Origins & Early Life

David Sarnoff (February 27, 1891 – December 12, 1971) was an American businessman who played an important role in the American history of radio broadcasting and television. He led the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) for most of his career in various capacities from shortly after its founding in 1919 until his retirement in 1970. He headed a conglomerate of telecommunications and media companies, including RCA and NBC, that became one of the largest in the world. Named a Reserve Brigadier General of the Signal Corps in 1945, Sarnoff thereafter insisted on being called "The General" and addressed as "General Sarnoff".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

David Sarnoff was born to a Jewish family in Uzlian, a small town in Minsk Governorate, Russian Empire (present-day Belarus), the son of Abraham Sarnoff and Leah Privin. Abraham emigrated to the United States and raised funds to bring the family. Sarnoff spent much of his early childhood in a cheder (or yeshiva) studying and memorizing the Torah. He emigrated with his mother and three brothers and one sister to New York City in 1900 at the age of 9, where he helped support his family by selling newspapers before and after his classes at the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Antonio Gramsci — Contemporary (Born in 1891) (1891): Italian Marxist philosopher known for his theory of cultural hegemony.
• Arthur Rimbaud — Contemporary (Died in 1891) (1891): Transgressive French poet whose work profoundly influenced modern literature and surrealism.
• B. R. Ambedkar — Contemporary (Born in 1891) (1891): Pioneering jurist, economist, and social reformer who shaped modern India.
• Adriano Giannini — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Italian actor known for dubbing and roles in film and television.
• Alison Krauss — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Esteemed American bluegrass singer and musician known for her vibrant career.
• Bennett Cerf — Contemporary (Died in 1971) (1971): American publisher, author, and co-founder of Random House.
• Alan Guth — Shared historical date (02-27 · Born) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• Constantine the Great — Shared historical date (02-27 · Born) (272): Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity and founded Constantinople.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1777): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Bob Pettit — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1932): NBA star and coach, known for his dominance with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks.
• 1891 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1891
• February 27 (02-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 27
• 1971 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1971
• December 12 (12-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 12