“Life has two rules: #1 never quit, #2 always remember rule #1”

A plaque remaining from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem.

Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.

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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.

Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.

Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.

Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.

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Entry from November 25, 2013

“Life has two rules: #1 never quit, #2 always remember rule #1”

“Life has two rules: #1 never quit, #2 always remember rule #1” has been cited in print since at least 2000, when it was credited to American composer and bandleader Duke Ellington (1899-1974). There is no evidence that Ellington ever said it, or that the phrase was ever said during Ellington’s lifetime.

The inspirational saying has been printed on many posters.

Wikipedia: Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist and bandleader of jazz orchestras. His career spanned over 50 years, leading his orchestra from 1923 until death.

Google Books
Speaking of Science:
Notable Quotes on Science, Engineering, and the Environment
Edited by Jon Fripp, Michael Fripp, Deborah Fripp
Eagle Rock, VA: LLH Technology Pub,
2000
Pg. 202:
Life has two rules: Number 1, Never Quit! Number 2, always remember rule number 1 . — Duke Ellington

Google Books
The Millionaires’ Club:
How to Start and Run Your Own Investment Club—and Make Your Money Grow
By Carolyn M. Brown
New York, NY: Wiley
2000
Pg. 228:
Life has two rules: Number one, Never quit!; Number two, Always remember rule number one. — Duke Ellington

Google Books
Wake-up Calls
By Joan Lunden
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
2001
Pg. 52:
Life has two rules: number 1, Never quit!; number 2, Always remember rule number 1. — Duke Ellington

Twitter
D.M.Walters
‏@JAHBAMI
Life has two rules: number1, Never quit!; number 2, Always remember rule number 1…. I Am doing it and doing it… http://bit.ly/3w71ai
12:58 PM - 15 Oct 09

Twitter
YAAYYOULIFE
‏@TheYAAYYOULIFE
Life has two rules. Rule Number 1-NEVER QUIT! Rule Number 2- Always remember Rule Number 1-Duke Ellington http://fixyaface.blogspot.com
10:04 PM - 22 Mar 10

Posted by Barry Popik
New York City • Exercise/Running/Health Clubs • Monday, November 25, 2013 • Permalink

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