Sunday, March 1, 2009

Radio commentator Paul Harvey dead at 90

Radio commentator Paul Harvey and his wife, Lynne Harvey, hold a street sign bearing his name in Chicago on Nov. 16, 1988.Paul Harvey, a Chicago radio man whose melodious voice and hearty "Hello America" were cherished by millions for more than 57 years on national broadcasts that were a mix of news, storytelling and gently persuasive salesmanship, died Saturday. He was 90. Harvey died surrounded by family at a Phoenix hospital, according to an ABC Radio Networks spokesman. The cause of death was not immediately available.

The "Paul Harvey News and Comment" broadcasts were consistently ranked first and second in the nation among network radio shows.

His 5-minute "The Rest of the Story" broadcasts featured Harvey telling historical vignettes with surprise endings, such as the 13-year-old boy who receives a cash gift from Franklin Roosevelt and turns out to be Fidel Castro. Or the one about the famous trial lawyer who never finished law school (Clarence Darrow). He'd end each broadcast with his signature: "Paul Harvey. (long pause) Good day!"

R.I.P. to a familiar voice:





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