This is kind of a fun thing I did recently. The sponsor is funny, in a way, given that I have only about two drinks a year and I don't have any tattoos!

This is the best one yet! I have yet to see your crack a smile, though, John.

I am curious... Why do you, and your associates, pronounce it "Rick-en-Backer?" I have always pronounced it with the "bach" because my mother used to correct me when I bugged her to buy me a 360 (When I was 12).

There are many threads on this subject. It boils down to if you own the name, you can pronounce it however you prefer. Mr. JH prefers we all say "back," as in opposite of front, rather than "Bach," as in the German composer. Therefore, in deference to Mr. JH, we all say, "Ricken-back-er."

You mother is correct when it comes to general pronunciation. Unfortunately, she did not know Mr. JH personally, and who knows, she may have even "corrected" him if she did!

This is nothing new. I live in a state where there are several place names that are pronounced differently than their spelling would otherwise indicate, the most notable being "Weaubleau," which is pronounced, "Wah-blow."

Probably not, because John Hall is not her son. My mother also studied English in college; she has two degrees. However, she only knew "bach" because my uncle played guitar.

Great video John!

As for the pronunciation, it goes back way before JH. I've heard that Adolph Rickenbacker pronounced it that way, and since it was his name, that's the way it should be pronounced...

"Ricken-bock-er" isn't even correct pronouciation for Swiss German- it sounds more like "Rye-ken-bah-her" although the "rye" and "bah" has an extra little sound on the end we don't use in English.

Anyway, Swiss-born Adolph and his cousin Eddie decided that during the war era it would probably be best to Anglicize the pronunciation as you heard me say it, so it is also their preference that we honor.

Lastly, there are a few other folks that get it right: Say it properly

Your so right John. Many European surnames were changed in the name of anglicization.
Sometimes the change was only in pronunciation, but generally it involved changed letters, swapped letters, the removal of prefixes . These names were often decided on while on route to their new destination or soon upon arrival. This practice of assimilation was quite common here in Australia. I knew quite a few families that adopted a slight name change
Sometimes these people left more than their surnames back in their homeland. Some left behind a wife, children and and family, everything! I know that my father would sometimes lend money to immigrant who had to leave their family behind, he would lend them the money for their families passage to Australia, I only found that out when I was older, it made me proud of him!. These people generally changed their name and just blended in, it was more important to them just have a fresh start, one can easily understand after being persecuted most just wanted peace. These people not only gestured assimilation in their name change, they have generally contributed well and are very patriotic towards the country who adopted them.

Mr Hall, you do give a decent narrative, and your camera friendly it's given me a thought
I've had this thought for a while but I've been reluctant to ask for such a request.
Would you ever consider telling the forum members, What happened at your home the night the Beatles played on the ED Sullivan show and what impact it had on you.
Think about it, I'm sure most forum member would really be interested in such a story, but it's up to you!

And just to butter you up.........You say your fitter and keep healthier these day, I can see from this current video you are telling the truth.

And hurt my mother's feelings? Never!

Count me among those who mispronounced it for years. I finally corrected my pronunciation of it shortly before I became a Rick owner. And now, it makes my skin crawl to hear people say "Rick-N-bok-uhr," especially those who know better.

Talk about being corrected, there's no end to it! But honestly you should try my vocal coach. She had no hesitation telling me after she first heard me sing. She said my voice was fine................but that accent just has to go!

Now I've been told I don't have a strong Aussie accent, it is sometimes confused with an English accent! But my singing teacher knows better and she is on my case!
I have learnt, I have improved, I have had to undo past bad habits, I have come to many new realisation about my voice. My teacher has cultured my voice in all areas, but I still have a way to go yet. I don't think my voice made my teachers skin crawl, but I must have upset her ear with some of my past singing vernacular though! Oh well at least she gets paid to criticise me, it's money well spent!

For 30 bucks a half hour, my singing teacher would provide you with more that all the correcting you can retain until next weeks lesson . My advice is when you are up for some heavy humiliation always seek the advice of a professional


By the way.....would you like to hear the story of what Mr Halls recollections are of what happened at his home the night The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show, I wonder if he can be persuaded to tell it or just might agree to tell it?