Summary: David C Ward, historian at NPG, discusses the "Wings" Nike poster of Michael Jordan, by Gary Nolton. One of Nike's most famous posters, "Wings" features Chicago Bulls basketball legend Michael Jordan along with a quote from poet William Blake, "No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." With Jordan as their marquee player, the Bulls dominated the NBA in the 1990s. Jordan could also claim one NCAA championship with the University of North Carolina and six NBA championships. He was a five-time league MVP and a two-time Olympic gold-medal winner, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and briefly played minor-league baseball. In addition to his extraordinary athletic achievements, Jordan became the most successful advertising figure the world had ever known. The "Wings" poster documents a shift in athletes' earning potential from their performance to their endorsement deals; it also marks a historic moment when African American sports figures could serve as role models to all Americans. Recorded at NPG, February 10, 2011. Image: Michael Jordan / Gary Nolton / Halftone poster, 1989 / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
