Interview with Harland Sanders, 1977

Interview Summary

In this interview, Colonel Harland Sanders discusses his career, philanthropy, and the history behind his trademark white suits and the name "Kentucky Fried Chicken."

He talks about the various jobs he held over the years, from his first job at seven years old (from which he was fired), his work on railroads and as the head of the railroad union, his brief stint in the Army, and one of his first forays into business: operating a gas station. He talks about the success of his gas station and the attached restaurant, which led him to open a motel. He discusses the sale of the motel and his decision to focus on his fried chicken business. He talks about the early Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, and his eventual decision to sell the business for two million dollars.

Sanders also discusses his charitable donations and the various charities and institutions he supports, including college scholarships and children's hospitals, among others.

He talks about his public appearances for KFC, and his status as a celebrity. He talks about the origins of his trademark white suits, the slogan "finger lickin' good," and the name "Kentucky Fried Chicken."

Interview Keyword

Advertising. Business enterprises. Celebrities. Charity Families. Marketing. Philanthropists Public relations. Publicity. Restaurants. Sanders, Harland, 1890-1980 Service stations. Col. Harland Sanders Colonel Sanders

Interview LC Subject

Businesspeople Small business--Kentucky Small business--Ownership

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.