asked me my name to personalize it and I couldn't understand him; his voice was already affected as he passed of throat cancer in 1980. Someone then spoke up and said he's asking your name and I was embarrassed. But I treasure that signature which I still have today 50 years later. This man was a man of tremendous class. It's so sad he didn't have the opportunities athletes have today. He is a great great legend in my mind. If anyone comes to north Alabama check out the Jesse Owens museum we have just outside Moulton.

[@rwhirsch]

and kids...that's what dedication and hard work and not making excuses, and not blaming others looks like.

[@sun3143]

and to think we people running for office that could not tie his shoe strings: pardon me Jesus, also many a black man could not steer the course. notice he called him, boy!

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

The applause for this great American was way too muffled. The audience should have really welcomed him with a thunderous ovation. I guess what happened was to be expected in 1950s America. Rest well, Mr. Owens. Your status as a GREAT American will NEVER fade.

[@moniquethomas3610]

A gentle and well spoken man. Handsome and stately, too. Phenomenal athlete in a trying time. A wonderful American man.

[@hooah9110]

I MET HIM.....HE'S FIRST CLASS !!!!!!!

[@oldtimer794]

@@hooah9110 How lucky you are! It must have been an unforgettable experience.

[@tomvecchione3475]

Look at the class act Mr. Owens is. Quite humor, perfect manners, listening to others before replying, all mixed with intense passion and purpose under life long burdens that few of us could comprehend - but not one the "hey look at me, I'm the best thing since sliced bread" attitude we get over and over again from today's "hero's"

[@katstsupoy5181]

Best comment!

[@iancurtis1152]

Tom Vecchione well said. Humility like that is seldom seen these days.

[@rwhirsch]

he's like the exact opposite of donald trump.

[@oldtimer794]

@@rwhirsch Donald Trump and many others, I'm afraid.

[@conartist267]

He must be the most humble man I have ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes to see him finally get rewarded. On the track he was beauty in motion, in life he was beauty in heart and humility. They don’t make’m like they used to. See you in Heaven dear brother.

[@ShanonMarie007]

I cried, as well. I said the same thing, one day in heaven, I’d like to meet him too. I’d like to tell him how impressed I am with his grace, humility, kindness and endurance. What an amazing soul. A true winner

[@conartist267]

@@ShanonMarie007 Love to you! ♥️

[@traceya9615]

This is the first footage I've ever seen of Jesse Owens talking. What an eloquent and classy man. How appropriate he really pissed off Hitler all those years ago. With class and poise. So sorry he didn't get the respect and financial rewards he deserved afterwards. He'll never be forgotten ❤.

[@pasainchina97]

He looked so surprised and awkward. But as you watch this you quickly find a humble and sweet human being. A true gentleman.

[@cookingwitcalvin]

Awesome video. Jesse was a champion both on and off the track. He's a true American Hero

[@leticiafraire1383]

❤️

[@shimmeringfairydust3275]

Jesse Owens was among the best and most inspirational athletes ever. A real hero.

[@sueme1954]

The little girl hugging her grandfather showed me so much about him. ♥️

[@redrock1963]

There is something about this man, Jesse Owens, that has a lovely energy. I just enjoy watching him.

[@Tawadeb]

redrock1963 I think he had Christian Faith. Very lovely man

[@christopherbellore3511]

Respect, honor, decency, selflessness. Once upon a time, when arrogance and ignorance were overshadowed by humility, common sense, and critical thinking. Jesse Owens: The Gold Standard for Excellence. R.I.P. Champ ✝🏆✝🥇✝

[@runninggirl9991]

No pretense or vanity here. Young athletes today should watch this tape to know how to conduct themselves. What a true hero.

[@oldtimer794]

Absolutely, what a great idea.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

this video should have millions of views. Great Man.

[@swebb5142]

There are reasons for this that just can't be explained!

[@buddyholland1427]

TRUE

[@MrParesht]

@6:08 , Mr Owens ( I cant address him by his first name , with admiration) , genuine reaction just made me cry....what a sincere man. No wonder he is great.

