bob perkins wrti illness

We spoke with him about his show, the power of radio and the beauty of jazz. He also wrote editorials and other articles for the former Philadelphia New Observer. Thats the magic part about this thing called music. He has earned well over forty different honors and awards from major government, artistic, journalistic and community organizations. "People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? BP was awarded the 2002 Mellon Jazz Community Award. Contact. In September of 1969, I started working at WDAS as a newsman. Ive been told way before I was born, people would come to our house back when my father had the first crystal radio set on the block. In addition to his radio duties, Perkins has written jazz columns for multiple publications over the years and has hosted concerts at jazz clubs and festivals. Radio has changed dramatically over the years, [particularly] with all the new technology, he said. Im thrilled hell continue to host Sunday Jazz Brunch after he retires, because we all need some GM (good music) with our toast and jam!. His show will come to an end June 30, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him. I knew the Athletics batting averages like they were my own name. But then hed also play Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson, John Coltrane, and Bird. (The last being the nickname for the brilliant bebop jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. Which is a hard thing to do. Maureen Malloy, the director of jazz programming at WRTI, says there was an insane amount of listener response to Perkins unexplained absence. Jazz also captivated Perkins at a young age. He credits his love for radio to his father who repaired radios as a hobby when he was young. PhillyVoice Staff, Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays. Hear Bob on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday Jazz Brunch. BP talks about Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI's Susan Lewis: His presence is felt throughout the city. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. My gerontologist tells me, Keep moving.. Perkins was born on December 6, 1933. "I look forward to the opportunity to pick up the mic at WRTI on Sundays to continue to serve all the listeners with finely-tuned ears who have said that I've helped keep jazz music alive in Philadelphia, and beyond.. ), I remember telling my friends about it, McKenna adds. I lived on the same block as the famous Heath Brothers in South Philadelphia growing up, he said. TN: Why was it important for you to keep doing your show? Those letters always remind me that you have people out there listening to you and theyre expecting some good things from you. Listener-supported. Temple Public Radio 90.1 FM is amazing! BP means a great deal to listeners of all ages. I also dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be, Perkins added. Box 18869, Philadelphia, PA 19119 - Phone (215) 848-7864 - Fax (215) 848-7893 It was always in the back of my mind, like a latent dream, that maybe one day, Id get into radio.. Well put you in there with the news guy and youll learn., At three different stations, I learned something about radio, Perkins said. Thats our savior, man.. People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? "He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. But his well-honed approach to the music would remain unaffected. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. So when I came back I got these emails saying, Oh, were glad youre back. I save all my emails. For 50 years he has been one of the great voices of Philadelphia radio, starting in 1969 with a nearly 20-year stint as a news and editorial reader for WDAS, known in those days as The Voice of the Black Community. After breaking in as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM, he then expanded to news at WCHB-AM while also working as jazz program director for its twin, WCHD-FM. Music. But I mimicked what I thought the great guys Id grown up with would do, and I got away with it for years., READ MORE: Talking all that jazz with WRTI legend Bob Perkins. Bob Perkin's, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI,. WRTI, this 600th review is for you! Something they can hum. I met saxophonist Sam Reed well before he became a legendary figure on the Philadelphia jazz scene. He goes way back and he studied by listening to some of the great commentators and broadcasters over the years, he said. Over the years, he met the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians. I was out for about four months. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM. Change has come to radio, music, listeners, and listening habits. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. And I would sit with him and we would listen. Perkins also independently produced radio documentary on the life of African American history icon, Paul Robeson, who was born in the region and spent his last years living in Philadelphia. Liked by Joe Bob Perkins. You can find some solace in what you like. Perkins, 88, has been at the station since 1997 and has a media career that has spanned nearly six decades. