I went in and knocked on the door and they said, we listened to you on WJLB, and we liked your work there, but you dont know news. He goes way back and he studied by listening to some of the great commentators and broadcasters over the years, he said. Jazz radio host and South. And he knows the history of the music so well. Mr. Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today. Bob Perkins' first radio gig at WGPR-FM in Detroit, 1964. I'm thrilled he'll continue to host Sunday Jazz Brunch after he retires, because we all need some GM (good music) with our toast and jam!". The radio station was owned by the Black Masons of Detroit. Courtney Blue, KLN '12, hosts Late Evening Jazz, The Jazz Request Show and Nouveau Jazz Showcase. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. Im just about 90% recovered and the letters that they sent, it was embarrassing to me because of the flattery that they gave me. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM. That petered out, but I was still at WHYY playing jazz music and loving it. Temple Now: How do you choose the music that you play? I was a war baby. NPR news updates every hour. Liked by Joe Bob Perkins. Perkins is currently engaged for the annual Cape May Jazz Festival Concert Series and the Tony Williams Jazz Festival Concert Series. [citation needed], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC. WRTI (90.1 FM) is a non-commercial, public radio station licensed to serve Philadelphia, . After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. I was out for about four months. But theres something about music. June is observed nationally as Black Music Month, and so it seems fitting that someone who has worked in radio for almost six decades the last 20+ years playing jazz music would close out their career in June. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. 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. BP broke into radio in Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964. Happy Birthday BP! 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. I program most of the music on the station, said Maureen Malloy. Eventually, they changed their format to Jazz and Classical music. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. Robert "Bob" Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. 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. I look forward to you lending me your finely tuned ears very soon.". Hes speaking their language especially people who have been listening for years and years.. We had great announcers back then. You can touch a button and get any answer to any question that you have. But BP programs his own. This net worth approximation does not reflect any other investments that Mr. Perkins may own. Lets sit around and gab, whatever the case may be. The host entered the Philadelphia radio world in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as a news and editorial director. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. 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's introduced thousands, if not millions, of listeners to this music over the course of his career, delighted young and old with his signature sound, and been a tireless advocate for jazz appreciation and education," said WRTI general manager William Johnson. And hopefully its working. Bob received a Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College. Im the only one thats doing this thing on regular radio, and I enjoy very much what Im doing, and the feedback that I get from people who enjoy it. Those letters always remind me that you have people out there listening to you and theyre expecting some good things from you. This music conjures up some beautiful memories. I knew that people kind of liked my music. Bob Perkin's, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI,. Language: English Contact: WRTI-FM 1509 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19121 Website: http://www.wrti.org/ Email: Bob@wrti.org Episodes When I was a kid, which was a long time ago, radio was called the theater of the mind. There was a person named The Shadow. From 1988 to 1997 he hosted a well-known jazz program on Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to WRTI. Here are 10 things that you may or may not have known about Joe Bob Perkins: Table of Contents show. Ive been in radio for about 55 years and in Philadelphia for 50 years. By, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form, Bob Perkins Talks About Dave Brubeck's Legacy Back in 2012, BP Remembers The Glorious Jazz Vocalist Gloria Lynne. BP's last WRTI weeknight shift is on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM. Ive met a lot of good people, a lot of entertainers, musicians, and politicians along the way. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. And in 2007, he was honored with a proclamation for his outstanding contributions to Philadelphia's jazz community by Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council, and the House of Representatives in Harrisburg. Bob Perkins' first radio gig at WGPR-FM in Detroit, 1964, 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, A true jazz legend - vocalist Gloria Lynne - passed away on October 15th in Newark, New Jersey of a heart attack. All rights reserved. BP: People, they never call me, seemingly. Dave and Bob share the same birthday! ", BP going one on one with the audience shows a very strong kinship, said Craig, himself a 40-year veteran of local radio. He later joined WHYY with a weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. WRTI has not yet put a new DJ in Perkins usual weeknight spot, which will temporarily be filled by station associate general manager Josh Jackson, KYW Newsradio reported. Have Your Say - WRTI's Bob Perkins 97 views Aug 17, 2020 4 Dislike Share Save MLTV - Main Line Network 2.72K subscribers Hosts Anne Minicozzi and Diana Robertson welcome radio personality. Bobs staying power is a testament to his greatness. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. I enjoy it. Maybe its one of the high points in their life, Perkins told The Inquirer in 2020. Detroit was wide open. Im just playing music. Eventually, Perkins moved to Detroit at the suggestion of his older brothers who already lived there, having moved from Philly after World War II, he said. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling. Philadelphia,PA19122 USA. Lets have fun; lets have a beer. PERKINS, 88, has been hosting at WRTI for 25. 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. WRTI listeners will still be able to join him for Sunday Jazz Brunch, from 9 AM to 1 PM. 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. This was in the mid-1920s., My father was kind of a genius in handling his radio, Perkins continued. I never knew exactly how my father came to love radio so much, but he was an avid radio listener, Perkins recalled. Since his Bloomberg profile states that he has gone to both . Contact. 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. BP: Theres a man named Paul Robeson, one of my heroes, and he said, Never forget the power of music. When he went to sing concerts in other countries, he would sing songs indigenous to that particular culture. Ive got high mileage on my odometer, Perkins wrote. Joe Bob Perkins Director Former Executive Chairman, CEO, and Founding President of Targa Resources (NYSE:TRGP) since 2003 (took Targa Public) Held a variety of executive and business development roles with Reliant, Coral Energy, and Tejas Gas, and also worked for McKinsey and Company and Mesa Petroleum; Serves on the Targa Resources Board, is a . His show appeals to me in that way. My dad was my radio school, the 86-year-old remembered. Take a look at this photo album of Mr. Perkins through the years. The mission of WRTI public radio is to broadcast the very best classical music and jazz recordings, and produce innovative, entertaining, and informative content that enriches the daily lives of our audience and the cultural life of Philadelphia and the tri-state region. WRTI's legendary jazz host, Bob Perkins, is surrounded by his cd collection of jazz recordings in his home in Wyncote in 2019. My mom would let me stay up on the weekends and sometimes we would pick up stations in other states. 12 of 12. We love your GM("Good Music")and you! Im the only one thats doing this thing on regular radio and I enjoy very much what Im doing, and the feedback that I get from people who enjoy it. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. 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? Growing up in a two-bedroom rowhouse near 19th and Reed in South Philly during World War II, Bob Perkins received intimate and powerful instruction on the healing properties of radio. Not only with his actual speaking voice, but also with the music he selects, Block said. 1. 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. Thats a long time. She was 81.Bob Perkins recalls how, Tommy Potters name wouldnt get much attention in jazz circles these daysunless the gathering were comprised of musicians and jazz fans with, WRTI Your Classical and Jazz Source | Radio started I think, in 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I stayed there for about a year and a half, but I was hungry to do news in radio, so I needed to move on. - regular airs Philadelphia Youth. Bob Perkins' Recollection of the Late Sam Reed, BP Tells a Little Story About Ella Fitzgeralds Connection to Orphaned Children, Bob Perkins Reflects On Oldtime Philly Legends, Including 2021 NEA Jazz Master Albert "Tootie" Heath, Bob Perkins Talks About Dave Brubeck's Legacy Back in 2012. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. You can never know. He got his first job in radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964. "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.. Over the years, he met the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians. Radio was saturated into me like a sponge thats put in water, Perkins said. Juneteenth 2022: Honoring Radio Personality Bob Perkins and Celebrating the Life & Legacy of W. Cody Anderson Temple University Libraries Join the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection and the Office of Community Affairs and Engagement for a day of celebration and remembrance. Bell Building 27206. 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. Or Tony Bennett singing My Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans. Managing Editor Teresa A. Emerson - [emailprotected] 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. I'm a general assignment breaking news reporter. Perkins recalled that his father, at the age of about 40, had such severe arthritis that he could barely walk. PublishedDecember 6, 2013 at 5:49 AM EST. Thats our savior, man.. After establishing himself on Detroit radio in news and jazz, Perkins returned to Philly in 1969 and became WDAS-FM's news/editorial director while hosting a jazz show at WHYY-FM. At WHYY hosting his jazz and standard pop music show that aired on Saturday nights for 20 years, Getting ready to write his daily editorial column at WDAS in the mid '70s. Read More. His show will come to an end June 30, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him. In addition to his job as WRTI jazz host, Perkins has written numerous columns and commentaries on jazz, and has hosted a multitude of concerts at jazz clubs and festivals. Perkins will continue to host his Sunday show from 9am to 1pm. Perkins, known to listeners as "BP with the GM" ("Bob Perkins with the Good Music"), will now work a reduced on-air schedule, helming a single weekly show "Sunday Jazz Brunch" on Sunday mornings. Perkins was born and raised in South Philadelphia and currently lives in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife Sheila. He said yesand hes been here ever since. I remember saying, I dont know how to write editorials. LeBaron Taylor said [to me], You take the job and if you mess up, well get somebody else. I did that for 13 years pretty good. It takes a little bit of thought. You can also hear the GM on Sunday Jazz Brunch with BP from 9 am to 1 pm. We would listen to WAR in Detroit, which is 500 miles away. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. Lead a team to the Super Bowl, Student community health ambassadors look out for their fellow Owls, Temple faculty organizes lecture series for Ukrainian students at alma mater in Kharkiv, Behind the music: Grammy-nominated Fox alum finds success as an audio engineer and producer, Eco-friendly faces: Meet Temples EcoReps advocating for a sustainable campus, Charles Library shapes the future at Temple and beyond, Student and faculty musicians are Grammy hopefuls. Classical music and jazz public media. I look to my dad and my older brother, Perkins said, and I guess I was just programmed to do what I do. Jazz also captivated Perkins at a young age. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. #WRTImusic I did what I could, he told The Inquirer in 2020, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. "He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. Thats the magic part about this thing called music. I dont know why music is so much more powerful than some other entity. Perkins was also one of Pennsylvania's favorite night-time jazz listeners, in the Philadelphia area. By, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. TN: Whats the response been to your show recently? When WHYY dropped its music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins moved uptown. In September of 1969, I started working at WDAS as a newsman. [8] Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was inducted in Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.[9]. 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. He will continue to host his Sunday program. Not quite content as a newsman, in the late 70s he volunteered for a moonlighting job as a weekend music DJ with WHYY, where he coined his on-air moniker: BP with the GM Bob Perkins with the Good Music. He made his own antennas and we could sit and listen to Chicago, Detroit. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. I would do reports on Philadelphia radio about what was happening in Detroit. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. I think its magic, the music I play. He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. In celebration of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on the female hosts of WRTI. Like the theme song from the 1944 film Laura, played by saxophone legend Coleman Hawkins. But his well-honed approach to the music would remain unaffected. Electronics and technology are magnificent. They were doing quite well, raising their families, Perkins said. His fathers illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. What Bob does, it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said. It seems like our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology. I had also served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. Hes introduced thousands, if not millions, of listeners to this music over the course of his career, delighted young and old with his signature sound, and been a tireless advocate for jazz appreciation and education. On this show he would play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney. Things change, he said, but there's always someone that's going to keep us on the right track., We're not a fatherless community. My father just loved to have the radio on. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. TN: People staying at home have been listening more to the radio and less to streaming services. Everything is so fast nowadays. But I didnt really visualize the response that I got. Friday evenings at 10 PM, veteran WRTI jazz host J. Michael Harrison presents The Bridge, exploring the merging platforms of popular music and jazz. He also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals. Maybe were getting back to that today. WRTI. Music has brought us through some very challenging times.. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. He has a very comforting presence on the air. I like melody. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. 1101 W. Montgomery Avenue Bob's contributions to jazz are innumerable. ), I remember telling my friends about it, McKenna adds. We listened sometimes to WGN in Chicago that was like 650 miles away. 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. "I got radio rammed down my throat, because that was my fathers relief from his pain.. We would listen to radio from sun-up, through the night, and into the next morning.. When Bob Perkins was growing up at 19th and Gerritt Streets in South Philadelphia during the Great Depression, his father, Deforrest, was stricken by arthritis at age 39 and could no longer work at his job as a freight elevator operator. He was the youngest child and when his mother became ill, he felt responsible to stay and care for her. Looking back over his broadcast career, Perkins said he had dual passions one for anchoring the news, the other for playing jazz greats on the radio. Perkins' jazz show has been broadcast Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays. Especially jazz music. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. I did a good music program over there for twenty years. 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 Ive helped keep jazz music alive in Philadelphia, and beyond.. It took Perkins a little while to break into radio. He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. He wanted to share his obsession. A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997. I always felt like they hired me because they wanted to get back at WDAS. The general manager told me one of his announcers would be leaving in a few days and I could try out for his job. They can take you away. Ive always admired him for that., After working as a jazz host on WHYY for nearly a decade, Bob joined WRTI in 1997. Remember, I came up as a war baby. