Paul Harvey: The Voice of American Radio and Master Storyteller
Paul Harvey was an iconic American radio broadcaster for ABC News Radio known for his distinctive staccato delivery, conservative commentary, and the famous ‘Rest of the Story’ segments that captivated millions of listeners.
Life and Career
Paul Harvey Aurandt was born on September 4, 1918, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the son of a policeman who was tragically killed by robbers in 1921, an event that shaped his early life. Descended from five generations of Baptist preachers, Harvey demonstrated an early interest in radio and communication.
At age 14, Harvey landed his first radio job at KVOO in Tulsa, initially performing menial tasks before advancing to voice work. He studied briefly at the University of Tulsa but chose to pursue his career in radio full-time. By age 25, he had gained extensive experience at radio stations across the Plains and Midwest, and even covered military activities for the Office of War Information.
Following a medical discharge from the Army Air Corps in 1944, Harvey shortened his name from ‘Aurandt’ to ‘Paul Harvey’ and began broadcasting for Chicago radio station WENR. His program ‘Paul Harvey News and Comment’ became an immediate success in Chicago and was nationally syndicated by ABC in 1951. In 1976, he introduced ‘The Rest of the Story,’ a series of brief biographical narratives written by his son, Paul Harvey Jr., which became his most famous contribution to broadcasting.
Harvey’s distinctive style—characterized by his firm staccato delivery, pauses for emphasis, and signature catchphrases (‘Stand by for news!’ and ‘Paul Harvey…good day!’)—made his voice instantly recognizable. His show reached approximately 24 million listeners per week through 1,200 radio stations, 400 American Forces Network stations, and 300 newspapers. His broadcasts and newspaper columns were reprinted in the Congressional Record more frequently than those of any other commentator.
Awards and Legacy
Throughout his career, Paul Harvey received numerous accolades recognizing his outstanding contributions to broadcasting. In 2005, President George W. Bush awarded him the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.
Harvey’s legacy extends far beyond radio. His longevity as a broadcaster—spanning from 1938 to 2008—remains nearly unparalleled in the industry. He influenced generations of broadcasters with his unique style and approach to news commentary. His mix of current events, human-interest stories, and conservative editorials resonated deeply with American audiences.
Harvey passed away on February 28, 2009, at age 90 in Phoenix, Arizona. Though he is gone, Paul Harvey’s voice continues to echo through reruns of his broadcasts, and his influence on American radio remains immeasurable.
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