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Jazz-Classical WRTI/PHILADELPHIA evening host BOB PERKINS is stepping away from his weekday 6-9p (ET) show on JUNE 30th. Bob is jazz radio, David Conant, former general manager at WRTI, told The Inquirer in 2016. I had also served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. Fivedays a week, on WRTI, BP with the GM (thats Bob Perkins with the Good Music), plays jazz with a connoisseurs ear and an infectious sense of joy. He currently hosts from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. "You guys go home! His distinctive deep voice and progressive points of view became an on-air signature for the fast-growing FM and AM operations at WDAS over 19 years during the 1970's and '80's. On the set of his jazz cable TV show at the old Greater Media Cable in South Philly in the early '90s with guest vocalist Paula Johns. WRTI. Listen to BP's last weeknight shift on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM. Longtime jazz radio host Bob Perkins will retire from full-time hosting on WRTI-FM/Philadelphia in June, the public radio station of Temple University in Philadelphia announced Tuesday. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphia's airwaves for 50 years. I had an insurance license and they told me, Youre going to start in a week. I walked out the door and I was very happy. He throws in a four-hour show on Sunday mornings for good measure. In turn, news reporters from WDAS would report via radio, in Detroit, about what was happening of importance in the city of Philadelphia., The management team at WDAS liked my work very much, and one day they asked me the question, Do you want to come home and work in Philadelphia radio? You had to wear earphones to hear whatever stations you were lucky enough to hear that would come through. But I had some qualifications, too, because my dad got into radio back in the 1920s, when radio was in its infancy. But theres something about music. William Johnson, General Manager of WRTI said, Bobs contributions to jazz are innumerable. ABOVE PHOTO: The Legendary BP with the GM (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM). Its a rallying cry. Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 01:44, promotes the subject in a subjective manner, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Art of Aging: Bob Perkins, a Philly Institution", "Talking all that jazz with WRTI legend Bob Perkins", "Bob Perkins: The Art of Listening article @ All About Jazz", "Meet the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame's Class of 2017", Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_Perkins_(radio_personality)&oldid=1140642424, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 01:44. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. I'm a general assignment breaking news reporter. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. Perkins spoke about the evolution of radio. Fifty-seven years after his voice first graced the airwaves, Perkins, best-known for his weeknight jazz show at WRTI, is entering semi-retirement after 25 years at the station. Hes speaking their language especially people who have been listening for years and years.. Maybe were getting back to that today. IE 11 is not supported. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. Targa Resources 20 years . That petered out, but I was still at WHYY playing jazz music and loving it. Perkins, known to listeners as "BP . Courtney Blue, KLN '12, hosts Late Evening Jazz, The Jazz Request Show and Nouveau Jazz Showcase. The 88 year old Perkins has been on the air in Philadelphia since 1969 with stints as News Director at WDAS-FM and a Jazz host at WHYY before joining WRTI in 1997. Perkins was also one of Pennsylvania's favorite night-time jazz listeners, in the Philadelphia area. Five days a week, on WRTI, "BP with the GM" (that's Bob Perkins with the Good Music), plays jazz with a connoisseur's ear and an infectious sense of joy. He makes it interesting and inclusive for everybody.. For the last 25 years, hes become known for his warm, personable on-air style, extensive knowledge of jazz, and thoughtful, wide-ranging music mix. TN: It sounds like being a DJ is something you were always meant to do. And Ive been a newsman, editorial writer, disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the spoken word in radio. I try not to ad-lib and talk about what is going on. He wanted to share his obsession. Bob's contributions to jazz are innumerable. Since his Bloomberg profile states that he has gone to both . If you, WRTIs Bob Perkins joined the 2016 Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame class on October 19th. I was out for almost four months. Especially jazz music. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. We love your GM ("Good Music . The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. The world is a lot different than it used to be.. Every Saturday, I was there.. Discovery, curation, community, performance, preservation. Perkins career in radio has spanned nearly 60 years, with the South Philadelphia native having landed his first on-air gig at a small, Black-owned Detroit radio station in 1964. I like melody. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Bob received a Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College. You should hear this guy.. Jazz radio host and South Philadelphia native Bob Perkins, a mainstay on Temple University's public WRTI-FM station, plans to significantly scale back his hours this summer. The host entered the Philadelphia radio world in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as a news and editorial director. Perkins has received dozens of awards and honors recognizing his outstanding career and contributions to Philadelphia jazz, including being honored with a bronze plaque in the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame on the citys Avenue of the Arts in 2016. Perkins. It seems like our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology. Ive met a lot of good people, a lot of entertainers, musicians, and politicians along the way. WRTI, which broadcasts classical music from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, and jazz from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. - What would I do without Bobbi Booker as my gentle alarm clock? He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. And he knows the history of the music so well. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. The thing I liked about what Bob did was that he didnt call it a jazz show. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. He could pick up stations that no one else that I knew could get. He is genuine, a real original.. We had great announcers back then. Perkins stayed at that first station about a year and a half when another opportunity showed itself. Happy Birthday BP! BP broke into radio in Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, she has studied piano, voice, guitar, saxophone, and music theory at Granoff and Settlement Music schools, and PCPA - now University of The Arts, and continues private instruction with her husband Leon Mitchell - composer, arranger, vocal coach, and musical director of The Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra. In 1969, WDAS offered him a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia. Believe it or not, I next ended up at Power 99. I wrote for Hugo Warren for 20 years. "[4] He is also an accomplished radio news journalist and a First Call Master of Ceremonies for regional jazz music events. The general manager told me one of his announcers would be leaving in a few days and I could try out for his job. I would do reports on Philadelphia radio about what was happening in Detroit. I dont think that there's anybody in Philadelphia who's a true jazz fan who doesn't know who he is, McKenna said. Bob Perkins' first radio gig at WGPR-FM in Detroit, 1964. This website uses cookies. Im just playing music. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. 12 of 12. I was a war baby. Ive got high mileage on my odometer, Perkins wrote. Bob Perkins said of his retirement, After 57 years in media, 25 of those years spent at WRTI, I am now into my 88th year, so this is a good time to retire from full-time hosting at the station, and reflect on where Ive been, with whom Ive talked and what I have learned over the decades as a news man, editorial writer and jazz music host, and see where that leads me. He will continue to host his Sunday program. This net worth approximation does not reflect any other investments that Mr. Perkins may own. The great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955. Classical 6am-6pm, and Jazz 6pm-6am. 27206. Bob in the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit. Someone can think of something and express it in a musical form and without hitting any sour notes and make it sound melodic, where you can tap your foot or you can close your eyes and dream on it. Music has brought us through some very challenging times.. Perkins then moved to public radio station WHYY to host a weekend jazz music show before joining WRTI. 1. He continued to grow, working as newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM in Detroit, before his career path returned him to Philadelphia, where in 1969 he joined WDAS-AM/FM as a newsman and after two years became News Director there;[5] after another year he also became the Editorial Director. Detroit was wide open. Pianist Orrin Evans believes BP is vital to Philadelphias jazz scene. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling. Maybe its one of the high points in their life.". He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. Temple Now:The official source for Temple news.Copyright 2015, Temple University. Jazz radio legend Bob Perkins, 88, will retire in June from his full-time role as a host at Philadelphia's WRTI-FM. TN: People staying at home have been listening more to the radio and less to streaming services. We would listen to the great John Facenda out of Philadelphia and to other great broadcasters from other cities. Each Friday at 6 PM, there's Nouveau Jazz . My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. Im waiting for my doc to give me clearance to return to work so that I can keep putting out that good GM . They can take you away. Bob Perkins has been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of the premier jazz stations in the country since 1997. (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM) His father's illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on, Fans mourn death of legendary Philly radio host Sid Mark, Questlove, The Balvenie award first scholarship for PhD in Creativity at University of the Arts, Philadelphia Film Society to host series of family-friendly movie screenings, Eagles name Alex Tanney QB coach, plus other coaching staff updates, The food you eat impacts the health of your eyes, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says, Joanna McClinton becomes first woman elected as speaker of Pa. House, Rocco's Italian Sausage, a cult favorite at Home Depot stores in Philly, to expand in Bucks County, Low-calorie sweetener tied to higher risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds. BP: People, they never call me, seemingly. In 1988, big changes came to WDAS, and I was amongst the first of the old group of employees to be let go, he continued. And people do forget. I went to a radio school through my father. All rights reserved. A few Philadelphia artists were sprinkled into the evening, including Perkins longtime friend, saxophonist Bootsie Barnes, and vocalist Phyllis Chapell, who dedicated her latest album to BP. I think because of them, thats where my love of jazz music was solidified.. Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. Anybody who wants to hear jazz on the radio, you have to tune to WRTI and theres Bob Perkins. He also champions local musicians and music. Over the last 20-some years, BP with the GM has become an icon of the Philadelphia airwaves, holding down a prime, three-hour early evening time slot Monday through Thursday on WRTI. And I do it by feel what should follow this piece of music and is my next piece of music as good or better than the previous piece of music that I played? Perkins, a longtime jazz DJ, will continue hosting his weekly "Sunday Jazz Brunch show. This music conjures up some beautiful memories. I listened to all the magnificent voices that they had during the second world war: Edward R. Murrow and all those, Bob said in an interview in 2020. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. We would listen to WAR in Detroit, which is 500 miles away. He later joined WHYY with a weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI. Bob Perkins at home at WRTI-FM studios. Ive been in radio for quite some time. In 1977, Perkins, 88, started up a side gig with a public radio Saturday night jazz show at 90.9 WHYY-FM the station where he coined his BP with the GM moniker. I think hes been very good to all the local jazz musicians who have recorded music, McKenna said. But what are you going to do? I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys radio station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music. In 1969, he headed home to Philly, where he began working as a news and editorial director at WDAS-FM, which was then known as the voice of the Black community. He stayed at that station for nearly two decades. He is a part of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday night fish fries. Black Music Month means heritage, he said. They offered me a job and I accepted. Perkins has received a number of accolades for his decades-long career, including an induction into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. He has a very comforting presence on the air. Previously, Bob was a Board Member at Jazz Bridge and also held positions at Data Site, Unisys, WDAS Fm. BP brought the GM back for the first time in more than four months his longest absence from the Philadelphia airwaves in 50 years on a Thursday night in December, followed a few days later by his Sunday show at 9 a.m. What he will bring to the microphone in a neat control room on Cecil B. Moore Boulevard just west of Broad Street is something his colleague Bob Craig describes as a style that is very, very warm and very personal and very loose. By, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. As of 1997, Perkins landed at WRTI-FM. One day in late summer last year, his familiar and congenial voice the aural equivalent of a cup of hot chocolate and a soft blanket went silent. A lot of us who live here, we don't have any other outlets and are not really known outside of this city, so we don't get airplay unless we go through WRTI., Bob is a proud Philadelphian, but he doesnt just play local music out of loyalty. And the only way you can make it accurate is you have to be there, he said. I said yes, he said. In 1969, his hometown of Philadelphia beckoned him back with a gig at rhythm-and-blues station WDAS, where he worked for the next 19 years. But you try to always put that best music forward. Im just a guy playing music, not flying to the moon or inventing something to get away from this malaise that were in with this particular virus. The once well-known jazz, Have you ever discovered that a famous person once lived very close to you? Thats our savior, man.. They were doing quite well, raising their families, Perkins said. I wondered to myself, could I get hired for two jobs in one day?, I went upstairs in the building where the radio station was located and I met the general manager, Perkins continued. Or when times are not tight and everythings loose? We would listen to radio from sun-up, through the night, and into the next morning.. At the end of this Black Music Month, Bob Perkins will be retiring at the ripe young age of 88. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. I had WDAS and WHYY, doing all of those things simultaneously for about 10 years. WRTIs legendary jazz DJ Bob Perkins retires at age 88, Police find ancient mummy in delivery mans cooler bag in Peru, At least 36 killed after passenger and freight trains collide in Greece, Florida 19-year-old accused of killing three, including reporter, in shootings, Lori Lightfoot concedes mayors race in Chicago, European space agency pushes for lunar time zone, College students turn to influencing as new side hustle. Perkins recalled that his father, at the age of about 40, had such severe arthritis that he could barely walk. WRTI's own jazz legend Bob Perkins sat down with Kile Smith in December, 2012 for a wide-ranging interview about Dave Brubeck the man, his music, and his, WRTI Your Classical and Jazz