Friday, August 9, 2019
Biography of Garrison Keillor:
Garrison Keillor, born Gary Edward Keillor on August 7, 1942, is an American author, storyteller, humorist, and radio personality best known for creating and hosting the radio variety show "A Prairie Home Companion."
 |
| Biography of Garrison Keillor |
Here is a brief biography of Garrison Keillor:
Early Life of Garrison Keillor:
Garrison Keillor was born in Anoka, Minnesota, to Grace Ruth Denham and John Philip Keillor. His father was of English descent, and his mother had Scottish and Norwegian ancestry. Keillor grew up in a family of modest means in a small, predominantly Scandinavian-American town.
Education:
Keillor attended the University of Minnesota, where he began his career in broadcasting. While still a student, he worked at the student-operated radio station and contributed humorous pieces to the campus newspaper.
Garrison Keillor's Career in Broadcasting:
Garrison Keillor's career took off when he started working for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) in 1969. He developed "A Prairie Home Companion," a live radio variety show that featured music, comedy sketches, and storytelling. The show first aired in 1974 and became widely popular for its blend of Americana, humor, and Keillor's distinctive storytelling style.
The fictional town of Lake Wobegon, "where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average," became a central element of "A Prairie Home Companion" and a cultural touchstone.
Writing Career:
In addition to his work on the radio, Garrison Keillor is a prolific author. He has written novels, short stories, and essays. Notable works include "Lake Wobegon Days" (1985), a semi-autobiographical novel, and "Wobegon Boy" (1997). His writing often explores the humor and idiosyncrasies of small-town life in America.
Other Endeavors:
Garrison Keillor has been involved in various creative and literary projects. He hosted a daily radio program, "The Writer's Almanac," which featured literary and historical content. Keillor also contributed essays and articles to publications such as The New Yorker.
Garrison Keillor's Retirement and Controversy:
In 2016, Garrison Keillor retired from hosting "A Prairie Home Companion." The show continued with new hosts, but his departure marked the end of an era. In November 2017, Keillor faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, leading to his termination from Minnesota Public Radio. Keillor has contested some of the allegations, and the situation generated discussions about workplace conduct and accountability.
Legacy:
Garrison Keillor is celebrated for his contributions to radio and literature. "A Prairie Home Companion" became a cultural institution, and his storytelling style, often infused with humor and nostalgia, resonated with a broad audience. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from MPR, Keillor's impact on American entertainment and literature remains significant.