Garrison Keillor was born in 1942 in Anoka, Minnesota, and began his radio career as a freshman at the University of Minnesota, went to work for Minnesota Public Radio in 1969, and on July 6, 1974, he hosted the first broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion in St. Paul. Keillor’s most recent role included playing himself in the movie adaptation of his show, A Prairie Home Companion (June 2006). He is also the author of many books, including his newest; Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel (2008).