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American Experience

When Blue Jeans Got a Bad Name

4,000 motorcycle riders, wearing leather jackets and blue jeans roared into Hollister.

Aired 02/07/2022

American Experience

When Blue Jeans Got a Bad Name

Clip: Season 34 Episode 1 | 7m 14sVideo has Closed Captions

4,000 motorcycle riders, wearing leather jackets and blue jeans roared into Hollister.

Over the fourth of July weekend in 1947, 4,000 motorcycle riders, wearing leather jackets and blue jeans roared into Hollister, California for a three-day rally. The small town woke to motorcyclists in an unusual uniform: leather jackets and blue jeans.

Aired 02/07/2022

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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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