[@michaelking2337]

I watched this with tears in my eyes and thanked God for a man like Jesse Owens

[@TriciaSenior25557]

The other day I watched the Jessie Owens story on KZbin, and it was one of the best films I’ve ever watched. America should be extremely proud of this great athlete/gentleman. He almost looks embarrassed at all the accolades he’s receiving...........but they are very well deserved.

[@rlinton123]

Jesse seems like such a humble decent human being

[@mulheratitude2999]

Hello people I'm Brazilian Jesse Owens in my opnion is a Hero. I love Owens❤👏👏

[@lsd-rickb-1728]

🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇵🇹

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

This is wonderful seeing a legend get his flowers while he was alive. RIP Jesse Owens

[@aubreyjames8795]

He is so sweet and shy. Beautiful man beautiful soul.

[@plunkett1719]

In my life, I was a paperboy, a busboy and a mama’s boy, I was never offended at all. Never even crossed my mind to be honest. Why can’t everyone look how far we’ve come and embrace that fact. I thought our goal as a society was never quit trying to heal our wounds. Dear Lord please help people learn to love one another.

[@abelburgos1698]

I feel they didnt really value him here. Cotton fields why they say it like with hate.

[@rlinton123]

Anyone who hasn't see the 1936, 4x100 relay race must watch it.its amazing

[@msrinivasc]

True champion and humanitarian.

[@hersheychocolate2004]

god bless jesse Owens r.I.p

[@bellestar5960]

Wow what a humble man who proved jilted wrong and went on to help so many people. GOD REST HIS SOUL. MY BROTHER WHO PASSED HIS NAME WAS JESSE

[@calvinbealer7264]

This is Beautiful 😍❤️ History PERIOD. The Great 😃👍 Jesse Owens.

[@mcgregormcgregor6482]

Jessie Owens what a beautiful man, and what a spit in the eye to Hitler and his abominable crimes against humanity, I love when good prevails against evil in such a powerful way. God bless Jessie Owens.

[@demicobainloveuwhitney5779]

A great man with a beautiful and intelligent wife.

[@nadspurs]

True Champion & Gent. Amazing

[@arianakefu]

Thank you so much for sharing. What a great man, such a sweet and humble soul especially with everything he endoured. God Bless you Jesse Owens.

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

Wow. It's an amazing blessing to be able to see this. Beautiful family and friends. Jesse is "the man!".

[@michaelmichalios6485]

America shame on you.

[@buddyholland1427]

TRUE

[@redrock1963]

Did you notice they neglected to mention the removal of the only two Jewish athletes (supposed to run in the 400 relay) to be replaced by Owens and the other black sprinter. The demand for the removal of the Jewish athletes came from Hitler and was complied with by the Americans on the morning of the event. The more I learn about America the less I respect it.

[@aubreyjames8795]

@@redrock1963 I have to read more to find the evidence. Im sure hitler could not have kicked out the entire american team from the sprint. i think it was the coachs call because he wanted to win.

[@blackking3685]

@@redrock1963 yes that happened and its fucked up

[@blackking3685]

@@redrock1963 They hated jews more than blacks . They didnt even mess with blacks during the war who lived in germany .

[@sconner6822]

A great man

[@billboyd1885]

What an incredible man. They keep talking about his accomplishments. He keeps talking about the values that got him there. Values that are all but a thing of the past.

[@pauletaylorjr8458]

Knowing his history this video brought me to tears he was one hell of a man

[@jamesmartinbanderatexas.5226]

And, at the end of the show, the host says " God bless you" 🙏➕ Mr. Owens was an amazing, caring, talented, athlete, and trail blazer. I wish I could have known him. One day I will, in heaven. God bless his memory. 🙂🙏❤️➕

[@johnnyd8215]

Wow what a great human being

[@elcochipit]

i can smell humbelness 70 years latter and thousands of milles away, an extraordinaire sucsess history!

[@rlinton123]

Jesse appears to be so humble and decent. RIP Jesse

[@gaffle7646]

This made me tear up...

[@AgressorNation]

Wonderful program to watch. Truly enjoyable to see such a great American interact with friends, etc.

