Ed Bradley

Ed Bradley
Name	Ed Bradley
Caption	Bradley in 2004
Birth name	Edward Rudolph Bradley Jr.
Birth date	22 June 1941
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death date	9 November 2006
Death place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Education	Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (BA)
Occupation	Journalist
Years active	1963–2006
Employer	CBS News
Known for	60 Minutes correspondent
Spouse	Priscilla Coolidge (m. 1981; div. 1984), Patricia Blanchet (m. 2004)
Awards	Peabody Award (multiple), Emmy Award (multiple), Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award, Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award

Ed Bradley was an acclaimed American broadcast journalist best known for his 26-year tenure as a correspondent on the CBS News magazine 60 Minutes. Renowned for his calm demeanor, incisive interviewing style, and distinctive earring, he became one of the most respected and recognizable figures in television journalism. Over his distinguished career, he covered pivotal events from the Vietnam War to the White House, earning numerous honors including multiple Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards. Bradley died in 2006 from complications of leukemia.

Early Life and Education

Edward Rudolph Bradley Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia, where he attended Saint Joseph Preparatory School. His early interest in journalism was sparked by listening to radio broadcasts. He pursued higher education at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, originally intending to become a teacher, and graduated with a degree in education in 1964. While in college, he began his broadcasting career working part-time as a disc jockey for the campus radio station, laying the foundation for his future in media.

Career

Bradley's professional career began in 1963 at WDAS radio in Philadelphia. He transitioned to television news in 1967 as a reporter for CBS affiliate KYW-TV. His big break came in 1971 when he joined CBS News as a stringer in their Paris bureau, soon transferring to the Saigon bureau to cover the escalating Vietnam War. He distinguished himself with courageous reporting from the front lines. In 1974, he became a correspondent for CBS Reports and later served as the first African-American White House correspondent for the network, covering the administration of President Jimmy Carter. He anchored the CBS Sunday Night News before joining the flagship program 60 Minutes in 1981, where he remained a cornerstone until his death.

Notable Works

Throughout his tenure at 60 Minutes, Bradley produced a vast portfolio of landmark reports and interviews. He conducted a memorable 2000 interview with Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing. His 1992 report on the Duke University Lacrosse team rape case was later cited for its fairness. Bradley secured exclusive interviews with major figures such as George Wallace, Bob Dylan, and Michael Jackson, the latter conducted at Neverland Ranch. His investigative work included probing the Mississippi Burning case, the Agent Orange controversy, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, often giving voice to marginalized communities.

Awards and Recognition

Bradley's exceptional journalism was recognized with virtually every major award in the field. He received 19 Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. He was honored with multiple Peabody Awards for his work on 60 Minutes and for a documentary on apartheid in South Africa. Other prestigious accolades included the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, and the NAACP Image Award. In 2000, he was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a broadcasting legend.

Personal Life

Bradley was known for his private nature, passion for jazz, and love of New Orleans, where he owned a home. He was married twice, first to singer Priscilla Coolidge and later to artist Patricia Blanchet. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported numerous causes, including the Harlem School of the Arts and the Museum of Television & Radio. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed fly fishing and was a part-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003 and continued to work until shortly before his death at Mount Sinai Hospital in 2006.

Legacy

Ed Bradley left an indelible mark on American journalism, remembered for his integrity, versatility, and ability to connect with both world leaders and everyday individuals. He broke significant racial barriers at CBS News and served as a role model for generations of journalists of color. His signature style, blending rigorous investigation with profound empathy, set a standard for broadcast reporting. The Ed Bradley Scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and a fellowship in his name at the International Center for Journalists continue to support aspiring reporters, ensuring his commitment to excellence endures.

Category:American television journalists Category:60 Minutes correspondents Category:Peabody Award winners