Early Life and Education of Dan Rather: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dan Rather. A timeline of key moments.

Dan Rather is an American journalist and former national evening news anchor, renowned for his extensive career covering major historical events. He gained early recognition for his reporting during Hurricane Carla in 1961, aiding in the evacuation of 350,000 people. Throughout his career, Rather reported on pivotal moments such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Iraq War, and the war on terror, establishing himself as a prominent figure in broadcast journalism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

October 31, 1931: Dan Rather's Birth

On October 31, 1931, Daniel Irvin Rather Jr. was born. He would later become a prominent American journalist, commentator, and news anchor.

Others born on this day/year

1950: Graduation from High School

In 1950, Dan Rather graduated from John H. Reagan High School in Houston, where he also played football.

1953: Graduation with Journalism Degree

In 1953, Dan Rather earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Sam Houston State Teachers College. During this time he was also the editor of the school newspaper.

January 1954: Enlistment and Discharge from Marine Corps

In January 1954, Dan Rather enlisted in the United States Marine Corps but was soon discharged due to a childhood history of rheumatic fever.

1957: Marriage to Jean Goebel

In 1957, Dan Rather married Jean Goebel, marking the beginning of a 67-year-long marriage.

November 1963: Reporting from Dallas on JFK Assassination

In November 1963, Dan Rather reported from Dallas during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This reporting significantly raised his profile at CBS News.

November 1963: In Dallas During Kennedy Assassination

In November 1963, Dan Rather was in Dallas to return film when President Kennedy was assassinated, placing him near Dealey Plaza, though he did not witness the shooting.

1968: Rather attempts to interview delegate at Democratic National Convention

During the live coverage of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, Dan Rather attempted to interview a delegate from Georgia who appeared to be forcibly removed by men without identification badges.

November 10, 1980: Cab Incident in Chicago

On November 10, 1980, Dan Rather was involved in an incident with a cab driver in Chicago after asking to be taken to Studs Terkel's home for an interview for 60 Minutes. The driver refused and drove erratically, leading to a disorderly conduct charge. Rather declined to press charges.

October 4, 1986: Attack on Dan Rather: "What's the frequency, Kenneth?"

On October 4, 1986, Dan Rather was attacked in New York by a man who repeatedly asked, "Kenneth, what is the frequency?". The assailant continued to repeat the question as he pummeled and kicked Rather. The crime remained unsolved for some time and led to much speculation, but Rather's account of the bizarre incident was fully confirmed.

1987: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" becomes a pop culture reference

In 1987, the phrase "What's the frequency, Kenneth?" became a popular culture reference after the attack on Dan Rather, appearing in media such as the album Lolita Nation.

1994: R.E.M. releases "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?"

In 1994, R.E.M. released the song "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" on their album Monster, referencing the attack on Dan Rather.

1994: William Tager kills NBC stagehand

In 1994, William Tager killed NBC stagehand Campbell Montgomery outside The Today Show studio.

1997: Identification of Dan Rather's Attacker

In 1997, William Tager, who was serving time for killing an NBC stagehand, was identified as the man who attacked Dan Rather in 1986. Tager believed TV networks were beaming signals into his brain.

September 2007: Lawsuit Against CBS and Viacom

In September 2007, Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit against CBS and its former parent company, Viacom, claiming he was made a "scapegoat" in the Killian documents controversy.