New York City, a global hub of culture, finance, and dreams, is affectionately known as “The Big Apple.” This iconic nickname is recognized worldwide, but the reasons behind it are less universally understood. While New York State is indeed a major apple producer, ranking second in the United States after Washington, the city’s famous moniker has surprisingly little to do with orchards or fruit stands. Instead, the story of how New York City became the Big Apple is a journey through horse racing, jazz music, and a clever 1970s tourism campaign.
The earliest roots of the “Big Apple” nickname can be traced back to the world of horse racing in the early 20th century. Around the 1920s, John Fitz Gerald, a sports reporter for the New York Morning Telegraph, was immersed in the racing scene. He overheard African American stable hands in New Orleans using the term “the big apple” when referring to New York City. For these stable hands, New York City represented the pinnacle of horse racing, home to major racetracks and significant opportunities. It was, in their eyes, the “big time,” the ultimate destination – “the big apple.”
Fitz Gerald, captivated by the term’s catchy nature and resonance, adopted “Big Apple” in his racing columns. By consistently using the nickname, he helped to popularize it within the racing community and among his readers. However, the term’s reach extended beyond sports enthusiasts.
In the 1930s and 40s, the vibrant jazz music scene in New York City further cemented the “Big Apple” into the cultural lexicon. Jazz musicians embraced the nickname to signify New York City’s status as the epicenter of jazz music. Just as it was the big time for horse racing, New York City was also the big time for jazz. The city’s numerous legendary clubs and venues made it the ultimate goal for any aspiring jazz musician. To play in New York City, “the Big Apple,” meant you had reached the top of your profession.
Despite its early popularity, the nickname “Big Apple” faded somewhat into obscurity in the following decades. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that the moniker experienced a significant resurgence, this time as part of a strategic tourism campaign. New York City was facing economic challenges and a rising crime rate, impacting its image and tourism appeal. To revitalize the city’s reputation, Charles Gillett, the president of the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, spearheaded a marketing initiative to rebrand New York City as “The Big Apple.”
Gillett, who was also a jazz aficionado, recognized the historical positive connotations associated with the “Big Apple” nickname. He launched a widespread promotional campaign featuring apples on pins, t-shirts, and posters, encouraging tourists to “Take a Bite of the Big Apple.” This campaign successfully reintroduced and solidified “The Big Apple” as New York City’s enduring and beloved nickname, associating it with a fresh, vibrant, and desirable image.
Interestingly, before being known as the Big Apple, New York City was briefly called “New Orange.” In 1673, during a period of conflict between the English and the Dutch, the Dutch captured New York and renamed it New Orange in honor of William III of Orange. However, this name was short-lived. By 1674, the city was back under English control, and its original name, New York, was restored. While “New Orange” is a historical footnote, “The Big Apple” has proven to be a far more enduring and flavorful name for the city that never sleeps.
In conclusion, the nickname “The Big Apple” for New York City is a fascinating example of how a simple phrase can evolve and take on different meanings over time. From its origins in horse racing to its adoption by jazz musicians and its successful revival as a tourism slogan, “The Big Apple” has become inextricably linked to the identity and allure of New York City, a testament to its vibrant history and enduring appeal.