[@calvinbealer7264]

63 Years Ago 😲😳😳🥇🥇🥇🥇.

[@richardjoubert7452]

Jessie Owens is a wonderful human being,if the whole world could be like him,there would be no more wars,or hate,he always talked to everyone with great respect,God bless you jessie Owens

[@raymondcassar1740]

An incredible man , A true Hero, I have nothing but LOVE for Him, I LOVE YOU JESSE 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪💪💪❤️

[@patriciasimpson665]

Wow! He was a wonderful man. He was very generous and a hero to many. RIH Mr. Owens, you’ve earned your wings in heaven long before you got there.

[@hife2thekife]

Jesse, James Cleveland that is, was classy as there is! Bought his niece's graduation dress with his own money made shoe shining - classy! What a great man! ...great show! Who are the 6 azzholes who voted this vid down??

[@Perririri]

They would have said ΗеіΙ ΗіtΙеr at the 36 Olympic Games!

[@mydozer]

Owens later said he was treated better in Germany than in America where blacks faced segregation.

[@khandipwens1955]

He only there for a few DAYS of his whole life. We ALL know how things would have been for him if he'd actually LIVED there! Signed, His Cousin.

[@yell50]

Yes but Jessie was no Muslim he was better, he was a christian

[@therespectedlex9794]

Roberto Benson I think black people were still amongst the Nazis 'undesirables'. Usually rounded up and maybe killed. Didn't Adolf Hitler avoid Jesse Owens in the stadium ceremony?

[@therespectedlex9794]

khnadi pwens So, your dumb racist statement 'The black race was and is superior against all odds and despite of the maniacal racism in America and in Germany.' is true? Do you ever consider yourself inbred? You were selectively bred for more physical strength when you were slaves. Superior? No, you should just say that we're different.

[@nanny7397]

@@therespectedlex9794 " Do you ever consider yourself inbred? You were selectively bred for more physical strength when you were slaves. Superior? No" Wow!!!!! When a white person gets THAT angry and lashes out when a black person says they are superior, it's very telling. It's a "how dare you!" kind of thing... a "who do you think you are?" kind of thing...a "know your place" kind of thing. I don't agree with him that any one race is superior in any way to another but I don't become enraged when a black man suggests it. Why do you?

[@markcauley5797]

I havent cried this much since my first dog died

[@seannolan2454]

So modest these stars

[@sac1303]

A truly beautiful soul. Thanks for sharing.

[@royalt3690]

Can you be any more humble than Jesse? He is not only an inspiration as an athlete but more so as a person.

[@deborahcrawford9079]

May God bless this good man

[@mr.scottpowell]

Jesse Owens was a class act. Also the host, Ralph Edwards, handled himself far better here than he did six years earlier, when Laurel and Hardy were on the show.

[@TristanOvery]

This man is so humble and takes everything to heart truly a huge inspiration, sad to see how the host and the other athlete in the beginning were treating him, just makes me sick.

[@Nape1962]

IN 1978 TWO YEARS BEFORE MR OWENS PASSED ON I BEGAN RUNNING HIGH SCHOOL TRACK INSPIRED BY MR OWENS LIFE'S STORY I WOULD GO ON ALSO TO RUN FOR A LOCAL TRACK CLUB AS WELL AS RUNNING HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY . WHILE I WAS ENLISTED IN THE ARMY STATIONED IN GERMANY I ALSO RUN ARMY TRACK . ME AND MR OWENS WERE BOTH BORN IN DIFFERENT STATES AND GREW UP IN OHIO . IF TIME PERMITTS FEEL FREE TO VIEW A KZbin SHORT I PRODUCED TITLED THE YOUNGSTOWN SOUTH NINE IT'S ABOUT THE SPORT OF CROSS COUNTRY . THANK YOU

[@tage202]

Thank you for sharing.

[@bobbylayniac3671]

Such a humble man and great role model for all people no matter your ethnicity. In my opinion, his story is the ultimate story of overcoming obstacles and exceling in the face of true adversity.

[@MichaelGunner123]

A TRUE INSPIRATION. AN AWESOME MAN.

[@TheBlueyedblond]

Grace, charm, humility. A great American.

[@gratialake8459]

He looked so humble and stunned what a lovely man he was x

[@gmoney8585]

Talented,articulate,class,dignity,intelligence,hero

[@pumagutten]

Jesse Owens was truly a class act.

[@webleypug]

I'd never heard of the bad back incident. That his team mates had to assist him before the events, & then actually carry him away after they were over, is just amazing. To have won the events, & even set a record, testifies to the character of this man.

