1

iPhone

Image: Bagus Hernawan

We’ll start with a game changer . On January 9, 2007, Apple founder Steve Jobs took the stage at the Macworld convention in San Francisco and announced "We're going to make some history together today". During the unveiling of the very first iPhone in 2007, Jobs was fully aware of how innovative his new product was , but he couldn’t have possibly imagined the scale of the technological revolution that was brought forward by the iPhone.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of the iPhone was its seemingly simple design: it effortlessly combined a cell phone and an iPod (another technological marvel in its own right), and it also added internet connectivity and browsing capabilities. To this day, Apple is still considered at the forefront of smartphone innovation, regularly releasing new groundbreaking iPhone models.

2

Air Jordans

Image: Flow Clark

Few brand logos are as instantly recognizable as Nike’s iconic "Swoosh". However, in 1985, Nike decided to raise the bet and create another groundbreaking logo that simply showed the silhouette of basketball legend Michael Jordan doing what he does best. And with this, the legend of the Air Jordan, probably the most iconic basketball shoe in history, was born.

Nike designed these shoes for Michael Jordan’s time with the Chicago Bulls and released them to the public in 1985. Since the release of the Air Jordan I, the "Jumpman" logo has graced over 35 different iterations of these quintessential shoes, with absolutely no signs of stopping.

3

Big Mac

Image: Brett Jordan

In 1967, in the city of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, a small McDonald’s restaurant debuted a new burger, which featured two beef patties, pickles, minced onions, and a slightly mysterious "special sauce". It was only a year later that this local burger was added to the menu of all McDonald’s in the United States, where it would become the company’s undisputable flagship product . At that moment, the legend of the Big Mac was born.

It might surprise you to learn that such an iconic burger actually had two previous names that failed with the public: the "Aristocrat" and the "Blue Ribbon Burger". It received its first and final name from Esther Rose, a 21-year-old McDonald’s advertising secretary. The Big Mac has become such an international icon , featured in almost every country around the world, that economists use what is known as the "Big Mac index" to survey a nation’s inflation based on the price of a Big Mac there.

4

Coca-Cola

Image: Maximilian Bruck

In 1885, when Colonel John Pemberton started selling the first version of its iconic drink from his drugstore in Columbus, Georgia, he advertised Coca-Cola in many different ways: first, as the "temperance drink", a non-alcoholic beverage that the growing temperance movement could enjoy, and then as a miraculous patent medicine that could provide the cure to many diseases. Little did he know that, almost 140 years after its invention, Coca-Cola would become a product that needs no introduction.

Coca-Cola is one of the most famous non-alcoholic beverages, available in practically every single country around the world. Not only that, it is the very first drink of its kind, having inspired thousands of different cola drinks since its commercialization. However, no one was ever close to copying its distinctive flavor, and probably no one ever will: its highly classified formula is one the most well-kept secrets in history.

5

Budweiser

Image: Blake Guidry

There is a reason why Budweiser is still known by its timeless nickname "The King of Beers". No beer is as instantly associated with America as Budweiser is, and with good reason: First bottled in 1876, Budweiser is the very first national beer brand in the United States.

Curiously, you might have noticed that in some places outside the United States, Budweiser is marketed as "Bud" . The reason behind this is an actual legal battle between the American Budweiser and Budweiser Budvar, a brewery located in the Czech city of České Budějovice, from which the name "Budweiser" comes.

6

Gillette

Image: Brett Jordan

How could a man named "King Camp Gillette" not live in history? Such a flamboyant and unique name truly demands to be remembered and, luckily, this essential personal care brand has proudly kept this name alive for over 120 years now, forever remembered after King C. Gillette’s groundbreaking and bestselling safety razor model.

The start of the 1900s saw Gillette’s safety razor jump to popularity, thanks to its groundbreaking design that allowed disposable blades that could be easily changed. This design quickly became the industry standard, particularly after the U.S. Army started issuing Gillette shaving kits to American soldiers.

7

Starbucks

Image: USAMA AKRAM

Who knew that a secondary character from Herman Melville’s "Moby Dick" would one day inspire one of the biggest coffee companies in the world? Millions of white Starbucks cups decorated with their green logo satiate the caffeinated needs of thousands of people every day.

