Paul Harvey began his broadcasts with a jaunty "Hello Americans! This is Paul Harvey. Stand by! For news!" On Saturday Americans had to say goodbye to Paul Harvey, as he died at the age of 90.
Paul Harvey Aurandt was born on September 4, 1918 in Tulsa, OK. After a training accident ended his military career with an honorable discharge in 1943, he began broadcasting from the ABC affiliate WENR in June 1944.
Thus began a long career which spanned seven decades.
In a statement, ABC Radio Networks President Jim Robinson said:
"Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation’s history. As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary, his voice became a trusted friend in American households. His career in radio spanned more than seven decades, during which time countless millions of listeners were both informed and entertained by his “News & Comment” and “Rest of the Story” features. Even after the passing of his loving wife Angel in May 2008, Paul would not slip quietly into retirement as he continued to take the microphone and reach out to his audience. We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his son Paul Jr. and the rest of the Harvey family. "
In 1976, Harvey began broadcasting "The Rest of the Story," which described small events the lives of famous people, but hid their ID until the very end of the piece. After revealing to oft-surprising ID of the person involved, he would intone, "And now you know ... the rest of the story." I loved it.
In 2005 Paul Harvey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (pictured).
Harvey's wife, Lynne Cooper Harvey, died in 2008. He is survived by son Paul.
And much as he signed off for decades, let us say to Paul Harvey, "Good day."
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