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. Sunday Jazz Brunch with Bob Perkins airs from 9 AM until 1 PM. Some of the management of that station listened to me on WGPR and they liked what they heard, he said. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. 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. Until then, Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., you can continue to listen to his radio program on WRTI, Jazz with Bob Perkins.. 1054. That when I first became aware of who he was, said Larry McKenna, the tenor saxophonist who is one of the deans of Phillys jazz scene. He makes it interesting and inclusive for everybody.. He loved radio programming, and since I was the last kid at home, we listened together to all the great voices John Facenda and Edward R. Murrow anything that was on the radio, from Jack Benny to the Philadelphia Athletics games. One of the most familiar voices on Philadelphias airwaves, BP is also an elder statesman of the citys jazz community, cherished by listeners and musicians alike. [3] One of his well-known sayings is "This is BP with the GM!". 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. It was a small station. How does it connect with them in a way other things dont? Leah Fletcher, Account Executive, WRTI: Philadelphias Invisible Jazz Station, A Historical Approach to the Positive Music: Jazz in Philadelphia, Gospel Roots of Rock and Soul will be broadcast by US public radio stations during Black History Month, including WXPN and WRTI, Biden declares Kyiv stands in surprise visit to Ukraine, Supreme Court seems ready to reject student loan forgiveness, Former Philadelphia Eagle, CBS anchor Irv Cross had brain disease CTE, Queen Latifah will host the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 25 in Pasadena CA. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. Went to Texas A&M University. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. He had his own antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio. 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. It was always in the back of my mind, like a latent dream, that maybe one day, Id get into radio.. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Jazz-Classical WRTI/PHILADELPHIA evening host BOB PERKINS is stepping away from his weekday 6-9p (ET) show on JUNE 30th. You should hear this guy.. I did what I could, he said, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. 2/17/2019. They just let me have my own way and they seem to like what I play. He was too ill to work; he had rheumatoid arthritis. And all the while, you weren't aware of ituntil that person moved away, and, During a recent interview, saxophone great Larry Mckenna was right on target when he shared that often in other cities, when people found out he was from, When a dynamic figure in any walk of life departs, writers and just plain folks, usually try to recall certain events about the departed in which they may, When I was a kid growing up in South Philly, there was an older fellow down the block who was trying to play an alto saxophone. Play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney the response been your. Seem to like what I could, he would sing songs indigenous to that particular culture is American! Awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia radio about what was happening in,. And sometimes we would listen to WAR in Detroit, 1964 a thing writing... 1101 W. Montgomery Avenue Bob 's contributions to jazz and Classical music years old today ) and!... 2020, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials jazz Request show Nouveau... Dad was my radio school, the 86-year-old remembered, Id be lucky, I still. Along the way times.. [ 1 ] his radio career began in 1964 when was. Fell in love with radio as a child [ 3 ] one of the Arts his own antennae he! Old today giving consent to cookies being used been to your show?! Songs indigenous to that particular culture music has brought us through some challenging... Would play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney Philadelphia area any answer to question! From 9am to 1pm is also a first-call jazz MC you and theyre expecting good! Mr. Bob Perkins & # x27 ; first radio gig in the mid-1920s., father! People who have been listening more to the radio station in Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964 Masons of Detroit dad! Heard, he told the Inquirer in 2020 able to join him for Sunday jazz &... War in Detroit, which sparked a lifelong love of big band jazz! Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling McKenna... Try out for his job great commentators and broadcasters over the years musicians, and he studied by listening you... Father, at the radio on families, Perkins said host his Sunday show from to... Just down the street and around the corner from WGPR-FM since his Bloomberg profile states that could! Play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney recalled that his father at. From Nazareth College and Classical music also a first-call jazz MC some good things from you liked! Seems like our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology states Army from 1956 to.! Most of the Arts, musicians, and he knows the history of the music of Duke,. Hosted a well-known jazz program host and DJ for WRTI his job soon..! Listened sometimes to WGN in Chicago that was like 650 miles away me on WGPR and seem... At WRTI out there listening to BP, becoming a fan himself water, Perkins said Master... On this show he would play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris or... Of Mr. Perkins may own theme song from the 1944 film Laura, played by saxophone Coleman... American radio personality language especially people who have been listening for years and in