It is a rather daunting task to choose Starbucks’ most iconic drink: We could go for its seasonal "Pumpkin Spice Latte", or for its refreshing, ice-cold "Caramel Frappucino". Whichever drink is your favorite, you’ll know you are enjoying one of the world’s most famous products whenever you see that iconic twin-tailed mermaid in your cup.

8

Wilson Football

Image: John Torcasio

There’s probably no need to say that Wilson is the quintessential brand associated with American football: After all, the company has been the official game ball supplier for the NFL since 1941. That means that Wilson's Football has been featured in practically every single Super Bowl since the very first one was held in 1967.

You probably already know that this iconic ball has a name: Every single Wilson ball used by the NFL has been known by the nickname "The Duke" , which has been emblazoned on every football since 2006. This is in reference to Wellington Mara, the legendary owner of the New York Giants who helped arrange the business connection between Wilson and the NFL.

9

Ben and Jerry’s

Image: Hybrid Storytellers

The story of this ice cream company is the story of two lifelong friends . Since their childhood in Merrick, New York, Ben Cohen, and Jerry Greenfield had always been inseparable, so much so that they decided to jointly open an ice cream parlor in Burlington, Vermont in 1978. Nowadays, the names of these two friends have truly become indivisible, as they both contribute 50% to the name of one of the most famous ice cream brands in the world.

Ben & Jerry’s is particularly famous for their unique flavors and the chunks of sweet treats mixed with their ice cream. The company also holds its beloved annual "Free Cone Day" event, held in all "Ben & Jerry’s" parlors across the world.

10

Louisville Slugger baseball bats

Image: Diana Polekhina

We’ll end this list with an American classic . In 1855, woodworker J. F. Hillerich opened his shop in Louisville, Kentucky. According to the company legend, Hillerich’s 17-year-old son Bud slipped away from the shop to watch the Louisville Eclipse baseball team play. It was during this game that the team's star batter, Pete "Louisville Slugger" Browning, broke his bat, so Bud invited him to his father’s shop to make him a new one.

The rest is history: Browning and the rest of the team adored the new bat, and the company started manufacturing their now-iconic "Louisville Slugger" bats. Just like with Wilson footballs, these bats are synonymous with "America’s favorite pastime". In case you are curious, you can learn more about this American icon by visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can also discover the world’s largest baseball bat!

1

Elvis Presley’s senior prom

Image: No-longer-here

Did you know Elvis Presley wore actual blue suede shoes to his senior prom? In 1953, at just 18 years old, the soon-to-be King of Rock and Roll attended Humes High School's formal dance at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Wearing a tuxedo for the first time, Elvis picked up his date, a 14-year-old girl named Regis Wilson, in a dark blue rented Chevy. Once they were at the Continental Ballroom Elvis confessed he didn’t know how to dance, so they spent the night watching from the sidelines. Sadly, a few weeks later Regis’ family decided to move to Florida and they never saw each other again.

2

I have a dream

Image: Unseen Histories

2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. But did you know that Martin Luther King Jr wrote the finishing touches for it in the lobby of The Willard InterContinental hotel just hours before addressing the people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial?

It's no wonder such an important event in U.S. history occurred at this Washington D.C. hotel. Located just a few blocks from the White House, the Willard was witness to numerous key political moments: It was Lincoln's temporary residence before his inauguration, and Calvin Coolidge lived here during his vice presidency. Not only that, the lobby of this hotel is where Ulysses S. Grant coined the term "lobbyist".

3

Marilyn’s last photoshoot

Image: Marten Bjork

In late June 1962, six weeks before her passing, Marilyn Monroe was photographed in suite 261 of the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The most desired and sought-after actress at the time arrived at the hotel with a suitcase loaded with dresses and necklaces and ordered three bottles of Don Perignon. Over the next three days, photographer Bert Stern took 2,571 snapshots of her.

These iconic images were published by Vogue magazine just one day after her death and have since become history as the last portraits of one of the most beloved American stars of all time.

4

Blonde on Blonde

Image: Janka Jonas

The Hotel Chelsea in New York City boasts perhaps the longest list of celebrity residents: Mark Twain, Patti Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Stanley Kubrick, Leonard Coen, Sid Vicious and Robert Mapplethorpe all resided here at some point since its opening in 1884.

Another famous guest who spent time at this iconic Manhattan hotel is American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. More bohemian than glamorous, the place fitted perfectly with the musician's style and was the ideal environment for his upcoming work. And so, in 1965 while staying in room 211, Dylan wrote a couple of songs for his seventh studio album, Blonde on Blonde .

