Easton Press Charles Kuralt books
A Life on The Road - signed first edition - 1990
Journalist Charles Kuralt
Charles Kuralt, born on September 10, 1934, in Wilmington, North Carolina, was a beloved American journalist, best known for his distinctive storytelling style and his iconic On the Road segments on CBS News. Throughout his illustrious career, Kuralt crisscrossed the United States, capturing the essence of small-town America and celebrating the beauty of everyday life. Kuralt's journey into journalism began during his college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel. His natural curiosity and gift for storytelling quickly became apparent, setting the stage for his future career in broadcasting.
In 1957, Kuralt joined CBS News as a reporter, where he covered a wide range of assignments, from political campaigns to international conflicts. However, it was his role as the host of On the Road, which debuted in 1967, that would define his legacy as a journalist. On the Road took Kuralt and his crew to the far corners of America, where they sought out unique characters, hidden treasures, and heartwarming stories that often went unnoticed by the mainstream media. From remote mountain communities to bustling city streets, Kuralt's keen eye for detail and his genuine interest in the lives of ordinary Americans endeared him to millions of viewers across the country.
What set Kuralt apart as a journalist was his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, earning their trust and capturing their stories with empathy and respect. Whether he was sharing a meal with a family in the heartland or listening to the dreams of a small-town entrepreneur, Kuralt's warmth and sincerity shone through in every segment. Over the course of his career, Kuralt received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to journalism, including 13 Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards. He also authored several books, including "On the Road with Charles Kuralt," which compiled some of his most memorable stories from his travels across America.
Despite his many accomplishments, Kuralt remained humble and grounded, never losing sight of the simple pleasures and profound insights that he encountered on his journeys. After retiring from CBS News in 1994, he continued to write and lecture, sharing his love for America and its people with audiences around the world. Charles Kuralt passed away on July 4, 1997, but his legacy as the quintessential chronicler of American life lives on. His "On the Road" segments remain a timeless tribute to the resilience, diversity, and beauty of the American spirit, inspiring future generations of journalists to seek out the stories that truly matter.