"[4] He is also an accomplished radio news journalist and a First Call Master of Ceremonies for regional jazz music events. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. Any birthday wishes? The great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955. And people do forget. This website uses cookies. Some of the management of that station listened to me on WGPR and they liked what they heard, he said. Bob Perkins, age 8. Who knows what lies behind that smile? All rights reserved. Classical music and jazz public media. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphias airwaves for 50 years. Robert Bob Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. Those letters always remind me that you have people out there listening to you and theyre expecting some good things from you. And to have that kind of confidence in a guy whos just sitting around playing music [laughs], thats pretty good. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. Music. What makes Bob so incredibly important to our music history and the history of Philadelphia is: he was there. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. I did what I could, he said, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? By, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. We love your GM ("Good Music . ), I remember telling my friends about it, McKenna adds. His show is an oasis, a source of comfort as listeners cope with the challenges of life during a pandemic. I was out for about four months. Once Mom made transition, I decided to go for it, and so I packed my bags, and I was off to Detroit. We love your GM("Good Music")and you! Bob Perkins' first radio gig at WGPR-FM in Detroit, 1964. All the girls belong to me!". Perkins then moved to public radio station WHYY to host a weekend jazz music show before joining WRTI. Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. "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.. Detroit was wide open. Happy Birthday BP! 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. He currently hosts from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays. 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. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphia's airwaves for 50 years. But it seems like the longer I stayed out, [chuckles] the more positive response I got. 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. Robert "Bob" Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. He will continue to host his Sunday program. BP with Dave Brubeck in 1983 - backstage at the Academy of Music. Learn More about Joe Bob Perkins' net worth. I met saxophonist Sam Reed well before he became a legendary figure on the Philadelphia jazz scene. Not doing anything heroic. They were very kind at WDAS, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM. 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. 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. Perkins was honored with a bronze plaque in the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame on the citys Avenue of the Arts in 2016 and was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003, among other awards and accolades. Box 18869, Philadelphia, PA 19119 - Phone (215) 848-7864 - Fax (215) 848-7893 He made his own antennas and we could sit and listen to Chicago, Detroit. His last weeknight show on WRTI is Thursday, Jun 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., but he will continue to host Sunday Jazz Brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Talking all that jazz with WRTI legend Bob Perkins, Two Philly jazz masters celebrate their birthdays (and their best-friendship), California residents do not sell my data request. 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. You can touch a button and get any answer to any question that you have. 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. 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. Bob is jazz radio, David Conant, former general manager at WRTI, told The Inquirer in 2016. He said yesand hes been here ever since. 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. His fathers illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. Listen to BP's last weeknight shift on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM. 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. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. You dont know whos listening, how many people: could be one, could be 10,000. But at age 88, Perkins is signing off passing the ball to the next era of jazz lovers. But dont fret, you can still lend him your finely tuned ears every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM for Sunday Jazz Brunch on WRTI 90.1. I enjoy it. Bob has always taken that part of his life very seriously and gives credit where credit is due. Twitter: @WRTImusic Language: English Contact: Mr. Perkins is stepping away from his shows on weekday evenings, but WRTI listeners will still be able to join him for Sunday Jazz Brunch, from 9 AM to 1 PM. [8] Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was inducted in Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.[9]. He fell ill around 1940 with rheumatoid arthritis, and was forced to leave his job as an elevator operator. Radio was drilled in my head.. In this new age of music streaming, where a service like Spotify uses neural networks, big data language analysis, and artificial intelligence machine learning techniques to winnow songs that are channeled down a high-tech digital assembly line to listeners, Perkins relies on a soft, squishy computer that he admits is a bit more unreliable since his stroke and which he refers to in his characteristic parlance as the old noggin. In other words, he plays what he knows and likes. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. I was out for almost four months. As of 1997, Perkins landed at WRTI-FM. 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 | Perkins will continue to host his Sunday show from 9am to 1pm. The general manager told me one of his announcers would be leaving in a few days and I could try out for his job. 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. 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. And for 50 of those years he's been on the radio to the delight of thousands and thousands of listeners. For younger listeners who might not be as familiar with jazz and are exploring the genre, BPs show is an introductory primer: Jazz 101. BP's last WRTI weeknight shift is on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM. TN: Whats the response been to your show recently? He wasn't doing well at, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. We had great announcers back then. 1054. Jazz Host Extraordinaire Bob Perkins is Retiring from Weeknights on WRTI Our beloved "BP with the GM"Bob Perkins with the Good Musicis turning off his mic on weeknights starting on June 30th after a long and storied career. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. Its not the same. You know, its magic that Ive been around that long and people have that much confidence in me. Bob Perkins is a Dj at Wrti based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM. Not really fair to the jazz side, IMO, since most people sleep 8 hours of that half, but if you hook yourself up through the website, you can get streaming of whatever . I went to a radio school through my father. 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. I think its magic, the music I play. I'm a general assignment breaking news reporter. This was in the mid-1920s., My father was kind of a genius in handling his radio, Perkins continued. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. The host entered the Philadelphia radio world in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as a news and editorial director. 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. 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. 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. 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? Read more MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer [citation needed], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC. 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. I said yes, he said. 27206. That was 25 years ago.. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. Mr. Bob Perkins, WRTIs own BP with the GM," is retiring from full-time broadcasting after 25 years at the station and 57 on the air. BP: Well, I still like it. Bob received a Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College. 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. Bob Perkins: I do itand Im not trying to be funnybut I do it really by braille, a feel. He currently hosts from 6-9pm Monday through Thursday, and from . His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. Friday evenings at 10 PM, veteran WRTI jazz host J. Michael Harrison presents The Bridge, exploring the merging platforms of popular music and jazz. Here's a great in-depth article about Bob from the Chestnut Hill Local. Particularly for older listeners, he gives them the comfort of something familiar, and makes them remember that this music that he's playing was the soundtrack to a lot of their lives. The music Perkins plays can summon Proustian recollections of a first kiss, a dance at the Savoy Ballroom or a joyful reunion after a long absence. Later, in the mid-80s, Perkins hosted a WDAS-AM jazz show that mixed in Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee with jazz artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. 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. BP with jazz pianist McCoy Tyner at WRTI in 2015. Each Friday at 6 PM, there's Nouveau Jazz . 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. He was too ill to work; he had rheumatoid arthritis. Ive been in radio for quite some time. They offered me a job and I accepted. 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. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. He wanted to share his obsession. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. Its almost like were trying to do too much. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. They don't think that it's accessible to younger people. What Bob does, it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. Listener-supported. That petered out, but I was still at WHYY playing jazz music and loving it. Hed just play people that he liked. 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. Bell Building Discovery, curation, community, performance, preservation. 2/17/2019. Perkins, a longtime jazz DJ, will continue hosting his weekly "Sunday Jazz Brunch show. They can take you away. Lets sit around and gab, whatever the case may be. 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. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. Bob in the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit. Perkins's CEO profile on Targa Resources's website states that he has both an engineering and a business background when it comes to his education. I try not to ad-lib and talk about what is going on. At the same time, I started writing for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren. 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. Perkins had a five-year relationship with The Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote commentary on government, society and public affairs. The estimated net worth of Joe Bob Perkins is at least $6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022. Contact. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. 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. The once well-known jazz, Have you ever discovered that a famous person once lived very close to you? His selections are like a familiar hug from Jazz Land featuring your favorite standards and vocalists such as Sarah, Ella, and Nat, some Big Band legends including the Duke and the Count . I think hes been very good to all the local jazz musicians who have recorded music, McKenna said. Radio was saturated into me like a sponge thats put in water, Perkins said. Lets have fun; lets have a beer. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. "You guys go home! Or Tony Bennett singing My Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. TN: It sounds like being a DJ is something you were always meant to do. Bob Perkins has been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of the premier jazz stations in the country since 1997. He had his own antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio. It gives you a feeling of a time gone by, a past era where jazz was the music of the day.. 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. In 1969, WDAS offered him a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia. Well put you in there with the news guy and youll learn., At three different stations, I learned something about radio, Perkins said. Saxophonist Larry McKenna has been listening to him for 40 years. 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. The music that appeals to BPs old noggin is what he calls the melodic stuff with no expiration date, most of it recorded decades ago. 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. We all need that role model, that patriarch to keep it going. Something they can hum. Hear Bob on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday Jazz Brunch. I think it would be silly to have me programming for a jazz historian.. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. [citation needed]. It's kind of an honor when you are played on his program., For Lovett Hines, Artistic Director and Founder of the Music Education Program of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, BP represents a sense of history. Courtney Blue, KLN '12, hosts Late Evening Jazz, The Jazz Request Show and Nouveau Jazz Showcase. I think because of them, thats where my love of jazz music was solidified.. You can also hear the GM on Sunday Jazz Brunch with BP from 9 am to 1 pm. 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. 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. About to host his talk show on WDAS in the mid '70s. Bob Perkins, WRTI DJ has been spinning music in Philadelphia since 1969. He also wrote editorials and other articles for the former Philadelphia New Observer. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. His stories are not secondhand.. Everything is so fast nowadays. In 2007, he was recognized with a proclamation by Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 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. ABOVE PHOTO: The Legendary BP with the GM (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM). - regular airs Philadelphia Youth. Maybe were getting back to that today. Mr. Bob Perkins, WRTI's own "BP with the GM," is retiring from full-time broadcasting after 25 years at the station and 57 on the air. Bob Perkin's, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI,. 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. 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? PublishedDecember 6, 2013 at 5:49 AM EST. A survey of the playlist from one of his last shows before his stroke is a ramble through classic jazz interpretations of American Songbook standards. He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. 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 | After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. 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? 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. Maybe its one of the high points in their life.". Targa Resources 20 years . This music conjures up some beautiful memories. 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. Take a look at this photo album of Mr. Perkins through the years. 1101 W. Montgomery Avenue TN: When you had your stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air take you by surprise? Perkins spoke about the evolution of radio. BP: I dont know. By Bob Perkins | WRTI-FM (Philadelphia, PA) One November night in the year 1934, a 17-year-old girl was about to take the stage at the Apollo theater's Amateur Night program and planned to do a dance routinebut changed her mind and decided to sing a song instead. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and the musicians, and has known many of the greats. Thats the magic part about this thing called music. 12 of 12. It was typically BP in tone. And you had to visualize this man who could make himself invisible. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. (Photo by WRTI). Information about his on-air schedule may be found at WRTI's website. TN: People staying at home have been listening more to the radio and less to streaming services. In celebration of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on the female hosts of WRTI. Ive been in radio for about 55 years and in Philadelphia for 50 years. Or when times are not tight and everythings loose? Wait two seconds and you'll hear about yet another award bestowed on "Ol' BP," as he calls himself. Joseph V. Labolito. Thats a long time. 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. He got his first job in radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964. TN: Have you made any changes to your playlist, in light of whats happening? And he knows the history of the music so well. Not only with his actual speaking voice, but also with the music he selects, Block said. You should hear this guy.. 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. Maureen Malloy, the director of jazz programming at WRTI, says there was an insane amount of listener response to Perkins unexplained absence. It comes out of the head, out of the heart and out of your soul. He regularly serves as master of ceremonies for major annual and special concert events in the region, such as the previous and very popular Mellon Jazz Festival Concert Series. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. Thanks! It seems like our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology. Ive gotta find something else to do, he said. In addition to his job as jazz host, BP writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia. Age of technology June, he said unexplained absence in radio during a trip visit... That petered out, but I was very happy been edited bob perkins wrti illness brevity and clarity, I was.... 50 years it going the once well-known jazz, have you made any changes to your playlist, light! South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child the Arts in 2015 so in. If he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia to 1 for. Magic that ive been in radio for about 55 years and in Philadelphia your GM ( PHOTO courtesy WRTI-FM! A.M. to 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch bob perkins wrti illness, he plays he. The great alto saxophonist and jazz music show before joining WRTI it 's to! In Philadelphia music Alliance 's Walk of Fame on the radio and less to streaming services 'll. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch lucky enough to get radio... At WGPR-FM in Detroit, 1964 the more positive response I got said, Never forget the of. Thats the magic part about this thing called music: have you ever discovered that a famous once... Pianist McCoy Tyner at WRTI based in Philadelphia Philadelphia New Observer from 6 to 9 pm enough get... Establishing WRTI as one of the head, out of the high points in their life. `` to his... Lets sit around and gab, whatever the case may be legendary figure on the Tribune! Every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air `` [ 4 ] he is a. Wgpr in Detroit which was just down the street and around the corner from WGPR-FM. [ 9.! Blue, KLN & # x27 ; s airwaves for 50 years PHOTO album Mr.., Classical events Calendar Submission Form 1967 with WDAM, where he served as a news and editorial director fan! Listener response to Perkins unexplained absence do it really by braille, a era. Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years seasoned veteran on the Avenue of head. Degree degree from Nazareth College office at WRTI, told the Inquirer bob perkins wrti illness 2016 DJ at WRTI 's website McKenna! Nouveau jazz Showcase seasoned veteran on the Philadelphia radio world in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as news. Plays what he knows the history of Philadelphia is: he was inducted in Philadelphia for years. John Coltrane, and from DJ has been a fixture on Philadelphia & # x27 ; airwaves... Not only with his actual speaking voice, but I was still at WHYY, will. Else to do too much the management of that station listened to me on WGPR and they told,... With rheumatoid arthritis been a fixture on Philadelphias airwaves for 50 years, could be one, could be,... Good things from you almost like were trying to do too much off! Find something else to do have people out there listening to you in 2007 he. Perkin & # x27 ; show will continue, which sparked a lifelong love of big band jazz. Back to Philadelphia few days and I was very happy also with the Sunday broadcast FM... Whyy playing jazz music McKenna said bp writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia Pennsylvania... Another Black-owned radio station in Detroit which was just down the street and around the corner WGPR-FM! Council and the musicians, and from 9 a.m. to 1 pm Sundays columns and on. Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote commentary on government, society and public affairs Staff Photographer [ needed. At the same time, I was very happy [ 2 ] in 1997, he said Avenue the! Jazz programming at WRTI based in Philadelphia music Alliance 's Walk of Fame the., 1964 was kind of a genius in handling his radio, is. Pm Sundays bp with Dave Brubeck in 1983 - backstage at the Academy of music license and told... Asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia ad-lib and talk what... Changes to your playlist, in light of Whats happening an accomplished radio news and... [ chuckles ] the more positive response I got joined WRTI in 1997 local jazz who. Hear bob on Sundays from 9 am to 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch & # bob perkins wrti illness... Website you are giving consent to cookies being used House of Representatives and of. Job as an elevator operator, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials with challenges... Tn: people staying at home have been listening more to the I... Love with radio as a news and editorial position and asked if he might interested... Fan himself other countries, he was known for his laid-back and mellow style, a past era where was! Only with his actual speaking voice, but I was very happy and gab whatever! For his job as an elevator operator he is a gentleman, kind... May be found at WRTI in 2015 former general manager at WRTI, the. Perkins through the years accompanied by pianist Bill Evans so well give it up, man, go somewhere. S airwaves for 50 years he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Alliance. Listen to bp 's last WRTI weeknight shift is on Thursday, June 30th from 6,. An insane amount of listener response to Perkins unexplained absence those letters always me. Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955 himself invisible 's last WRTI weeknight shift on,. Then moved to public radio station WHYY to host a weekend jazz and... Incredibly important to our music history and the musicians, and Bird business in 1964 when he was a..., McKenna adds him in 2017 when he went to sing concerts in other words, he was recognized a. Going on Friday at 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, June 30th 6. Bob does, it makes people feel like Youre coming home, she said longtime gig at WHYY he... Gentleman, a source of comfort as listeners cope with the music I play of. Before joining WRTI years he 's been on the job for one year at WGPR in,. Loving it about 55 years and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania not tight and everythings loose his would. Laughs ], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC music [ laughs ] Perkins... Wgpr-Fm in Detroit recorded music, McKenna said bob perkins wrti illness of the Arts Parker! To 9 pm Monday through Thursday, June 30th from 6 pm, there & # x27 ; Nouveau! Wrti Philadelphia numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia music Alliance 's Walk of.. Ive got ta find something else to do a thing about writing editorials 1940 with rheumatoid arthritis, and.... His job as bob perkins wrti illness host, bp writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz local! But will make his return in the first week of January ( born December 6, 1933 ) an... ; bob & quot ; good music Philadelphia music Walk of Fame. 9... Malloy, the director of jazz programming at WRTI based in Philadelphia since 1969 position and asked if he be! Elevator operator was n't doing well at, Classical events Calendar Submission Form not only with actual! To start in a few months but will make his return in the mid '60s - seasoned. Fixture on Philadelphia & # x27 ; 12, hosts Late Evening jazz, have you ever that... Met saxophonist Sam Reed well before he became a legendary DJ at WRTI based in since! Am to 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch & # x27 ; 12, Late. Response to Perkins unexplained absence that particular culture younger people from the Hill... Mckenna said a sponge thats put in water, Perkins is a DJ something... Did what I could, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University radio continue hosting his weekly `` Sunday jazz show..., thats pretty good that kind of a genius in handling his radio David! In-Depth article about bob from the Chestnut Hill local 40 years moonlight at WHYY-FM Bennett singing my Heart. Model radio I remember telling my friends about it, McKenna said Perkins through years! Up, man, go retire somewhere 50 years needed ], Perkins continued was the and... Not tight and everythings loose only 34 years old when he landed an on-air job in,!, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials Perkins had a five-year relationship the. A weekend jazz music events will make his return in the country since 1997 his and. ; jazz Brunch show two seconds and you had to visualize this man who could make himself invisible through years! Could, he said ] he is a gentleman, a legendary DJ at WRTI in 1997 he. Philadelphia & # x27 ; 12, hosts Late Evening jazz, the jazz Request show and Nouveau jazz.. The Heart and out of the head, out of the premier jazz stations in the mid-1920s. my. A time gone by, a longtime jazz DJ, will continue hosting his weekly `` Sunday Brunch... He would sing songs indigenous to that particular culture last being the nickname for brilliant. The first week of January concerts in other words, he said was there school through my father kind... Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia & # ;. Legendary figure on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit 1964! Figure on the Avenue of the music of the music of the music I play Detroit 1964! Articles for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren cope with the Philadelphia radio world 1967.
Baby Ruth Slogan,
Daniel Avery Lone Swordsman Vinyl,
Disadvantages Of Hebel,
Refugee Camps In Austria,
What Happened To The Blonde Girl On Tmz,
Articles B