[@sophiaraniuk2665]

What a great and kind man Jesse seems to be .....what an inspiration he is .....thank you for posting

[@chroniclethe]

You're welcome!

[@superkat460]

As an Assistant Supt of a k12 school district, I am immensely proud of Mr Owens and the Black scholar athletes of that time period. How articulate, intelligent, respectful and professional they were!!! Now that's Black History! To hear that Mr Owens died of lung cancer after smoking for years, is heartbreaking.

[@gaffle7646]

These brothers were very well spoken! I cringe today hearing the youth's dialect and butchering of the English language. The regression continues...

[@paddyearly]

A great story of a great hero. He is a person who should be an inspiration to all youngsters. Hard worker and determined but super generous with his sharing. RIP✅✅

[@Celluloidwatcher]

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was the epitome of the All-American Hero in spite of some slights (Hitler not shaking his hand in Berlin, FDR not inviting him to the WH, to name two). However, his was the generation that was told that he was just as good as those in the mainstream and dedicated his post-Olympic life to making others' lives better. Such human beings are fewer nowadays. I feel the world is sadder because Jesse has been gone 42 years, although his legacy lives on in some of today's athletes. May he (OSU Buckeye and Olympic Champion) rest in peace and power. Thank you, sir, for being you.

[@audicorona]

WOW!!! 13.20s, Jesse ran with a sore back??? Athletes these days with there million dollar salaries wouldve said "NO" with a broken finger or sore toe

[@vetivera]

Truly a hero to all!

[@1fallzeta]

two grown a$$ men still being called "boys". #sickening--Mr. Owens and Mr. Albritton were olympic champions--thank you both for being inspirations to us all.

[@marissamartinez6365]

Sadly I agree with you Midori, how disgusting to keep reminding someone he was a 'pageboy' or a shoe shine "boy'.....But Jesse rose above the stupid comments Midori....

[@stephcurry30curry61]

+Marissa Martinez why didn't owens talk?

[@ChubbyChecker182]

you can in see Jesse's expression that he wasn't totally happy with the way the presenter was talking at certain points, but I think he showed great dignity and probably understood it was just the general ignorance if the times.

[@Bossmanrocks]

You're seeing something that isn't there. The announcer was talking about when they were boys growing up. It was actually a very sweet moment.

[@Bossmanrocks]

I Am Israel The guy wasn't calling them boy. He was talking about when they were boys they probably never realized how far they would go in life. That's what he was talking about. The moment was sweet and nostalgic - "The boys (meaning when they were boys) never guessed they would .........."

[@cherylrobinson1885]

I also went to the old East Tech High School

[@nandofigueira2005]

Charles Riley took high school student Jesse Owens under his wing with additional practice sessions held in the morning so as not to interfere with the young man's after-school work obligations. He also invited Owens to his home and treated him as a member of his own family, something unusual in an era of both informal and legal racial segregation. Owens considered Riley his second father, and Riley held Owens in equal regard.

[@kevinstewart8876]

You could barely see his legs he was so fast!!!

[@joeambrose3260]

This guy is a true legend, up there with Jackie, Muhammad and Michael

[@lsd-rickb-1728]

Shame on Franklin D. Roosevelt! For snubbing Jesse Owens. He was a hero for us african Americans 🇺🇸

[@gpoindexter1426]

Makes me proud. Makes me sick! When he won gold, he couldn’t even drink from the same water fountain as a white did. Thank you JC for opening the door for us while being exploited. For “being humble” . Now we don’t have to just “shut up and dribble.” And a certain type of people hates that now. It’s delicious. Thank you!!!

[@richardjoubert7452]

And I also think that he should get a official apology from the president of the United states,for not inviting him to the White House after winning 4 gold medals, such a disgrace

[@seeDiersoilcrossrowds]

Why is there a reflection of a man in the T.V. screen at 1:49 sec. that is weird.

[@mandyronald8187]

By then people had a better accent than the current ebonic

[@VitalityMassage]

Jesse only lived another 20 years dying at age 67. He was so kind and cordial and I almost wish he'd said something openly about racial discrimination. I wish he'd have told Hitler to fuck off. You can tell he just wasn't that way though.