5

First Organized Crime Convention

Image: cottonbro studio

The Blackstone in Chicago is best known as "The Hotel of Presidents" since it has welcomed several heads of state since its opening in 1910. However, it is also associated with some notorious American gangsters. Al Capone himself reportedly held meetings at this hotel while getting his haircut in the barbershop during the Prohibition Era.

Another Blackstone infamous guest was Italian-born gangster Charles "Lucky" Luciano. In 1931, he hosted his first crime convention in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Apparently, the purpose of the meeting was to create a board of directors for his "National Crime Syndicate", a confederation of several criminal organizations.

6

The birth of the Academy Awards

Image: Felix Mooneeram

This story involves not one but two mythical American hotels. In 1927, film producer and co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B. Mayer, felt the need to create an organization that would bring together all the players in the film industry. He invited a small group to a formal banquet at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles where he officially presented his idea of an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A few months later, on May 11, the first organizational meeting was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel. At that meeting, they appointed the first authorities and granted the first honorary membership to American inventor Thomas Edison. In addition, they agreed to establish an annual award. According to legend, art director Cedric Gibbons sketched the design of the Oscars statuette that very day on one of the hotel's napkins.

7

The British invasion

Image: Boer, Poppe de, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

By 1964 the Beatles had become so popular that it was no surprise that 3,000 fans were waiting for them at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport the first time they traveled to the United States. The Fab Four stayed at The Plaza in Manhattan and the scenario was the same: the hotel was overrun by hordes of teenage girls who eventually found their way into the fire stairways.

Paul, John, Ringo, and George occupied the 10-room Presidential suites on the 12th floor. They sometimes waved to the fans downstairs, guarded by over 50 policemen. After four days of commotion, the hotel authorities did not want them to return, so, on subsequent visits, the Beatles stayed at the Warwick Hotel.

8

Golden Globe splash

Image: Carolyn Ne

In 1999, before the Golden Globes ceremony, Angelina Jolie promised that if she won the award for Best Actress for her role in the movie Gia she would take a dip in the Beverly Hilton pool. She not only held her promise but also was accompanied by some friends and even ended up throwing in a journalist.

In an interview, the actress said that the dare came about because one very hot summer afternoon when she was a girl, she ended up diving into the hotel pool with a girlfriend. As expected, they were kicked out and she never came back —that is, until the night of the famous splash, ball gown and all!

9

Good Will Hunting

Image: Life-Of-Pix

Since its opening in 1976, the Viceroy L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, has been a true Hollywood institution. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Brad Pitt, and Laurence Olivier, have stayed in one of the 116 suites of this luxurious and secluded hotel numerous times.

But perhaps the spot that holds the most mystique in this hotel is The Lobby Lounge and Bar, once known as the Writer's Bar. Rumor has it, that this is where the biggest names in the industry used to hold their meetings and writing appointments. Apparently, the most fantastic stories in the history of cinema were conceived here, one of these masterpieces being Good Will Hunting . In this bar, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon penned the script for one of the most beloved films of the 20th century. Did you know that?

10

Bungalow 4

Image: Andrew Campana

American business tycoon Howard Hughes was possibly the most peculiar long-time hotel resident who ever lived. Hughes stayed at several hotels during his lifetime but he had a soft spot for the renowned Beverly Hills Hotel in California. So much so that in 1942 he bought three or four of the famous pink stucco bungalows and moved in.

This hotel, built in 1912, accommodated all his eccentricities, including making room for his personal chef —apparently, the only one who knew exactly how to make his favourite pineapple upside-down cake— and delivering his roast beef sandwiches to a specific tree on the premises. Being a billionaire certainly has its perks!

1

Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: "Endless Love"

Image: Ethan Smith

Did you know that this pop music classic was actually composed for a movie? Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded "Endless Love" for the Motown label, and it was used as the theme song for the 1981 film of the same name, starring Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt.

Produced by Richie, the song was released as a single from the film’s soundtrack. Although the film was a flop, the song became the top hit single in the United States that year. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for nine consecutive weeks.

2

Sonny & Cher: "I Got You Babe"

Image: Joop van Bilsen / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

"I Got You Babe" is arguably the biggest hit by Sonny & Cher, one of the most iconic musical duos in history . Sonny Bono wrote it late one night in their basement for his wife, Cher.