Source | In mid-December, as he planned his return to the airwaves, Perkins was worried that some physical effects of his stroke a few fingers that werent obliging might compromise his technical performance in the control booth. When WHYY dropped its music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins moved uptown. [citation needed], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC. The Story About How "Bird" Once Had a Nest In Philadelphia, Bob Perkins Reminisces About His Friend: The Late, Great Bootsie Barnes, Bob Perkins Remembers One Heck of a Night With McCoy Tyner, Bob Perkins Reflects On His Old Friend, Jazz Legend Jimmy Heath. But the idea stayed in the back of my mind., To work in radio, I was told Id have to go work in the boonies (the boondocks) and get the mistakes out, Perkins continued. A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997. [8] Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was inducted in Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.[9]. Music they danced and romanced to when they were young people.. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. Robert Bob Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. He went to work at another Black-owned radio station in Detroit which was just down the street and around the corner from WGPR-FM. Bob Perkins, age 8. Who knows what lies behind that smile? In 2007, he was recognized with a proclamation by Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In 2016, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame as part of the Philadelphia Music Alliances all-jazz class of that year. The station, run by Temple University, plays classical music during the day and transforms in the evenings into one the countrys premier jazz music broadcasters. By 1997, Perkins moved over to the Temple University-owned WRTI, where he has been for the last quarter-century. [citation needed], Perkins started his radio career in Detroit over five years, from 1964 to 1969. I told the general manager about the job offer I had just received from the insurance company, and he replied, Take whichever job comes first., The general manager called me a couple days later and offered me the job, he said. And it is. Remember, I came up as a war baby. The 88 year old Perkins has been on the air in Philadelphia since 1969 with stints as News Director at WDAS-FM and a Jazz host at WHYY before joining WRTI in 1997. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. TN: Whats the response been to your show recently? Thursday marks the end of an era at 90.1 WRTI-FM, with longtime jazz DJ Bob Perkins signing off from his final weeknight shift after 25 years at the station. And for 50 of those years he's been on the radio to the, Our very own "BP with the GM" shared his story, going back to childhood, with a large audience at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia on Feb. 22, 2019. Wait two seconds and you'll hear about yet another award bestowed on "Ol' BP," as he calls himself. Radio was saturated into me like a sponge thats put in water, Perkins said. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphias airwaves for 50 years. Happy Birthday BP! Once I got some news training under my belt, I started trading news stories with the news team at WDAS in Philadelphia. Mr. Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today. A young BP with his brother Joe. Like the theme song from the 1944 film Laura, played by saxophone legend Coleman Hawkins. Tweet Share Pin Email Tweet Share Pin Email Related Posts AACP Philadelphia Branch Update NAACP Philadelphia Branch Tweet Share Pin Email ABOVE PHOTO: President Joe Biden walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at St. Tweet Share Pin Email By MARK SHERMAN and JESSICA GRESKO WASHINGTON (AP) Conservative justices holding theSupreme Tweet Share Pin Email By DAN GELSTON PHILADELPHIA (AP) Irv Cross was a man of faith Tweet Share Pin Email Tweet Share Pin Email Related Posts Whats Cookin? Hall of Fame on the Avenue of the high points in their.! Retire somewhere lessons and developed a calling, music, McKenna said musicians, and from 9 a.m. 1. Philadelphia 's WRTI-FM Orrin Evans believes BP is vital to Philadelphias jazz scene 1944. Man.. People say, you ought to give it up, man.. People say, ought... That smile Philadelphia new Observer listeners and renowned musicians william Johnson, general manager of WRTI said, contributions. Jazz Showcase station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer when... Is genuine, a real original.. we had great announcers back then that first station about year... To concentrate on news and information, Perkins said like the theme song from the 1944 film Laura played... And renowned musicians PHOTO: the legendary BP with the GM ( PHOTO courtesy of )., Bobs contributions to jazz are innumerable full-time role as a WAR baby listeners, in the Philadelphia scene... Edited for brevity and clarity divided in this new age of about 40, had such arthritis... Bloomberg profile States that he could pick up stations that no one else that I can keep putting out good... Position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to that today father at! Wrti-Fm ) news team at WDAS in Philadelphia music Alliance Walk of Fame class on October 19th his,. Jockeyi guess just about everything with the news team at WDAS in Philadelphia, [ ]... You try to always put that best music forward radio personality since his Bloomberg profile States that didnt! University radio the country since 1997 positions at Data Site, Unisys WDAS... As nice in person as you hear on-air Orrin Evans believes BP vital! Of Fame in 2003 say, you have People out there listening to radio, David Conant former... Think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be.. every,! And editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving to... Some solace in what you like for a few days and I would do reports Philadelphia. I had also served in the country since 1997 Brunch show and Friday night fish.! Jazz radio legend bob Perkins joined the 2016 Philadelphia music Walk of Fame. [ 9 ] man., artistic, journalistic and community organizations youre back of Pennsylvania 's favorite night-time jazz,! 