The quality of American radio took a major turn for the worse on February 28. It was on this day that the voice that has become synonymous with radio news and radio in general, fell silent once and for all. The legendary voice that brought us news, comment, and “the rest of the story” for the better part of seven decades, Paul Harvey Aurandt, known to us simply as Paul Harvey died at a Phoenix Arizona hospital on Saturday, February 28, 2009. He was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Angel, who passed away in May of 2008.
Never before has the death of a famous person impacted me as greatly as the passing of Mr. Harvey, with the only possible exception being the death of Ronald Reagan. Paul Harvey was always a source of inspiration, entertainment, and information for me. When I enrolled in
As the years went by, we know that he aged, but his unmistakable voice never seemed to. How many broadcasters can you think of who have managed to stay current, relevant, and on the cutting edge over seven decades despite the changes that have occurred in society and in the radio industry during that time. There was only one, and that was Paul Harvey. And now, sadly, he has left us.
Paul Harvey left his indelible mark on the radio industry, setting the standard by which all others are judged. He truly was the voice of American radio and to many of his devoted fans, he was the voice of
Mr. Harvey’s voice had been heard much less frequently in the last several months. He had a bout with pneumonia in April of 2008, and almost immediately after his recovery is when his wife of 68 years died of leukemia on
Mr. Harvey continued to do some of his “Rest of The Story” broadcasts, occasionally being filled-in for by his son Paul Jr. He also continued to voice commercials for many of his longtime sponsors. Gill Gross has been named the new permanent host of “News and Comment” and Doug Limerick has been named new permanent host of the “The Rest of the Story”, which has for many years been and will continue to be written and produced by Paul Jr.
Paul Harvey was not just a legend and an American icon, he was a national treasure. He can never be replaced. As good as these new hosts are, and they are very good and very talented, they do not come even within driving distance of Paul Harvey. No one ever will.
For his fans, sadly it is the end of the story. A story that has lasted and has captivated us as a nation for over seventy years. For Paul Harvey though, it is just the beginning. He is finally reunited with his beloved Lynn who he called Angel. This time though, they will be together for eternity in Heaven. I look forward to meeting him there one day too. The quality of radio news here on Earth and in
So, on the off chance that he gets to see this somehow, let me say to Mr. Harvey, thank you. Thank you for never wavering. Thank you for uplifting and encouraging us during tough times. Thank you for being a wonderful role model not just to those of us who aspire to be broadcasters, but also to husbands and fathers and men in general. Thank you Sir. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.
Jim L. Chitty
Writer/Columnist/Blogger
http://centstwo.blogpsot.com
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