A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997. 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. WRTI's legendary jazz host, Bob Perkins, is surrounded by his cd collection of jazz recordings in his home in Wyncote, PA on December 19, 2019. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. Domain Insight 2/27: The First Audacy Atlas Divestiture Will Go To. Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling. You dont know whos listening, how many people: could be one, could be 10,000. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. 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. We all need that role model, that patriarch to keep it going. I leaned on them when I got into radio until I got my own sea legs and could navigate on my own.. Eventually, they changed their format to Jazz and Classical music. 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. But it seems like the longer I stayed out, [chuckles] the more positive response I got. I had a mild stroke. 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. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. Copyright 2022 RadioInsight / RadioBB Networks. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. We cant eat our dinner without you. He got his first job in radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964. In September of 1969, I started working at WDAS as a newsman. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. Temple Now:The official source for Temple news.Copyright 2015, Temple University. Every Saturday, I was there.. He wanted to share his obsession. 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. I also dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be, Perkins added. NPR news updates every hour. Hear Bob on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday Jazz Brunch. TN: Why was it important for you to keep doing your show? 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. TN: People staying at home have been listening more to the radio and less to streaming services. My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. BP: It seems that way. My mom would let me stay up on the weekends and sometimes we would pick up stations in other states. He will continue to host his Sunday program. Everything is so fast nowadays. It was a small station. 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. 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. Bob Perkins: I do itand Im not trying to be funnybut I do it really by braille, a feel. Its almost like were trying to do too much. 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. And to have that kind of confidence in a guy whos just sitting around playing music [laughs], thats pretty good. "People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? I look forward to you lending me your finely tuned ears very soon.". Something they can hum. Mr. Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today. He makes it interesting and inclusive for everybody.. He goes way back and he studied by listening to some of the great commentators and broadcasters over the years, he said. 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: I dont know. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. Bobs staying power is a testament to his greatness. Perkins was born and raised in South Philadelphia and currently lives in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife Sheila. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and the musicians, and has known many of the greats. Maybe its one of the high points in their life.". BP and Father Time have been having a continuous battle over the last several years and Im trying not to let him win the battle! Over the years, he met the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. Thats the magic part about this thing called music. Meaning "Bob Perkins with the good music. Bob Perkins on Trumpeter Red Rodney, an Overlooked Philly Great! Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. 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? [citation needed]. And for 50 of those years he's been on the radio to the delight of thousands and thousands of listeners. Our beloved BP with the GMBob Perkins with the Good Musicis turning off his mic on weeknights starting on June 30th after a long and storied career. You can never know. WRTI. I program most of the music on the station, said Maureen Malloy. Thats a long time. 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. Perkins recalled that his father, at the age of about 40, had such severe arthritis that he could barely walk. ABOVE PHOTO: The Legendary BP with the GM (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM). In 1969, WDAS offered him a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia. 1054. That was 25 years ago.. But BP programs his own. 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.. Any birthday wishes? Happy Birthday BP! 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. His knowledge of jazz programming was instrumental to a significant increase in weekday Jazz listener-ship and a doubling of the Sunday Jazz audience for his time slot. His father built homemade antennas that could pick up broadcasts from hundreds of miles away and the two would sit and listen together. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. What Bob does, it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said. But I had some qualifications, too, because my dad got into radio back in the 1920s, when radio was in its infancy. I did what I could, he told The Inquirer in 2020, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. - regular airs Philadelphia Youth. If you, WRTIs Bob Perkins joined the 2016 Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame class on October 19th. From 1988 to 1997 he hosted a well-known jazz program on Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to WRTI. I went downstairs at the same building, and told the insurance company, Im here to quit a job I never started. Leaving out the door of the insurance company, the man who had offered me a job selling insurance said, Do you know what theyre going to pay you up there? The once well-known jazz, Have you ever discovered that a famous person once lived very close to you? 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. New Temple Press book celebrates Philadelphias Italian legacy, Hundreds of Temple community members gather to celebrate the life of Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald with his family, Temples Lenfest Center increases job opportunities for the North Philadelphia community, Globally connected campus: A presidential visit to Temple Rome, Whats the best way for an athlete to build their brand? 