Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey
Shealeah Craighead · Public domain · source
Name	Paul Harvey
Birth date	September 4, 1918
Birth place	Tulsa, Oklahoma
Death date	February 28, 2009
Death place	Phoenix, Arizona
Occupation	Radio broadcaster

Paul Harvey was a renowned American radio broadcaster who worked for ABC Radio Networks and was best known for his distinctive voice and style. He was a prominent figure in American broadcasting, with a career spanning over six decades, and was often compared to other notable broadcasters like Walter Winchell and Edward R. Murrow. Harvey's broadcasts were heard by millions of listeners across the United States, and he became a household name, often mentioned alongside other famous Americans like Ronald Reagan and Walter Cronkite. His unique style and delivery were influenced by his early work in radio, where he was mentored by broadcasters like Graham McNamee and H.V. Kaltenborn.

● Early Life and Education

Paul Harvey was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Harry Harrison Aurandt and Anna Dagmar Christensen, and grew up in a family of modest means. He developed an interest in radio broadcasting at an early age and began his career in the industry while still a student at Tulsa Central High School. Harvey attended University of Tulsa and later transferred to University of Wisconsin–Madison, but did not graduate. Instead, he chose to pursue a career in radio, working for stations like KVOO in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and KXOK in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was influenced by broadcasters like Bob Hope and Red Skelton.

● Career

Harvey's career in radio spanned over six decades, during which he worked for several prominent radio networks, including Mutual Broadcasting System and ABC Radio Networks. He was known for his distinctive voice and style, which was characterized by his use of dramatic pauses and storytelling techniques. Harvey's broadcasts often featured news, commentary, and human-interest stories, and he became particularly famous for his The Rest of the Story segments, which were inspired by the works of Ripley's Believe It or Not! and The Twilight Zone. He was also influenced by the styles of other notable broadcasters, including Lowell Thomas and Alexander Woollcott.

● Radio Shows

Harvey's radio shows were incredibly popular, and he became one of the most listened-to broadcasters in the United States. His shows were broadcast on over 1,200 radio stations, including WGN (AM) in Chicago, Illinois, and WOR (AM) in New York City. Harvey's broadcasts often featured interviews with notable figures, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. He also covered major events, such as the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Watergate scandal, and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. His shows were often compared to those of other notable broadcasters, including Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, who worked for CBS News.

● Personal Life

Harvey was married to Lynne Cooper in 1940, and the couple had one son, Paul Harvey Jr.. He was a devout Christian and was known for his conservative views, which were often reflected in his broadcasts. Harvey was also a prolific writer and authored several books, including Remember These Things and Autumn of Liberty. He was a member of several organizations, including the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Television Digital News Association, and was influenced by the works of William F. Buckley Jr. and Barry Goldwater.

● Awards and Legacy

Harvey won numerous awards for his broadcasting work, including multiple Peabody Awards and Emmy Awards. He was also inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Television Hall of Fame, and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush in 2005. Harvey's legacy continues to be celebrated, and he is often mentioned alongside other notable American broadcasters, including Walter Winchell and Edward R. Murrow. His style and delivery have influenced a generation of broadcasters, including Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, who work for Premiere Networks and Fox News Channel.

● Death and Tributes

Harvey died on February 28, 2009, at the age of 90, in Phoenix, Arizona. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the broadcasting community, with figures like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity paying tribute to his legacy. Harvey's funeral was attended by notable figures, including George W. Bush and Mitt Romney, and he was remembered for his contributions to American broadcasting. His legacy continues to be celebrated, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in American radio history, often mentioned alongside other notable Americans like Ronald Reagan and Walter Cronkite. Category:American radio personalities