Listening and watching any classic "The Rest of the Story" segment, it hits you: nobody writes like Paul Harvey anymore.
No one would dare. There's no smugness, no irony, no sarcasm. Just old fashioned storytelling magic, with its thrilling sleight of hand.
But today, goosebumps aren't "cool". Neither is patriotism or paeans to hard work and dedication, and, in so many of his segments, anonymity.
Notice that most famous Paul Harvey device: not revealing the identity of the hero until the very end. Yes, it is a clever contrivance to hook you and keep you from changing the channel.
But it is something more. Whether he realized it or not, Harvey was teaching millions of listeners a valuable lesson, about doing the right thing whether you receive any recognition for it or not. Paul Harvey's secret was... the Secret.
Sure, Paul Harvey reveals the hero's often surprising identity at the very end, but for the first three minutes, that hero could be anybody.
Maybe even you.
Comments
Sure, Paul Harvey reveals the hero's often surprising identity at the very end, but for the first three minutes, that hero could be anybody.
I think that last sentence carry's the essence of the mans appeal. He was one of us. Well Said Kathy, a very moving obituary for Mr. Harvey.
I personally will miss his quiet voice of reason.
He was a giant in radio. There were few before him and few since that could match his trustworthyness (sic)
He will be missed by millions.
And with their usual class, liberal-leftists at Wonkette are attacking the man in death for his conservative politics. (See Newsbusters.)
They don't make orators like him anymore, only the truely morally twisted could critisize him.
A very nice and accurate tribute, Kathy. May he rest in peace.
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