Philadelphia’s Favorite Sons, Daughters and Pastimes

We’ll start with maybe the most famous Philadelphian of all-time, Mr. Benjamin Franklin.

One of the most innovative men in history, Ben Franklin developed the printing press, discovered electricity, and created the bifocals to name a few of his abundant accomplishments.

Betsy Ross

She designed the original American flag and you can still take a tour of her home on Arch St.

Joe Fraizer and Boxing

Often considered one of the greatest boxers of all-time, “Smokin” Joe Fraizer won over fans with pure power and a Philadelphia work ethic.  He will forever go down in history with Muhammed Ali, as the two of them squared off three times, and three times they put on an incredible fight.  Philadelphia itself is known as a boxing hot-spot and the defense technique of shelling, used by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sugar Ray Leonard to name a few, was derived in Philadelphia and given the title “The Philly Shell”.  Currently, Bernard Hopkins is Philadelphia’s most notorious boxer.  He is 54-6 all-time.

Philadelphia’s Music Scene:

Philly has a rich history in music dating back to American Bandstand, which may or may not have etched Rock N’ Roll into American culture.  Support Philadelphia music and check out the artists below!

John Coltrane

Hall & Oates

Eve

Pink

The Roots

Other popular artists include:  Meek Mill, Dr. Dog, Tammi Terrell, Andre Watts, The Stylistics, Jill Scott, Patti Labelle, Frankie Avalon, and Boys II Men.

Two of Philly’s favorite sons are Will Smith and Bill Cosby who need no bio.