America says Goodbye to Paul Harvey

Radio broadcasting icon Paul Harvey died on Saturday in Arizona at the age of 90. Within the past year, he had been hosting his radio shows part-time after recovering from various physical ailments as well as the death of his wife, Lynne "Angel" Harvey, in May 2008. It was reported that Harvey passed away in a Phoenix hospital surrounded by his family.

Harvey was an icon in the radio world. Week after week over 25 million people “stand by” to listen to Harvey’s popular show. Paul Harvey is the most listened-to radeio personality in America, the number one personality in network radio, and his broadcasts rank among the top ten of radio network programs.

Paul Harvey literally grew up in newsrooms. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he made his own radio sets while still a boy. While in high school, he frequented KVOO radio until the manager finally decided to hire him. His contributions to broadcasting and communications took him around the world and brought him full circle back to Oklahoma for induction into The Hall of Fame.

Many people have made statements this past week in regards to the late radio icon. Former president Bush, president of ABC radio networks Jim Robinson, and Harvey’s son, were to name a few. Harvey’s son Paul Harvey Jr. said, "My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news. So in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend."

Harvey is well known for his dramatic pauses, quirky intonations and his folksiness in his broadcasts.. He explained his enthusiastic support of his sponsors: "I am fiercely loyal to those willing to put their money where my mouth is."

America said goodbye to the Grandfather of Radio this week, he will be missed and radio will never be the same.