Philip Garrison

Garrison Keillor, born Gary Edward Keillor on August 7, 1942, is an American author, humorist, and radio personality. He is best known as the creator and host of the long-running Minnesota Public Radio program 'A Prairie Home Companion.' Through this show, Keillor developed the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, which became the setting for many of his books, including 'Lake Wobegon Days.' He also created 'The Writer's Almanac,' a daily radio program and podcast that pairs poetry with historical events.

Keillor's career faced a significant disruption in November 2017 when Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) severed ties with him following allegations of inappropriate behavior. MPR's investigations concluded that Keillor had engaged in numerous sexually inappropriate incidents over several years. While Keillor denied wrongdoing, he and MPR reached a settlement in April 2018, allowing access to archives of his programs. He subsequently resumed publishing 'The Writer's Almanac' on his website and continues to tour a stage version of 'A Prairie Home Companion,' though these shows are not broadcast by NPR or American Public Media.

Born in Anoka, Minnesota, Garrison Keillor's background includes a family with English and Scottish ancestry. He was raised in the Plymouth Brethren, an evangelical Christian movement, though he later left it. His early education included graduating from Anoka High School and the University of Minnesota, where he earned a degree in English and began his broadcasting career at the university's radio station. Keillor has noted ancestral connections to historical figures like John Crandall and Prudence Crandall, who were involved in early American religious and educational movements.

Keillor began his professional radio career with Minnesota Educational Radio (later Minnesota Public Radio) in 1969. He initially hosted a weekday program before launching 'A Prairie Home Companion' in 1974. This live, old-style variety show featured music, comedy sketches, and Keillor's signature monologue, 'The News from Lake Wobegon.' The fictional town of Lake Wobegon, inspired by Keillor's hometown and other small Minnesota communities, became a central element of his work, characterized by its idealized inhabitants. Keillor also voiced characters, including the detective Guy Noir, and provided musical contributions. He continued to evolve the show, eventually retiring from its hosting duties in 2016 after 42 seasons.

Beyond 'A Prairie Home Companion,' Keillor hosted 'The Writer's Almanac' from 1993 to 2017. In late 2017, Minnesota Public Radio terminated its business relationship with Keillor following allegations of inappropriate behavior. MPR's internal investigations indicated multiple instances of sexually inappropriate conduct. Although Keillor disputed the extent of the allegations, a settlement was reached, allowing for the public availability of his program archives. He has since continued his work independently, releasing new episodes of 'The Writer's Almanac' and touring with a stage version of 'A Prairie Home Companion.'