Ed Bradley (1941-2006)
By Keith Boykin, in pop culture
Thursday, November 9 2006, 12:50PM
Veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley died this morning. Bradley had been with 60 Minutes for 26 years. During his illustrious career, Bradley won 19 Emmys, the most recent for a piece on the murder of Emmett Till. He was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
A serious journalist known for his laid-back style and nicknamed "Easy Ed," Bradley was just as skilled whether he was interviewing musical diva Lena Horne or Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.
Ed Bradley was also something of a trend setter. With his distinguished salt-and-pepper beard, his gap-toothed smile, his handsome face and his memorable voice, Bradley became an icon of grace and style. Years ago, Bradley drew my attention when he started sporting an ear ring. It was shortly after that time that my own father started wearing an ear ring as well. My dad cited Ed Bradley as the influence in getting his own ear ring.
Bradley appeared a bit more frail in his later years, but it didn't affect the quality of his work. When I was thinking of pitching a story to 60 Minutes last year, I was told by close associates at CBS that Bradley was reducing his workload because of illness. But if he wasn't as fit as he used to be, he hardly showed it. The last time I heard his voice was just last week on my Ipod when I was listening to a 60 Minutes podcast segment he reported about an explosion at a BP oil refinery in Galveston, Texas.
Born June 22, 1941 in Philadelphia, Bradley graduated from Cheyney (Pa.) State College in 1964 with a B.S. in education. Ed Bradley died of leukemia. He was 65 years old.
Comments conceal
ashleylynn
November 9 2006, 1:18PM
The news of Ed Bradley's passing has brought tears to my eyes. As a journalism student, Ed's broadcasts on 60 Minutes always inspired me to push myself in those moments where I didn't think I could.
You will be missed, Ed Bradley. Thank you for all your dedication and amazing work, which leaves behind one amazing legacy.
Rockinrob
November 9 2006, 1:36PM
I can count on one hand the people that I'd like to meet at some point in my life. He was certainly one of them. He was simply BRILLIANT!
May God bless him and his family.
bubba
November 9 2006, 4:26PM
R.I.P.
I'll always remember Muhammad Ali scaring the bejesus out of him.
theeunuch
November 9 2006, 9:04PM
Ed Bradley will be sorely missed as one the best in broadcast journalism. As one of the few black male figures in that field, his news judgment and style of delivery was one of a kind. He was definitely an icon.
keith
November 10 2006, 3:20AM
Ed
Thank you for being the bright, intelligent & acrticulate man that you were. Ed was a inspiration to his people and community. His work in journalism will never be forgotton.
Keith
Seattle, washington
John
November 10 2006, 8:22AM
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Ed Bradley. He personified dignity, grace, intelligence and style. I have long admired his work and the man.
As a white man I guess initially I realized he was Black; however, as his presence continued the solor of his skin became less and less apparent to me and I just saw him as Ed Bradley!
Thank you for gracing our presence and making us ALL proud of our humanity.
Peace
titi
November 10 2006, 9:33AM
MAY HE REST IN PEACE!!!!HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE!
HE'S GOING TO BE MISS BY MANY!!!!
mr cnn
November 10 2006, 10:48AM
As a current journalism student it is with great sdadness that we note the passing of the consumate newsman . He's sat with a confidence and asked questionswith a vigor that was established thoughout his years as a role model in black journalism .
castiron
November 14 2006, 10:58PM
60 Minutes committed the entire hour last Sunday in tribute to Ed Bradley. It was moving and really demonstrated their sincere respect for him as a colleague, but more importantly as a person. I was impressed both with the way Bradley lived his life and with the way CBS chose to honor it.
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