Recorded in 1965, the song became a smash hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "I Got You Babe" is a beautiful hymn to love and loyalty , and it has been covered by various artists over the years.

3

Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer: "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"

Image: Gritte

Considered one of Donna Summer’s standout songs , "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" was recorded with Barbra Streisand in 1979. The song became so popular that several vocalists have recorded their own versions over the years.

Neither Donna nor Barbra ever performed the duet live together, but Streisand sang an excerpt during her Back to Brooklyn concert tour in 2012. At the time, she remarked that if Donna were still alive, she would have loved to perform it with her.

4

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney: "Say Say Say"

Image: Pavel Danilyuk

The former Beatle had already collaborated with the King of Pop on "The Girl Is Mine," featured on Jackson’s Thriller album. The song was so successful that they teamed up again to record "Say Say Say," the lead single from McCartney’s fourth solo album , Pipes of Peace .

Jackson wrote most of the lyrics, and the legendary George Martin produced the track. It was released in 1983 , along with a music video in which the duo plays a pair of con men selling a miracle potion. The video also featured cameos by Linda McCartney and La Toya Jackson.

5

Aretha Franklin & George Michael: "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"

Image: melojordan94

Did you know this song wasn’t originally written as a duet? It was composed by Dennis Morgan and Simon Climie with Tina Turner in mind . Eventually, Aretha Franklin got the job, and the label later suggested a collaboration with George Michael.

Aretha and George released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" in 1987. Both artists later stated that they had a great time recording the song and the music video that followed. And it shows, because the tune reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world.

6

Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes: "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life"

Image: Chris Duan

Performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" was released in 1987 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Dirty Dancing . This pop ballad, with rock and soul influences, conveys a sense of celebration and joy, highlighting the importance of special moments that leave lasting memories.

The song was such a huge hit that it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Oscar for Best Original Song , the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

7

Nancy & Frank Sinatra: "Somethin’ Stupid"

Image: Elviss Railijs Bitāns

The original version of this song was recorded in 1966 by C. Carson Parks and his wife, Gaile Foote, but it only became widely known in 1967 when Nancy Sinatra performed it with her father, Frank.

It may seem a little unusual for a father and daughter to sing a romantic duet, but their version of "Somethin’ Stupid" became a massive international hit . Although the song was revived in 2001 by another duo—British singer Robbie Williams and Australian actress Nicole Kidman—Nancy and Frank’s rendition remains the most iconic.

8

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: "Islands In The Stream"

Image: 42 North

When the anti-disco backlash nearly ended their reign, the Bee Gees shifted their focus to writing hits for other artists. Originally, "Islands in the Stream" was intended as a soul song for Diana Ross or Marvin Gaye. However, it ended up becoming the quintessential country-pop duet—and one of the biggest hits of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s careers.

The song is named after Ernest Hemingway’s posthumous novel, but its lyrics speak to the joy of finding that one person you’ve been searching for your whole life. Pretty romantic, don’t you think?

9

Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder: "Ebony And Ivory"

Image: Osman Rana

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder released "Ebony and Ivory" in 1982, and it was an instant hit. Written by McCartney, the song addresses racial integration , using the black and white keys of a piano—working together to create harmony—as a metaphor.

Fun fact: McCartney and Wonder filmed their parts of the music video separately due to scheduling conflicts, but the final result was seamless nonetheless.

10

Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes: "Up Where We Belong"

Image: Paul Seling

This powerful and emotional ballad, performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, was released in 1982. The song was created for the soundtrack of the movie An Officer and a Gentleman and captures the essence of overcoming challenges and transcending through love.

"Up Where We Belong" won several major awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song . The combination of Cocker’s and Warnes’ passionate vocal performances and the rich instrumentation has made this song an enduring classic.

11

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

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There’s nothing like the charismatic and luscious voices of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to convince us of love’s healing power. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" was released as a single in 1967 and became a huge hit.

This romantic anthem is just one of the iconic collaborations by the duo that helped define the Motown era, thanks to their vocal harmonies and onstage chemistry . Their list of great soul duets also includes "Your Precious Love," "Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing," and "You’re All I Need to Get By," among others.

12

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: "You’re The One That I Want"

Image: Mesh

Anyone who has seen the movie Grease is probably a fan of this iconic tune. Immortalized on screen in 1978 by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, the song transcended the boundaries of cinema, topped charts worldwide, reached number one in several countries, and became one of the best-selling singles of all time .