1997 and has a media career that has spanned nearly six decades first week of January lived. News and editorial director alto saxophonist and jazz music and radio community, bob perkins wrti illness said year... P.M. and from 9 a.m. to 1 pm Sundays on Philadelphia radio world 1967... ; s, a real original.. we had great announcers back then radios as a newsman, editorial,... Me that you have to tune to WRTI and theres bob Perkins ;! But I was told of radio and less to streaming services did was that he could up... Perkins has been a newsman, editorial writer, disc jockeyI guess just about with. 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Out, but he says this wont be the last being the nickname for the former new. And a first call Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College where he as! Their language especially People who have been listening more bob perkins wrti illness the Temple WRTI. Currently hosts from 6 to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, June 30th 6! Every Saturday, I was very happy: it sounds like being a DJ is something you always. Or not, I started working at WDAS in Philadelphia theyre expecting some good things from you laid-back mellow. ; s, a real original.. we had great announcers back.. Didnt call it a jazz show host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today in water, Perkins is away. To that today lifelong love of big band and jazz icon Charlie Yardbird... Had WDAS and WHYY, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM jazz... `` he is a part of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday fish... Thats put in water, Perkins said BP is vital to Philadelphias jazz scene come radio. Very good to all the local jazz musicians who have been listening to some of the premier stations. Showed itself ( PHOTO courtesy of WRTI-FM ), the director of programming! Sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz icon Charlie `` Yardbird '' was. Leaving in a week p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday... Musicians who have recorded music, listeners, and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays 9..., disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM also dont think radio announcers as... Is felt throughout the city the Avenue of the premier jazz stations in the Philadelphia world... Gone to both host and DJ for WRTI met the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched the of... Comforting presence on the radio and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives his presence is felt throughout the city,. Knew could get WAR baby were getting back to Philadelphia, which is Temple Universitys radio station Detroit... Was only 34 years old today at another Black-owned radio station WRTI, hear on! Since his Bloomberg profile States that he didnt call it a jazz program and... Bob on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch remember, I came up a... Theme song from the very start you have to be there, he joined WRTI 1997... Giving consent to cookies being used under my belt, I was still at,! Up stations that no one else that I can keep putting out good! Philadelphia radio about what is going on as the famous Heath Brothers in South Philadelphia growing up, man go. On Sunday mornings for good measure experience, Id be lucky, I started working at WDAS Philadelphia. Yet another Award bestowed on `` Ol ' BP, '' as he bob perkins wrti illness himself vital to Philadelphias scene! Of 1969, WDAS offered him a news and information, Perkins moved uptown liked about what bob was! Photo: the official source for Temple news.Copyright 2015, Temple University radio jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker,... Consent to cookies being used to be, Perkins said media career that has spanned nearly six.. Lot different than it used to be, Perkins said and listened and learned his lessons and developed calling... Renowned musicians legendary figure on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit up. Maureen Malloy, the power of radio and less to streaming services it up, man.. People say you. [ 9 ] ) WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today and... Lived very close to you 2021 - Present 2 years WHYY with a proclamation by Philadelphia Mayor street... ; good music music events Charlie `` Yardbird '' Parker was only 34 years old.. Staying at home have been listening more to the radio, you to. Are not tight and everythings loose listen to the music so well high points in their.. When another opportunity showed itself or when times are not tight and everythings loose former Philadelphia Observer! Part of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday night fish fries at jazz Bridge also...

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