Paul Harvey, born Paul Harvey Aurandt on September 4, 1918, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a legendary American radio broadcaster known for his distinctive voice, dramatic delivery, and storytelling style. His program, Paul Harvey News and Comment, aired for over six decades, making him one of the most influential radio personalities in history.
Harvey began in radio at age 14, working at KVOO in Tulsa. After stints at stations in Kansas and Missouri, he joined WENR in Chicago in 1944, where he developed his signature style. By 1951, his program was nationally syndicated by ABC Radio.
Paul Harvey News and Comment: Airing weekday mornings and midday, the show blended news, commentary, and human-interest stories with Harvey’s folksy, moralistic tone. His dramatic pauses and catchphrases like “And now you know… the rest of the story” captivated millions.
The Rest of the Story: A separate segment launched in 1976, this series shared little-known or surprising facts about historical figures or events, always with a twist ending. It became one of his most popular features, showcasing his storytelling genius.
Harvey’s warm, authoritative voice and conservative-leaning commentary resonated with Middle America. He mixed humor, optimism, and traditional values, often championing patriotism and small-town life. His broadcasts reached up to 24 million weekly listeners at their peak.
Harvey wrote newspaper columns, authored books like The Rest of the Story (1984), and made TV appearances. He avoided TV stardom to focus on radio, believing it allowed deeper listener connection.
Married to Lynne “Angel” Cooper from 1940 until her death in 2008, Harvey had one son, Paul Jr., who wrote many Rest of the Story segments. Known for his professionalism, Harvey was private but deeply religious.
Harvey died on February 28, 2009, in Phoenix, Arizona, at age 90, shortly after his wife’s passing. His son briefly continued the broadcasts.
