Picture a Chicago-born storyteller whose voice has warmed Saturday mornings for decades—meet Scott Simon! As the host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday and an acclaimed author, Simon weaves tales that blend heart, humor, and humanity. From war zones to baseball fields, his work captures life’s highs and lows with a wit that’s earned him a Peabody, an Emmy, and a loyal following.
With a career spanning over four decades, Simon’s storytelling transcends radio waves, spilling into memoirs, novels, and essays that resonate with readers worldwide. Whether he’s recounting his Cubs fandom or the poignant lessons from his mother’s bedside, Simon’s narratives are as unforgettable as his voice. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this American treasure.
The Making of Scott Simon
Born on March 16, 1952, in Chicago, Scott Simon grew up in a vibrant, multicultural household. His father, a Jewish comedian, and his mother, an Irish Catholic actress, instilled in him a love for storytelling. After losing his father at 16, Simon’s resilience shone through. He graduated from Nicholas Senn High School and attended the University of Chicago and McGill University, honing his craft. By 1977, he joined NPR as Chicago bureau chief, kicking off a storied career that would see him report from all 50 states and ten wars, from El Salvador to Iraq.
Simon’s early experiences shaped his empathetic lens. His knack for finding humanity in chaos—whether in Sarajevo or a Chicago dugout—set him apart. Hosting Weekend Edition Saturday since 1985, he’s become a fixture of thoughtful journalism, blending wit with wisdom in a way that feels like a conversation with an old friend.
Scott Simon’s Unforgettable Stories
Simon’s bibliography is a tapestry of genres, each work infused with his signature warmth and insight. His memoir Home and Away: Memoir of a Fan (2000) is a love letter to sports, weaving his Chicago Cubs devotion with reflections on family and identity. Sports Illustrated called it “extraordinary,” comparing it to Fredrick Exley’s A Fan’s Notes. Another gem, Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball (2002), earned Barnes & Noble’s Sports Book of the Year for its vivid recounting of a pivotal moment in history.
His novel Pretty Birds (2005) showcases his versatility, telling the story of two teenage girls navigating the siege of Sarajevo. Praised by Scott Turow as a stunning fiction debut, it blends gritty realism with hope. Perhaps most personal is Unforgettable: A Son, a Mother, and the Lessons of a Lifetime (2015), born from tweets Simon shared during his mother’s final days. Laura Hillenbrand called it “poignant, funny, intimate,” and it became a New York Times bestseller, touching hearts with its raw honesty.
Simon’s style is conversational yet profound, often exploring themes of resilience, family, and the human spirit. Whether writing about war, adoption, or baseball, he finds universal truths in specific moments, making his work timeless and deeply relatable.
Why Scott Simon Matters
Scott Simon’s impact lies in his ability to bridge divides—between cultures, eras, and emotions. His NPR broadcasts, described by the Washington Post as “literate, witty, moving,” have made Weekend Edition Saturday a cultural touchstone. His essays and books tackle tough topics with grace, earning him every major broadcasting award, including the Studs Terkel Award and the W.M. Kiplinger Award for lifetime achievement in journalism.
Beyond accolades, Simon’s legacy is in the connections he fosters. His stories remind us to listen, to empathize, and to find joy in life’s messiness. As a father to two adopted daughters from China, he’s also championed adoption, sharing his journey in Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other. Simon’s voice—on air and on the page—continues to inspire, proving that storytelling can change lives.
About Scott Simon
- Born: March 16, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Home and Away, Pretty Birds, Unforgettable
- Awards: Peabody, Emmy, W.M. Kiplinger Award
- Fun Fact: He once danced as Mother Ginger with Ballet Austin!
Ready to fall in love with Scott Simon’s stories? Grab Unforgettable or tune into Weekend Edition Saturday for a dose of his heartfelt, witty world!