Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Paul Harvey (1918–2009) was an iconic American radio broadcaster—known especially for News and Comment and The Rest of the Story. This full biography covers his early years, distinctive style, legacy, and memorable quotations.

Introduction

Paul Harvey Aurandt (September 4, 1918 – February 28, 2009), better known simply as Paul Harvey, was one of the most influential and beloved voices in American radio for much of the 20th century. With his folksy tone, dramatic pauses, and signature phrasing, he connected intimately with millions of listeners, weaving news with moral observations and storytelling. His programs—especially News and Comment and The Rest of the Story—reached tens of millions each week.

In this article, we explore how Harvey rose from humble beginnings to become the “voice of Middle America,” examine his style and impact, and share some of his most memorable quotes and lessons.

Early Life and Family

Paul Harvey was born on September 4, 1918, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Paul Harvey Aurandt. This loss had a profound effect on his childhood and upbringing.

Harvey’s mother was Anna Dagmar (née Christensen), of Danish descent.

As a boy, Harvey showed interest in radio and electronics: he built his own radio sets and, at a young age, began working around radio stations.

He attended Tulsa Central High School, where one of his teachers, Isabelle Ronan, recognized his vocal talent and encouraged him to pursue radio. KVOO in Tulsa—initially doing cleaning and maintenance tasks and later, when given opportunity, reading commercials and news segments.

He also studied at the University of Tulsa, working in radio while he was a student.

Youth, Early Career, and Ascension

Harvey’s radio career officially began in the 1930s.

In the late 1930s, he moved among radio jobs: he worked for KFBI (later KFDI) in Wichita, Kansas, as a station manager, and then held roles at stations such as KOMA in Oklahoma City. KXOK in St. Louis as Director of Special Events and as a roving reporter.

During World War II, Harvey briefly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from December 1943 to March 1944, though his service was cut short for medical reasons.

In 1951, ABC Radio launched News and Comment, a midday news and commentary program, assigning Harvey as host.

One of his signature programs, The Rest of the Story, premiered on May 10, 1976. In that show, Harvey would narrate lesser-known or surprising backstories of famous events or people, withholding a key detail until the end—culminating in his catchphrase:

“And now you know … the rest of the story.”

Over the decades, Harvey’s programs reached a vast audience. At its peak, News and Comment and The Rest of the Story were carried by more than 1,200 radio stations, 400 Armed Forces Network stations, and 300 newspapers. 24 million listeners.

In November 2000, Harvey signed a 10-year contract with ABC Radio, reportedly worth about $100 million.

His son, Paul Harvey Jr., played a significant role in The Rest of the Story, writing and producing it. News and Comment.

Style, Philosophy, and Public Persona

Paul Harvey’s radio style was distinctive and carefully crafted. He used hypnotic pacing, extended pauses, and a homespun, folksy tone to draw listeners in.

He integrated commentary and views into his broadcasts. His commentary often emphasized patriotism, family values, individual responsibility, and skepticism of big government or bureaucrats.

Some critics accused parts of The Rest of the Story of being embellished or lacking full documentary rigor, though many stories were based on historical facts.

In addition to being a broadcaster, Harvey was also assertive about his financial integrity. He once said,

“I am fiercely loyal to those willing to put their money where my mouth is.”

Achievements, Honors, and Later Years

Throughout his career, Harvey received numerous awards and honors:

• In 2005, President George W. Bush awarded Paul Harvey the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

• He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

• He earned the Paul White Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

• He was honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and given the Order of Lincoln for Communications.

In his final years, Harvey scaled back his on-air presence. He passed away on February 28, 2009, at a Phoenix hospital at age 90.

After his death, The Rest of the Story ended its long run (33 years).

Legacy and Influence

Paul Harvey’s influence is still felt in many ways:

• Model for commentary broadcasting: His blend of news, storytelling, and personal commentary influenced later generations of radio hosts and podcasters.

• Catchphrases entering the culture: His signature lines—especially “And now you know … the rest of the story”—became part of the American lexicon.

• Voice of “Middle America”: He represented a style of journalism rooted in the heartland, empathy, and moral framing.

• Enduring reach: Even decades after his prime, many clips of his radio pieces circulate online, and his style remains studied by media students.

• Moral storytelling: Many writers and speakers still quote his lines in speeches, articles, and motivational contexts, especially lines that touch on optimism, responsibility, and character.

Personality and Character

Harvey was known to be disciplined, earnest, and deeply patriotic. Despite his wide influence, he often gave the impression of speaking to a neighbor at the dinner table. He valued integrity, consistency, and respect for his audience.

He also maintained a strong work ethic—broadcasting most days of the week and writing much of his own material (or overseeing it). His son’s involvement in The Rest of the Story reflects a collaborative streak and family legacy.

Off the air, Harvey’s correspondence showed sincere concern for listeners’ lives and feedback. He took America's challenges seriously and believed that broadcasting should both inform and uplift.

Famous Quotes of Paul Harvey

Below are several well-known and emblematic quotes attributed to Paul Harvey. These reflect his worldview, humor, and perspective on life:

1. “I've never seen a monument erected to a pessimist.”

2. “Mr. President [Richard Nixon], I love you, but you're wrong.”

3. “Tomorrow has always been better than today, and it always will be.”

4. “Self-government won’t work without self-discipline.”

5. “If there is a 50-50 chance that something can go wrong, then 9 times out of ten it will.”

6. “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.”

7. “The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.”

8. “It’s not about who’s right; it’s about what’s right.”

9. “Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.”

10. “I am fiercely loyal to those willing to put their money where my mouth is.”

These lines capture a mix of wit, realism, moral clarity, and conversational tone—hallmarks of Harvey’s public voice.

Lessons from Paul Harvey

From Paul Harvey’s life and body of work, we can draw several enduring lessons:

• Speak as if you truly believe: His sincerity and conviction gave weight to his commentary.

• Craft your voice: His pacing, tone, and cadence weren’t accidental—they were tools he honed.

• Balance news and meaning: He didn’t merely report facts—he wove them into narrative and reflection.

• Persist through change: Radio evolved; technology advanced. Yet Harvey adapted while keeping his essence.

• Honor audiences: He trusted listeners to follow complex stories and think for themselves.

• Leave something to the listener: His “rest of the story” style invited curiosity and engagement, rather than mere didacticism.

Conclusion

Paul Harvey was more than a broadcaster; he was a storyteller, cultural figure, and moral commentator whose voice reverberated across decades. His ability to blend news, narrative, reflection, and warmth made him unique among radio personalities.

Whether you explore his archives for News and Comment or The Rest of the Story, or revisit his quotes, Harvey’s legacy remains instructive: let your voice matter, respect your listeners, and never forget that the stories behind the headlines are just as vital as the headlines themselves.