Cool, who is or who isn’t is an overheated argument now.

Times have changed and just about anyone can be cool (a little like everyone has the potential for 15 minutes of fame, as alluded to by Andy Warhol’s brilliant claim)

Cool was once a term used only sparingly for just a few people who were ultra brilliant in their class. I first heard of the expression in conjunction with Steve McQueen. Have there been any other actors that have topped this?

Not many people are “really cool” now as l believe the term has been seriously undervalued because of it’s all too easy frequent overuse. I prefer to use the term acceptable or luke-warm for a lot of the suggestions made on here.

My conclusion only which will not be deemed “cool” by those who like to over use the outdated “hay man that’s cool” expression.

 

A reflection from my partner.

Someone mentioned Elvis was “cool” in his early years…. She says he definitely was NOT cool…. He was HOT

@whipsaw 

Steve McQueen made Schifrins music even cooler when he composed for Bullitt. Jazz scores took off with Quincy Jones too.

@larsman. I tried to watch it once. I couldn't get into it. Maybe I'll try again. 

I saw Roy Orbison the last time he was in the Philly area. Carl Perkins opened for him. I talk to Carl after the show. Two VERY cool guys. Joe

@jnovak

Bullitt “ l tried to watch it once”

l believe that McQueen garnered the label “King of Cool” because of Bullitt and “The Thomas Crown Affair”  Think of that glider sequence, the music and song “Windmills of Your Mind”, and all the lovable sleuthing with Fay Dunaway. Also consider “The Cincinnati Kid” as another character he played in that short period that moulded his cool persona in the public eye.

The car chase is remembered more than his acting ability in Bullitt, but he did look “extra cool” playing opposite a bad stiff wooden performance by Robert Vaughn.

A few come to mind, not yhat I listen to thrm all.

Fat Freddies Drop

Gotan Project

Dylan 

The Boss 

Jhonny Guitar Watson

MC 900 foot Jesus

James Brown

Lambert, Hendrix & Ross

Tina Turner

Mose Allison

Joni

Herbie

Fela Kuto

Doors

Heads

B52’s

Ike Quebec 

Mary Ann Faithful 

Beatles

Miles

Beasty Boys

CSN & Y

Dead

Most all Brazilians… Seu Jorge

Patrica Barber

Kurt Elling

Any Marsalis

Jon Baptiste

Stanton Moore

RL Jones & RL Burnside 

….,,,,,,,