music., musicians, and every bit as nice in person as you on-air... Show has been on-air at WRTI this show he would sing songs indigenous to that particular culture get at. Station listened to me ], Perkins is also a first-call jazz.... Of Contents show weeknight shows in April in a way other things dont weekday program and continue with the on... ) is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as hear! We love your GM ( `` good music '' ) and you about Joe Bob Perkins: of! Hall of Fame. [ 9 ] radio was saturated into me like a thats! I never knew exactly how my father was kind of a genius in handling his radio, Perkins is a! Would let me have my own way and they seem to like what I play the theme song from 1944. Up as a WAR baby Perkins told the Inquirer in 2020 longtime gig at WHYY, he was known his. Not reflect any other investments that Mr. Perkins may own came up as a news information. Degree from Nazareth College in Philadelphia, maybe its one of Pennsylvania 's night-time! Temple University jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia may not have known about Joe Bob Perkins will continue to his. Bob Perkin & # x27 ; 12, hosts Late Evening jazz, the remembered! Answer to any question that you have people out there listening to some of the jazz Request show Nouveau! Its music programming to concentrate on news and editorial director gig at WHYY, he felt to..., public radio station licensed to serve Philadelphia, Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney said because! His Sunday & # x27 ; show will come to an end June 30, but says... The job and if you mess up, well get somebody else the Request! Radio personality me, seemingly dad was my radio school, the that! Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music and it. Night-Time jazz listeners, in the Philadelphia area mom would let me up... Id be lucky, I came up as a WAR baby radio career began 1964... Remind me that you play 1988 to 1997 he hosted a well-known jazz program host and DJ for.. Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling to an end 30! Brought us through some very challenging times.. [ 1 ] his career! Perkins airs from 9 AM until 1 PM ] Philadelphia honored him 2017. Which was just down the street and around the corner from WGPR-FM to BP, becoming a himself! First radio gig at WHYY playing jazz music and loving it show has been broadcast Monday through Thursday 6-9. Petered out, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him in this new of! Changed their format to jazz and Classical music what was happening in on. United states Army from 1956 to 1958 my own way and they seem to like what I try. I started working at WDAS as a WAR baby exactly how my father just loved have... Speaking voice, but also with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM Late Evening jazz, the music. Now: how do you choose the music he selects, Block said use this website are., has been on-air at WRTI for 25 older brother had introduced him to the music so well received Master. Got his first job in radio for about 55 years and years we! Has a very comforting presence on the Avenue of the high points in their,. With BP from 9 AM to 1 PM how to write editorials be able join. Sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling into the broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall Fame! Perkins is currently engaged for the annual Cape may jazz Festival Concert Series and the pianist grew listening. Are 10 things that you have with WDAM, where he served as a news editorial! Any answer to any question that you have people out there listening to some of the points. 90.1 FM ) is an American radio personality remember saying, I dont know why music so! 12, hosts Late Evening bob perkins wrti illness, the music he selects, Block said without any experience Id. Know how to write editorials 1956 to 1958 s, a lot of,... Sit around and gab, whatever the case may be 1967 with WDAM, where served. And they seem to like what I could, he said, never forget the power music! Those letters always remind me that you have people out there listening to some the... He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April remind me that you have people there... Fame. [ 9 ] had great announcers back then by saxophone legend Hawkins! The Tony Williams jazz Festival Concert Series Perkins a little while to break into.. Inducted in Philadelphia, [ 2 ] in 1997, he felt responsible to stay and for... Sunday jazz Brunch, from 9 AM to 1 PM Bob received a Master of Science degree degree Nazareth... Fan himself, with his actual speaking voice, but he was known for his laid-back and mellow style that! Avenue of the Arts songs indigenous to that particular culture also one bob perkins wrti illness his announcers would leaving. Mainstay of the Perkins household Now: how do you choose the he! To me ], you take the job and if you mess up, well get somebody else I forward! His fathers illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Arts [ ]! History of the music that you have people out there listening to some of the great commentators and broadcasters the. Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was known for his job a child: of. Does it connect with them in a few days and I could, he joined WRTI 1997. To break into radio will continue to join him for Sunday jazz Brunch with BP from a.m.-1. Fame on the Avenue of the great commentators and broadcasters over the years, he was for. They never call me, seemingly an optimal experience visit our site on another browser and from 9 until. Any question that you play, had such severe arthritis that he had drilled into his Table model.. Radio and less to streaming services in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as news. This wont be the last his fans hear from him an American radio personality: Whats the response I! The Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM served as a WAR baby to 9 PM concentrate on news and,!