– Charles Osgood, former host of ‘CBS Sunday Morning,’ passes away at the age of 91
– Renowned broadcaster Charles Osgood, former host of ‘CBS Sunday Morning,’ dies at 91.
Charles Osgood, Former Host of “CBS Sunday Morning,” Passes Away at 91
Charles Osgood, the beloved former host of “CBS Sunday Morning” and a prominent figure in network radio, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91 at his home in New Jersey, according to CBS News. Osgood had been battling dementia, as confirmed by a representative from CBS News.
A Legacy of Elegantly Written Stories and High-Minded Subject Matter
During his impressive 22-year tenure as the host of “CBS Sunday Morning,” Charles Osgood became a familiar face to millions of viewers. The show, known for its beautifully crafted in-depth stories and occasional exploration of intellectual topics, earned widespread admiration. Osgood took over the role from Charles Kuralt in 1994 and continued to grace the screen until October 2016, even as he entered his 80s. Jane Pauley succeeded him as the host of “Sunday Morning,” further solidifying its stature and popularity.
A Voice That Resonated Across the Nation
Charles Osgood was not just a TV star; he remained deeply connected to radio throughout his career, always expressing his preference for the medium. Even as he signed off from television, he would famously say, “See you on the radio,” which also served as the title for one of his books. Osgood’s presence on the CBS Radio Network was iconic, with his morning newscasts and regular commentary feature, “The Osgood File,” captivating listeners across the country from 1971 to 2017. Additionally, he wrote and hosted a weekend series called “Newsmark.” At the peak of his radio career, Osgood reached over 11 million listeners every week, making him one of the most popular national radio personalities alongside ABC’s Paul Harvey.
A Distinctive and Versatile Talent
Osgood’s warm and avuncular delivery made him a sought-after voice for radio advertisers. The network even made an exception to its policy prohibiting journalists from reading commercial copy to accommodate Osgood’s unique talent. He would occasionally deliver his commentaries in whimsical verse, earning him the title of “CBS’ poet in residence.” Osgood’s popularity on the radio side of his career led to TV assignments in the 1980s. He anchored both the “CBS Morning News” and the Sunday edition of the “CBS Evening News” before taking over from Kuralt on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
A Multi-Talented Individual
Born as Charles Osgood Wood III on January 8, 1933, in the Bronx, New York, Osgood grew up in Baltimore. His passion for radio began during his time at Fordham University, where he worked at the school’s radio station. Afterward, he joined classical music radio station WGMS in Washington, D.C., where he even had the opportunity to host a program that was broadcasted into Dwight D. Eisenhower’s hospital room while the President was recovering from a heart attack.
Osgood’s knowledge of classical music played a significant role in his career. He landed a job as an announcer for the United States Army Band when he entered the military. His journey continued as he became the general manager of WHCT-TV, an early subscription television channel owned by RKO General, in Hartford, Connecticut. Later, he joined ABC News as a writer and covered live events for the network. To avoid confusion with another announcer named Charles Woods, he started going by Charles Osgood on the air.
In 1967, Osgood joined CBS Radio in New York and was part of the launch of WCBS, also known as Newsradio 880. Four years later, he joined the CBS Radio Network, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the industry.
An Accomplished Musician and Author
Aside from his broadcasting career, Charles Osgood was also a talented musician who played the piano and banjo. He even acquired a Steinway piano from Columbia Records that had been previously used by renowned musicians Rudolf Serkin and Glenn Gould. Osgood’s musical abilities extended to performing on his programs and occasionally collaborating with orchestras like the Boston Pops.
Osgood’s creativity and versatility were not limited to music. He co-wrote the song “Gallant Men,” which unexpectedly became a top 40 hit for Republican U.S. Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen of Illinois in 1967. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word, Documentary, or Drama Recording. Osgood also authored several books, including “Nothing Could Be Finer Than a Crisis in the Morning” and “There’s Nothing I Wouldn’t Do If You Would Be My POSSLQ,” both collections of his radio commentaries. Additionally, he lent his voice as the narrator in the 2008 animated film “Horton Hears a Who!” based on the Dr. Seuss book.
Remembering Charles Osgood
Charles Osgood leaves behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to the world of broadcasting. He is survived by his wife, Jean Crafton, whom he married in 1973, and his five children: Kathleen, Winston, Anne Elizabeth, Emily Jean, and Jamie. His warm and engaging presence on both radio and television will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues alike.
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– Charles Osgood, former host of CBS Sunday Morning, passes away at 91
– Renowned CBS Sunday Morning host Charles Osgood dies at 91.
