Celeste Headlee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Celeste Headlee
|
|
|---|---|
Headlee in 2012
|
|
| Born | December 30, 1969 Whittier, California, U.S.
|
| Education | Northern Arizona University, B.A. 1995 University of Michigan M.M. 1998 |
| Occupation | Radio journalist, author, public speaker, singer |
| Relatives | William Grant Still and Verna Arvey (maternal grandparents) |
Celeste Headlee (born December 30, 1969) is an American radio journalist, author, and public speaker. She is also a talented musician. For over 20 years, Celeste has worked in public radio. She has hosted shows like "On Second Thought" for Georgia Public Broadcasting. She was also a co-host for the national news show The Takeaway. Today, she co-hosts Retro Report on PBS.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Celeste Headlee was born on December 30, 1969, in Whittier, California. Her mother, Judith Anne Still, was a writer. Her father, Larry Headlee, was a marine geologist. Celeste's family background is quite interesting. Her father was of European descent. Her maternal grandparents were the famous African-American composer William Grant Still and the white Russian-Jewish pianist Verna Arvey.
Celeste went to Northern Arizona University (NAU). She earned a bachelor's degree there. Later, she received a master's degree in vocal performance from the University of Michigan.
Celeste Headlee's Journalism Career
Celeste Headlee started her journalism journey in 1999. She worked as an anchor and writer for a radio station in Flagstaff, Arizona. In 2001, she moved to Detroit Public Radio. There, she became a reporter and anchor. She also hosted a weekly show called Front Row Center.
In 2006, Celeste joined National Public Radio (NPR). She worked on developing stories and covering important news. She was the Midwest Correspondent for NPR's Day to Day. Her news reports were heard on many radio networks.
From 2009 to 2012, Headlee co-hosted The Takeaway. This was a live national morning news program. She later left the program. In late 2012, she became a guest host for other NPR shows. These included Tell Me More and Talk of the Nation.
In 2014, she launched her own show, On Second Thought. This show on Georgia Public Broadcasting focused on news related to Georgia and the Southern United States. As of 2025, Celeste Headlee is a co-host of Retro Report on PBS. She also began substitute co-hosting for NPR and WBUR's Here and Now in 2021.
Journalism Awards and Recognition
Celeste Headlee has won several awards for her journalism. These include awards from the Michigan Associated Press and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. She also received recognition from the Metro Detroit Society of Professional Journalists.
Celeste helps train young broadcast journalists. She serves as a mentor for NPR's Next Generation Project. In 2011, she was named a Getty Arts Journalism Fellow. This was a special honor from USC's Annenberg School of Journalism.
Books by Celeste Headlee
Celeste Headlee is also a successful author. Her 2017 book is called We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. This book is based on a popular TEDx talk she gave in 2015. It teaches people how to have better conversations. The book offers strategies to improve communication skills.
Her 2020 book, Do Nothing, talks about how modern technology can make people feel like they are not productive enough. In this book, Headlee explains why having leisure time is important. She also emphasizes connecting with others in a real way.
In 2021, Headlee released Speaking of Race: Why Everybody Needs to Talk About Racism—and How to Do It. This book was well-received. Reviewers praised it for explaining why respect and acceptance are key when discussing race. They also noted her helpful advice on fighting racism through many small conversations.
Musical Talent and Career
Celeste Headlee is a trained classical soprano singer. She graduated from the Idyllwild Arts Academy in 1987. She earned her bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Northern Arizona University in 1993. She graduated with honors.
In 1998, she received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Michigan. She studied with famous teachers there. Celeste has performed at many places, including the National Gallery of Art and the Detroit Institute of Arts. She has also performed with opera companies like the Michigan Opera Theater.
Personal Life
Celeste Headlee has two children.
She is the granddaughter of the famous composer William Grant Still. Celeste often performs his music in her concerts. She also sang Still's composition "Levee Land" on a CD. She gives many talks about Still's music at schools and universities. She also helped edit a book about her grandfather's music.
