National Kenneth Day – June 24, 2024

History of National Kenneth Day

American evangelist Kenneth Copeland went viral in 2020 after one of his sermons was edited into a catchy song. But this wasn’t his first brush with fame. Copeland has preached fiery sermons for decades under the banner of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, leading the charismatic Church movement in Texas. Many theologians have dismissed him as a heretic and a fraud, pointing out his obscene wealth and larger-than-life conduct. But Copeland’s eccentric approach to Christianity has kept him popular through the years, proving that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. His most recent controversy was the denial of the U.S. 2020 Election results, leading his congregation in a 30-second mock laughter session that racked up millions of views online.

Kenneth Ray Rogers is a far less controversial Texas native and a beloved country music star. He began singing in the 1950s, progressing from teenage and psychedelic rock to jazz to country pop. Rogers launched his solo career in 1976, fusing different musical influences to create a sound that appealed to country and pop music audiences. Rogers’s style was hugely successful, leading to top hit singles like ‘Lady’ and ‘Islands in the Stream.’ ‘Lucille’ brought him international success, topping the charts in 12 countries and selling more than five million copies. Amazingly, Rogers continued to be a giant in the country and pop music industry until he died in 2017.

In multiple movies, Sir Kenneth Branagh, a British actor, and director personified the archetype of the English villain with the grace and ease we’ve all come to expect from the U.K. The veteran performer received his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England, and has been in several movies, including “Henry V” (1989), “Much Ado About Nothing” (1993), “Othello” (1995), and “Hamlet” (1996). For his contributions to theater and the people of Northern Ireland, Branagh was honored with the Knight Bachelor award in 2012.