Charles Osgood lived a full life inspiring others through the arts and serving our nation after being drafted into the U.S. Army. But most of us know Osgood for his award-winning journalism career, most notably, for his work with CBS. From his beginnings, to The Osgood File on CBS News Radio, to hosting the CBS Sunday Morning Show with Charles Osgood, his legacy continues even after his passing. Suggested read: Col. Meghann Sullivan Fired for Harassment – First Female Comd of Unit

Is Charles Osgood Still Alive?

On January 23, 2024, Former CBS journalist Charles Osgood lost his battle with dementia at the age of 91. Known for his decades of journalism, Osgood would become an inductee into the radio division of the National Association of Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 1990. But his work was far from done. Osgood didn’t retire until winning four Emmy awards, and the National Association of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award in 2008. Finally, he would retire in 2016, but his honors weren’t over as Osgood would win an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award the following year. After taking over for Charles Kuralt, the CBS news show would cement Osgood as a household name. It was Osgood’s storytelling ability and passion for delivering information to people that made the show such a success during his tenure. A man of many talents, Charles Osgood was also known for playing music and writing literature. This meant writing poems, books, and songs that fans have endeared for decades alongside his legendary career in the news. He would even rhyme at times on his radio show. Osgood maintained a radio-first mentality even while on television which helped deliver his signature style to audiences. A recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award among many others, Osgood’s legacy is well-acclaimed.

Initiative Through Service Pays Off

Charles Osgood went to and eventually graduated from Fordham University. While there, he would volunteer at the campus radio station, WFUV, even playing piano on air among various collaborations. Once he left the university, Osgood did like any former student and looked to make his way in the world. He got a job in his field but a change of plans was in order for the budding broadcasting star. Despite the Korean War ending, the draft was still in effect. Osgood’s number was called but he used this call to service as an opportunity, seeking out the Announcer of the U.S. Army Band at Fort Myer. He knew who he was, and had the skills to do the job. And, it just so happened the Announcer was leaving the position. This would change his career and allow Osgood to serve in the capacity he knew best. Between 1955 and 1958, he and the band’s Arranger, John Cacavas, his roommate, collaborated on a number of songs, including "Gallant Men" which charted in 1966, ultimately winning a Grammy. During his time in the Army, Charles Osgood was in charge of broadcasting to a very specific, unique audience—President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He would play records for the POTUS while Eisenhower was recovering from his heart attack in 1955. Osgood left the Army in 1958, and the rest is history. Related read: Alwyn Cashe Earned MOH By Sacrificing Himself to Save Others

Charles Osgood Was More Than “Pretty Good”

Even when other news shows were shrinking, Osgood found a way to capture an audience. Revered as “one of the last great broadcast writers” by Kuralt, it didn’t matter the medium, Osgood knew how to deliver stories that kept you engaged. As noted in his infamous poem “Pretty Good,” Charles Osgood understood that if you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. For several decades, the legendary journalist and newscaster did just that. A Veteran of the United States Army, a renaissance man with a penchant for the arts, and a dedicated news chronicler for decades, Charles Osgood left this world a better place than he found it due to the sharing of his talents. We’ll see you on the radio Osgood. Read next: The B-21 Raider Is Finally Now Beginning Production