Paul Aurandt was born September 4th 1918 to the parents Harry and Anna in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the age of 3 Paul's father was murdered and he grew up without a dad. Growing up in the 20's he spent a lot of time, as did most boys, building radios. Since the invention of home television wasn't a common item until the later 40's, radios were the place to receive news from around the world, more on that later. In high school Paul began working at the local radio station, not for money, just as a place to hang out. As a matter of fact he spent so much time at KVOO they eventually put him on the payroll, first as a janitor, then reading commercials and filling in for people.
Paul later took a job at KXOK in Missouri where he met and married Lynne Cooper, although he never called her anything but Angel. Angel it turns out was not your typical stay at home mom. After Paul's short stint in the military, during WWII, the couple moved to Chicago. It was there Angel produced and Paul delivered the news at 10 pm, thus marking the beginning of nightly news we all watch now at 11. Paul and Angel eventually began their own news show, which is still airing today 60 years later on over 1200 stations and 25 million listeners.
Paul has been to the White House more than once and known for his staunch conservatism, he also wasn't afraid to tell people Republican or Democrat what he thought. He told Nixon on his expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia, Mr. Nixon, I love you but you're wrong. He was also good friends with President Reagan. He called President Clinton ``like a repentant drunk. They're the nicest guys in the world when they're trying to make up for their excesses."
Angel went on to become the first producer ever inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Paul's list of awards includes, Salesman of the Year, Commentator of the Year, Person of the Year, Father of the Year, American of the Year, and also the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award (which is the highest award a civilian can receive).
Angel died of leukemia last year and up until last week Paul had been in and out of the hospital since. Paul Aurandt died February 28th 2009 at the age of 90. Although you probably remember him by his middle name he used as his last, Paul Harvey. I grew up listening to Mr. Harvey on the radio. I have laughed with him, shared his disgust, and agreed with him more often than not. America has lost one of its finest citizens of our time and in its history.
And now you know the rest of the story.