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. BP with jazz pianist McCoy Tyner at WRTI in 2015. He currently hosts from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays. His show appeals to me in that way. It was typically BP in tone. Here's a great in-depth article about Bob from the Chestnut Hill Local. 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. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. ", BP going one on one with the audience shows a very strong kinship, said Craig, himself a 40-year veteran of local radio. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. 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. In celebration of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on the female hosts of WRTI. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. I knew that people kind of liked my music. Detroit was wide open. A young BP with his brother Joe. Also known as "BP with the GM," (translation: "Bob Perkins with the Good Music"), Mr. Perkins has been in the broadcasting industry for more than five decades as an on-air host, and is now commonly referred to as a Philadelphia jazz radio legend. 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. BP talks about Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI's Susan Lewis: His presence is felt throughout the city. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. Went to Texas A&M University. Bob Perkins, WRTI DJ has been spinning music in Philadelphia since 1969. WRTI (90.1 FM) is a non-commercial, public radio station licensed to serve Philadelphia, . 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. You can touch a button and get any answer to any question that you have. He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. By, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. 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. 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. Thats our savior, man.. They were very kind at WDAS, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM. WRTI, this 600th review is for you! I guess I couldnt help but love radio, because from the time I was a little boy, radio was very much a part of my day every day growing up in South Philadelphia.. And he knows the history of the music so well. Courtney Blue, KLN '12, hosts Late Evening Jazz, The Jazz Request Show and Nouveau Jazz Showcase. Hes told me this: he won't play anything that he doesn't like [or] that he doesn't consider to be first class, McKenna said. 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. [8] Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was inducted in Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.[9]. People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997, helping to establish the station as one of the countrys leading jazz music broadcasters. Perkins spoke about the evolution of radio. The estimated net worth of Joe Bob Perkins is at least $6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022. For nearly six decades, Philadelphia has been a unique voice in jazz music. When WHYY dropped its music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins moved uptown. 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. Information about his on-air schedule may be found at WRTI's website. Bob received a Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College. Lance also advises stations, talent and brands on digital content strategies, programming integrations, and brand extensions. But on the other side of the coin, technology can be very dangerous.. The great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955. All the girls belong to me!". I think in some way, Bob is able to bridge that gap, King said. We love your GM ("Good Music . Bob is jazz radio, David Conant, former general manager at WRTI, told The Inquirer in 2016. BP: No, I just put out the music. His show will come to an end June 30, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him. July 1, 2022. 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. Bob Perkins reflects on his memories of Philadelphian tenor saxophonist Sam Reed, who passed away earlier this month.. BP with Dave Brubeck in 1983 - backstage at the Academy of Music. I always felt like they hired me because they wanted to get back at WDAS. 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. He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. After 58 years of working in broadcast radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins will lay down his microphone by the end of this month. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. I was a war baby. Five of the most outstanding jazz personalities had. The radio station was owned by the Black Masons of Detroit. 1 photo. 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? 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. Melinda Whiting, Courtney Blue, Bobbi I. Booker, Susan Lewis and Maureen Malloy are familiar voices on WRTI. Twitter: @WRTImusic Language: English Contact: Believe it or not, I next ended up at Power 99. Like the theme song from the 1944 film Laura, played by saxophone legend Coleman Hawkins. Electronics and technology are magnificent. At 90.1 FM. Thats our savior, man.. 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. Jazz radio legend Bob Perkins, 88, will retire in June from his full-time role as a host at Philadelphia's WRTI-FM. I stayed over there about two years, but it really wasnt a good fit. Bob Perkin's, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI,. We have a father right now and that's Bob Perkins.. I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys radio station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music. The world is a lot different than it used to be.. "He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. BP: People, they never call me, seemingly. Perkins was born on December 6, 1933. 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. At the end of this Black Music Month, Bob Perkins will be retiring at the ripe young age of 88. This was in the mid-1920s., My father was kind of a genius in handling his radio, Perkins continued. In addition to his job as jazz host, BP writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia. But his well-honed approach to the music would remain unaffected. He has attended two White House Presidential news conferences - one of Gerald Ford's and one of Jimmy Carter's. And it is. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? He could pick up stations that no one else that I knew could get. 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. How does it connect with them in a way other things dont? King agrees. It has to be accurate. I dont know how they do it. 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. And Ive been a newsman, editorial writer, disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the spoken word in radio. Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. It takes a little bit of thought. Previously, Bob was a Board Member at Jazz Bridge and also held positions at Data Site, Unisys, WDAS Fm. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. He has been with the station since 1997. 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. This job and that job until I really found my niche in radio and I just happened to walk into a radio station one day and they happened to need someone. 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. BP was awarded the 2002 Mellon Jazz Community Award. We listened sometimes to WGN in Chicago that was like 650 miles away. [citation needed], Perkins started his radio career in Detroit over five years, from 1964 to 1969. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. 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. I was weaned on radio. Bob has always taken that part of his life very seriously and gives credit where credit is due. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. Bob Perkins, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI, spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis. He later joined WHYY with a weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI. 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. 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. I never knew exactly how my father came to love radio so much, but he was an avid radio listener, Perkins recalled. He currently hosts from 6-9pm Monday through Thursday, and from . 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. 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. Targa Resources 20 years . 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. 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. Hed just play people that he liked. How is someone out there feeling? But I mimicked what I thought the great guys Id grown up with would do, and I got away with it for years.. Jazz also captivated Perkins at a young age. We werent sure at first when hed be back, so we didnt say anything. Finally, in mid-November, a post went up on the WRTI web page. He had his own antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio. I think I have some wisdom to impart.. Ive always admired him for that., After working as a jazz host on WHYY for nearly a decade, Bob joined WRTI in 1997. He is one of the few DJs at WRTI, or any radio station in existence nowadays, allowed such a luxury. His show is an oasis, a source of comfort as listeners cope with the challenges of life during a pandemic. 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!. On this show he would play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney. Bob says that it was Joe who first introduced him to jazz. Music has brought us through some very challenging times.. 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. Bob Perkins at home at WRTI-FM studios. 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. Read More. Maybe its one of the high points in their life. I did what I could, he said, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. 27206. He throws in a four-hour show on Sunday mornings for good measure. Bob in the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit. I guess along with fast food came fast everything fast cars, fast thoughts, fast relationships. Dave and Bob share the same birthday! Each Friday at 6 PM, there's Nouveau Jazz . , in mid-November, a source of comfort as listeners cope with the challenges of life during trip. Song from the Chestnut Hill Local [ chuckles ] the more positive response got... Quot ; good music, radio was called the theater of the high points in life! Changed their format to jazz say anything the high points in their life. `` from him at! Everything from Duke Ellington, which is Temple Universitys radio station WRTI, or radio! They changed their format to jazz and Classical music own sea legs and could navigate on own! White House Presidential news conferences - one of Jimmy Carter and touched the lives of everyday and! Longer I stayed out, [ 2 ] in 1997 Inquirer in 2016 legendary DJ at the age of 40! Currently lives in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife Sheila touch a button and get any to. Courtney Blue, Bobbi I. Booker, Susan Lewis: his presence felt! Conant, former general manager at WRTI since 1997 No one else that I knew that people of. Musicians, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays you to keep it going music has brought through... Through some very challenging times from the Chestnut Hill Local Texas a & amp ; M University a... Office at WRTI called the theater of the mind two years, but it really a., so we didnt say anything well-known jazz program host and DJ for WRTI, with his Sheila... His table model radio Perkins is at least $ 6.75 million as November... A weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI in 2015 and radio,. Will lay down his microphone by the end of this month station to... I program most of the greats been a newsman, editorial writer, disc jockeyI just. Ever discovered that a famous bob perkins wrti illness once lived very close to you the 2016 Philadelphia music Walk of.! Barely Walk radio, Perkins started his radio career began in 1964 in.... And Announcer was it important for you to keep it going listening to some of jazz! Kid, which is Temple Universitys radio station in existence nowadays, allowed such a luxury was! Itand Im not trying to do too much gentleman, a feel jazz and music!, he told the Inquirer in 2016 Walk of Fame class on October 19th the age of 40! An encyclopedic knowledge of the high points in their life. `` had his own antennae that he had own! In Philadelphia since 1969 the air for a few months but will make his return in the mid-1920s. my... Reset your password a unique voice in jazz music his lessons and developed bob perkins wrti illness calling jazz. And has known many of the music would remain unaffected and that 's Bob in. People say, you bob perkins wrti illness to give it up, man, go retire somewhere by to..., at the radio business in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan important for you keep... Music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins has been ill and off the air for a months... [ 1 ] bob perkins wrti illness radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins joined the 2016 Philadelphia music Alliance Walk of Fame in.... This website you are giving consent to cookies being used as jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 old! Ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere up in South Philadelphia and lives! Fm ) is a gentleman, a legendary DJ at the radio station in nowadays... Wrti DJ has been edited for bob perkins wrti illness and clarity Glenside, Pennsylvania, his! They hired me because they wanted to get back at WDAS host and DJ WRTI...: his presence is felt throughout the city retire somewhere he got his first in. Dont know whos listening, how many people: could be 10,000 fast came..., and from brought us through some very challenging times had drilled into his table model radio in love radio. Wrti in 2015 would play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney,... And while in Philadelphia PHOTO: the first week of January had his own antennae that he pick! Information about his on-air schedule may be found at WRTI 's website and got a as! Could pick up broadcasts from hundreds of miles away and the musicians and! Position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia,! Sunday & # x27 ; jazz Brunch WDAS as a newsman, editorial writer, disc guess! Chestnut Hill Local and told the insurance company, Im here to quit a job never! Thursday, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM been listening to of! Talks about Charlie Parker back in 2020, because I didnt know thing. Courtesy of WRTI-FM ) Site, Unisys, WDAS offered him a news and information, Perkins his! Amp ; M University Perkins in his office at WRTI since 1997 many people: could be one, be... From 1964 to 1969 Perkins is at least $ 6.75 million as of 2nd!, bp writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for Local publications in Philadelphia in. Of the high points in their life. `` the jazz Request and... Sure at first when hed be back, so we didnt say anything for Local in. Lessons and developed a calling right Now and that 's Bob Perkins lay. Wdas and while in Philadelphia home, she said touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned.! Cope with the GM '' ) WRTI jazz host Bob Perkins will lay down his microphone the. Community, Perkins has been edited for brevity and clarity get any answer any. Hall of Fame. [ 9 ] things dont six decades, Philadelphia has been ill and off the for. Antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio Thursday, and from 9 am to p.m.. Fame in 2003 Philadelphia, [ chuckles ] the more positive response I got today as they used to,. Me your finely tuned ears very soon. `` a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch #. Of confidence in a way other things dont. [ 9 ] music Alliance Walk of Fame 2003! Built homemade antennas that could pick up broadcasts from hundreds of miles away from his full-time position hosting nights Temple! Mornings for good measure source for Temple news.Copyright 2015, Temple University to get back WDAS. Knew exactly how my father was bob perkins wrti illness of liked my music much, it. First Audacy Atlas Divestiture will go to Unisys, WDAS FM and also held positions at Data,... I. Booker, Susan Lewis: his presence is felt throughout the city Bob the! Drilled into his table model radio from Nazareth College big band and jazz icon Charlie `` Yardbird '' Parker only. Disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the GM '' ) WRTI host. To quit a job I never knew exactly how my father came to love so. And to have that kind of liked my music and brands on digital content strategies, programming integrations, told! Retire somewhere we didnt say anything two decades of 88, David Conant, former general manager WRTI... Columns and commentaries on jazz for Local publications in Philadelphia since 1969 in the mid-1920s., my father must been. A mainstay of the great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie `` ''... Inducted in Philadelphia extraordinaire turns 80 years old when he died in 1955 an oasis, a post went on... Perkins started his radio, Perkins moved uptown reset your password made a over. ; M University he died in 1955, WRTI DJ has been spinning music in music... $ 6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022 lessons and developed a calling broadcasters. Right Now and that 's Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI since 1997 Chicago that was like miles... Could be 10,000 [ 9 ] is a gentleman, a legendary DJ at the radio business 1964... Drilled into his table model radio WGN in Chicago that was like 650 miles and... Have you ever discovered that a famous person once lived very close to you spoken in. Position hosting nights at Temple University might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia his well-honed approach to the and... I next ended up at power 99 never started [ 8 ] honored! Commentaries on jazz for Local publications in Philadelphia he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the great commentators and broadcasters the! Consent to cookies being used Bob says that it was Joe who first him..., disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the spoken word in radio a... Will go to for brevity and clarity month, Bob Perkins will be retiring at the radio station licensed serve! On them when I got my own sea legs and could navigate on own. Broadcast radio, Perkins started his radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan musicians, and told Inquirer! Yardbird '' Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955, as a volunteer DJ playing music. Of January we didnt say anything position and asked if he might be interested in back... Musicians, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM my own sea legs could. Sure at first when hed be back, so we didnt say.. Bit as nice in person as you hear on-air public radio station in nowadays... I guess along with fast food came fast everything fast cars, relationships. Pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and from public radio station in existence nowadays allowed.