[@TheProtagonist2020]

Jesse Owens passed away at the age of 66 in March 31, 1980.

[@Anthony-bx5yk]

What a nice fuckin guy man. I'm pretty sure most of us could recognize some of the almost 'racist' comments where he kind of just pauses and doesn't take into account. Good for him. It's also so nice that he bought his damn junior high coach a car when he got back from the Olympics. You're kidding! You wouldn't see that now and I'm just truly amazed. S/o to one of the greatest athletes this country has ever seen!

[@mr.g1758]

Why is everything in today's society labeled racism? The announcer was speaking of when they were BOYS...not demeaning them. God im so tired of hyper judgmental comments.

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

Mr. Owens could have taught you how to express yourself in elegant English, as he did, instead of your common vulgarity.

[@FranzSausage]

Sad that Luz Long has died in WW2. If he had survived i think he would have been in this show.

[@marissamartinez6365]

I agree with Midori, the host is deliberately being condescending to a man, Jesse Owens, who was a much better human being than he'd ever be. How many oppritunies were given to any person during the depression? Jesse, you are my hero, I'm not black but you were a classic!

[@nicksim1602]

DITTO !

[@1fallzeta]

Marissa My sentiments exactly! He is definitely a hero of mine. Along with Jackie Robinson, Alice Coachman and countless others who had to endure this racist bullshit to prove that we too, are American citizens. Grown ass people

[@swebb5142]

This is why I'm decent to all people, some people are good!

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

Marissa Martinez Alot of these men were merely victims of the times I'm afraid of

[@RockLibertyWarrior]

Can you fucking tell me where the host was being condescending, or are you being a buttburt delusional little shit sucking snowflake? Tell me where because I don't see it. Fuck off SJW diaper shitters.

[@buckybarz3779]

the fact were looking at ghost right now.

[@vickilumpkins2945]

Whene i seen jess he looked different

[@443red]

Does he bring up German Olympic friend Lux long?

[@vickielewallen3799]

Love this, and the youtube clips of Berlin Olympics. Hitler was embarrassed and mad when he realized the whole world knew his aryan rants were totally false.

[@Peanutz0]

Ahead of his time.

[@unreal4u2]

Anyone find it odd how he hugged the white guy and only shook hands with the black folk, including his sister????

[@TheProtagonist2020]

No, Melvin Dismukes didn’t make it, he was 75 years old.

[@martinamorgan1119]

How sad,,,people are not very nice,,,Jesus said we are one,,

[@ChubbyChecker182]

I was worried Hitler would turn up 😳

[@sali4715]

That's how we black people ought to be. Not yo yo my nigga what's up stuff.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

I don't like how the presenter repeatedly refers to him as "boy"

[@davidmeza3157]

This was a bit strange. Nonetheless Mr. Owens was an incredible North American

[@PoptartArt]

The boy wtf

[@aubreyjames8795]

lmao it doesnt matter Owens will be loved forever.....who is that host again?

[@Bossmanrocks]

Wow, all the black people were so articulate then. Really intelligent. Nice the way the progressive education system destroyed all that.

[@Bossmanrocks]

In fairness, it's not only black people that have suffered because of progressive policies. Go to any rural area in the country and find people just as ignorant and uneducated.

[@Bossmanrocks]

Because I'm talking about what a gentle man Owens was. Not just a gentleman but a gentle man. Really sweet, intelligent, educated, and erudite. But he wasn't the exception then. I saw a video of a street scene in NYC in the 60s and all men, black and white alike, looked that way. What in the world happened to our society where people behave like animals, can no longer get into a discussion without fighting, and lack sensibilities and morals? Where did that time go?

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

Bossmanrocks Im.black sad but true and sometimes the truth hurts

[@simplelogic2605]

Too much Maury and Jerry perhaps? Trust youll see both white and black ignorance

[@aubreyjames8795]

lmao

[@audicorona]

I meant 12.40s Jesse ran with a sore back??? Usain Bolt as fast as you are, fastest man ever, will you run with a sore back wf team mates helping you to set???

[@yvonneshelton2505]

Ravishing Rick-Rude usain does have terrible back problems

[@richardjoubert7452]

He's a man,not a boy stop saying boy