Ed Bradley was born on June 22, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a working-class family, and from a young age, he had a strong sense of justice and a desire to make a difference in the world. After graduating from Pennsylvania's Cheyney State College, he initially pursued a career as a teacher, working as a sixth grade school teacher for a time.
Bradley's journalism career began when he joined CBS News in 1971 as a stringer in the Paris bureau. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of his superiors, and he was soon promoted to a correspondent for CBS Reports in 1973. Over the next two decades, Bradley established himself as one of the most respected journalists in the industry, known for his tenacity, integrity, and commitment to pursuing the truth.
In 1981, Bradley joined the team at 60 Minutes, where he would spend the next 26 years of his career. His investigative reporting on the program covered a wide range of topics, from political corruption to social issues to international conflicts. Bradley's work on 60 Minutes earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including nineteen Emmy Awards.
Throughout his career, Bradley broke barriers and shattered stereotypes. In 1976, he became the first African American journalist to serve as a CBS White House correspondent, a role that he filled with distinction for several years. Bradley's presence in the historically white-dominated world of journalism paved the way for future generations of journalists of color to pursue their own careers in the field.
Despite his professional success, Bradley faced personal tragedies in his life. He was married three times, and tragically, both of his first two wives, Diane Jefferson and Priscilla Coolidge, passed away. In 2004, Bradley married his third wife, Patricia Blanchet, and they remained together until his own death in 2006.
Ed Bradley's impact on the field of journalism cannot be overstated. His dedication to uncovering the truth, his unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics, and his trailblazing achievements as an African American journalist have left an indelible mark on the industry. Bradley's legacy continues to inspire and influence journalists around the world, reminding them of the power of storytelling and the importance of speaking truth to power.
Ed Bradley will always be remembered as a fearless journalist, a trailblazer for diversity in media, and a true icon of the industry. His contributions to the field of journalism will continue to be celebrated and honored for generations to come.