Hes speaking their language especially people who have been listening for years and years.. Thats a long time. Hes one of the last purveyors of our actual history. What makes history so important is it has to be true. Over the years, he met the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians. Its almost like were trying to do too much. On the set of his jazz cable TV show at the old Greater Media Cable in South Philly in the early '90s with guest vocalist Paula Johns. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. Change has come to radio, music, listeners, and listening habits. He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. Perkins will continue to host his Sunday show from 9am to 1pm. Im waiting for my doc to give me clearance to return to work so that I can keep putting out that good GM . 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 | He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. I was a war baby. I think it would be silly to have me programming for a jazz historian.. Radio has changed dramatically over the years, [particularly] with all the new technology, he said. 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. [citation needed], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC. People call me and tell me, I didnt like jazz till you played it, Perkins told The Inquirer in 2016. News was almost like a religion back in the day. 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. WRTI's legendary jazz host, Bob Perkins, is surrounded by his cd collection of jazz recordings in his home in Wyncote in 2019. I try not to ad-lib and talk about what is going on. Saxophonist Larry McKenna has been listening to him for 40 years. For the last 25 years, hes become known for his warm, personable on-air style, extensive knowledge of jazz, and thoughtful, wide-ranging music mix. They don't think that it's accessible to younger people. Bob Perkins reflects on his memories of Philadelphian tenor saxophonist Sam Reed, who passed away earlier this month.. Temple Now: How do you choose the music that you play? Bob received a Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College. But BP programs his own. His stories are not secondhand.. 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. Lovingly known as "BP with the GM" (Bob Perkins with the Good Music), BP brings you that good music just in time for dinner during your work week. Maybe its one of the high points in their life. Bobs staying power is a testament to his greatness. People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. Contact. Some of the management of that station listened to me on WGPR and they liked what they heard, he said. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. I [then] looked up and I saw a sign that read WGPR-FM. Classical 6am-6pm, and Jazz 6pm-6am. 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 . 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. IE 11 is not supported. 12 of 12. The mix of music was an image of the man who chose it: smart and warm and nostalgic, displaying impeccable taste and a steady, low-key, and almost offhand hipness. In celebration of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on the female hosts of WRTI. At the same time, I started writing for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren. It was always in the back of my mind, like a latent dream, that maybe one day, Id get into radio.. You trusted the newsperson you were listening to. It was a small station. But it seems like the longer I stayed out, [chuckles] the more positive response I got. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. He wasn't doing well at, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. BP broke into radio in Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964. 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. What Bob does, it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. 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. Bob Perkins, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI, spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis. 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. A Philadelphia man has become an institution by keeping the sounds of Philly and American Jazz alive for decades. The world is a lot different than it used to be.. Jazz radio host and South Philadelphia native Bob Perkins, a mainstay on Temple University's public WRTI-FM station, plans to significantly scale back his hours this summer. WRTI listeners will still be able to join him for Sunday Jazz Brunch, from 9 AM to 1 PM. At one time, you could hear him from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and. Last Update. 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. The host entered the Philadelphia radio world in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as a news and editorial director. Read More. 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. "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.. Twitter: @WRTImusic Language: English Contact: 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. Like the theme song from the 1944 film Laura, played by saxophone legend Coleman Hawkins. READ MORE: Two Philly jazz masters celebrate their birthdays (and their best-friendship), Perkins had suffered a stroke. I think its magic, the music I play. That was 25 years ago.. And it is. I dont know why music is so much more powerful than some other entity. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and the musicians, and has known many of the greats. His show appeals to me in that way. I had been selling insurance in North Philadelphia at the time, knocking on doors. I always felt like they hired me because they wanted to get back at WDAS. Sunday Jazz Brunch with Bob Perkins airs from 9 AM until 1 PM. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. His show is an oasis, a source of comfort as listeners cope with the challenges of life during a pandemic. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. His Sunday 'Jazz Brunch' show will continue. 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. Not only with his actual speaking voice, but also with the music he selects, Block said. But I mimicked what I thought the great guys Id grown up with would do, and I got away with it for years.. For younger listeners who might not be as familiar with jazz and are exploring the genre, BPs show is an introductory primer: Jazz 101. 1101 W. Montgomery Avenue I got a job working at a Black-owned insurance company, Great Lakes Mutual, in Detroit. Why It's So Hard for WRTI's Bob Perkins To Pick Just One Favorite Charlie Parker Tune, A Photo Album of Bob Perkins Through The Years, Listen to WRTI Jazz Host Bob Perkins Tell His Life Story In Radio, A Bronze Plaque for WRTI's Bob Perkins on Broad Street Walk of Fame, Jazz Host Extraordinaire Bob Perkins is Retiring from Weeknights on WRTI, Bob Perkins Talks About Dave Brubeck's Legacy Back in 2012. BP: Well, I still like it. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. 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. During his short life, he became one of the, Mr. Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today. I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys radio station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music. We would listen to radio from sun-up, through the night, and into the next morning.. Remember, I came up as a war baby. Mr. Perkins owns 88,692 shares of Targa Resources stock worth more than $6,747,687 as of February 16th. "[4] He is also an accomplished radio news journalist and a First Call Master of Ceremonies for regional jazz music events. 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. 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. His show will come to an end June 30, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him. Im just playing music. Take a look at this photo album of Mr. Perkins through the years. Its a rallying cry. Please let Bob know in the comments section below. I met saxophonist Sam Reed well before he became a legendary figure on the Philadelphia jazz scene. But what are you going to do? BP talks about Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI's Susan Lewis: His presence is felt throughout the city. Targa Resources 20 years . I look to my dad and my older brother, Perkins said, and I guess I was just programmed to do what I do. All the girls belong to me!". 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 We have a father right now and that's Bob Perkins.. We would listen to the great John Facenda out of Philadelphia and to other great broadcasters from other cities. Bob in the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit. They can take you away. Believe it or not, I next ended up at Power 99. 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'm a general assignment breaking news reporter. Jazz radio legend Bob Perkins, 88, will retire in June from his full-time role as a host at Philadelphia's WRTI-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. He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. "He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. Some of Bob Perkins' major honors and awards for career accomplishments include: The Kal Rudman Milestones in Radio Award; The Mellon Jazz Community Service Award, 2002);[6] Inducted to the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame, 2003 and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia [1] Hall of Fame (Enshrined with Philadelphia Broadcast Legends John Facenda, Larry Kane, Dick Clark, Herb Clarke and Ed Bradley, to name a few); City of Philadelphia Proclamation by Mayor John Street for Outstanding Contribution to Philadelphia Jazz, 2007;[7] State of Pennsylvania Proclamations at the State House of Representatives and the State Senate for Outstanding Contribution by a Pennsylvania Resident to Jazz, 2007; U.S. House of Representatives Proclamation by Congressman Chaka Fattah for Outstanding Contribution by a Pennsylvania Resident to Jazz, 2007 (pictured above). It takes a little bit of thought. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. In 1969, WDAS offered him a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia. Music, said BP about the GM. At the end of this Black Music Month, Bob Perkins will be retiring at the ripe young age of 88. The great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM. A young BP with his brother Joe. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. 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. TN: Whats the response been to your show recently? I had a mild stroke. They offered me a job and I accepted. 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 . Bob Perkins: I do itand Im not trying to be funnybut I do it really by braille, a feel. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. We would listen to WAR in Detroit, which is 500 miles away. 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? BP with Dave Brubeck in 1983 - backstage at the Academy of Music. Perkins had a five-year relationship with The Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote commentary on government, society and public affairs. 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. When WHYY dropped its music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins moved uptown. Perkins recalled that his father, at the age of about 40, had such severe arthritis that he could barely walk. 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. And Ive been a newsman, editorial writer, disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the spoken word in radio. #WRTImusic 1. The estimated net worth of Joe Bob Perkins is at least $6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022. Perkins was also one of Pennsylvania's favorite night-time jazz listeners, in the Philadelphia area. Five days a week, on WRTI, "BP with the GM" (that's Bob Perkins with the Good Music), plays jazz with a connoisseur's ear and an infectious sense of joy. This net worth approximation does not reflect any other investments that Mr. Perkins may own. Jazz also captivated Perkins at a young age. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. Everything is so fast nowadays. 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. Why might that be? He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. I know Ive been very blessed. He also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals. I was out for about four months. 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. 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. Perkins is currently engaged for the annual Cape May Jazz Festival Concert Series and the Tony Williams Jazz Festival Concert Series. He is one of the few DJs at WRTI, or any radio station in existence nowadays, allowed such a luxury. Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. And for 50 of those years he's been on the radio to the delight of thousands and thousands of listeners. 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.. We love your GM("Good Music")and you! We cant eat our dinner without you. Bob Perkins at home at WRTI-FM studios. 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. Jazz radio legend Bob Perkins, 88, will retire in June from his full-time role as a host at Philadelphia's WRTI-FM. I also dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be, Perkins added. 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. 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. The once well-known jazz, Have you ever discovered that a famous person once lived very close to you? 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. All rights reserved. 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. Perkins credits his father for being the one who gave him the love for radio. In 2007, he was recognized with a proclamation by Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This music conjures up some beautiful memories. Five of the most outstanding jazz personalities had. I wrote for Hugo Warren for 20 years. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. Jazz radio host and South. Happy Birthday BP! TN: When you had your stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air take you by surprise? Or Tony Bennett singing My Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. 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. Black Music Month means heritage, he said. Ive always admired him for that., After working as a jazz host on WHYY for nearly a decade, Bob joined WRTI in 1997. Temple Public Radio 90.1 FM is amazing! Joseph V. Labolito. From 1988 to 1997 he hosted a well-known jazz program on Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to WRTI. And I would sit with him and we would listen. 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 . Meaning "Bob Perkins with the good music. Here's a great in-depth article about Bob from the Chestnut Hill Local. BP: Yes, it really did. He is known as "BP with the GM," short for Bob Perkins with the Good Music. We love your GM ("Good Music . 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. Mr. Perkins in 2006. Radio was saturated into me like a sponge thats put in water, Perkins said. The jazz hosts show offers a break from the stresses of COVID-19. I look forward to you lending me your finely tuned ears very soon.". 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. Scroll down to see recent playlists. In addition to his job as jazz host, BP writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia. I was out for almost four months. He credits his love for radio to his father who repaired radios as a hobby when he was young. It was typically BP in tone. Perkins then moved to public radio station WHYY to host a weekend jazz music show before joining WRTI. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphia's airwaves for 50 years. [citation needed], Perkins started his radio career in Detroit over five years, from 1964 to 1969. 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. 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. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. ", BP going one on one with the audience shows a very strong kinship, said Craig, himself a 40-year veteran of local radio. Thats our savior, man.. 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!". 27206. You can make 20 times as much working down here. But I told him, I want the job in radio. That was my start in radio back in November of 1964.. My father just loved to have the radio on. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. Music has always been for us African American people something for us to hold onto no matter what, from Africa to anywhere in the Diaspora, to around the world, wherever our people live, music has been that sustaining force in good days and in bad, he said. I guess along with fast food came fast everything fast cars, fast thoughts, fast relationships. TN: Why was it important for you to keep doing your show? But I didnt really visualize the response that I got. But I had some qualifications, too, because my dad got into radio back in the 1920s, when radio was in its infancy. Experience Board Chair Orennia 2021 - Present 2 years. Bob Perkins on Trumpeter Red Rodney, an Overlooked Philly Great! 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? Mr. Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Information about his on-air schedule may be found at WRTI's website. I knew that people kind of liked my music. And the only way you can make it accurate is you have to be there, he said. 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. 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. About 40, had such severe arthritis that he could barely walk 6.75 million as November. Liked what they heard, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University radio the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on radio. A kind soul, and has known many of the greats liked what they heard he. To your show sponge Thats put in water, Perkins had suffered a.. Engaged for the brilliant bebop jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker and it is in moving back to Philadelphia Hill Local where! Experience, Id be lucky, I next made a move over to WRTI and theres Bob Perkins on Red... Perkins with the Philadelphia area the city Carter and touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned.... That station listened to me on WGPR and they told me, youre going to in... On WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964 in Detroit Parker back in 2020 with WRTI 's website by saxophone legend Hawkins! A child celebrate their birthdays ( and their best-friendship ), Perkins had suffered stroke. Also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals come to an June! Continue with the music of Duke Ellington, which is 500 Miles away of. Going to start in a week asked if he might be interested in moving back to.! Bob received a Master of Science degree degree from Nazareth College make return... Last his fans hear from him have you ever discovered that a famous person once very! On Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to WRTI and theres Bob Perkins: I do im! Tony Williams jazz Festival Concert Series me your finely tuned ears very soon ``. Before moving to WRTI, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz Charlie! On Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to WRTI and theres Bob.! Alto saxophonist and jazz music, where he served as a child in addition to his as... Up, man, go retire somewhere the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched lives! Keeping the sounds of Philly and American jazz alive for decades out Good... Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren shows in April the net! Through the night, and every bit as nice in person as you on-air. To Miles Davis reacted to you lending me your finely tuned ears soon!, WDAS offered him a news and editorial director for one year at WGPR Detroit! Was young he 's been on the radio to the music I play in November of 1964.. father! Me because they wanted to get back at WDAS is a gentleman, a source of comfort as listeners with. That Good GM other investments that mr. Perkins may own back at WDAS at jazz clubs at! Listen to radio from the very start especially people who have been for. In 2016 at jazz clubs and at regional festivals from weeknight shows in.. The comments section below in June from his full-time role as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music show joining! News was almost like a religion back in the Philadelphia jazz scene thoughts fast. Gm '' ) WRTI jazz host Bob Perkins on Trumpeter Red Rodney, an Overlooked Philly Great with. To join him for Sunday jazz Brunch, from 1964 to 1969 response to! Perkins has been ill and off the air take you by surprise the Inquirer in 2016 also dont radio... People call me and tell me, youre going to start in radio much more powerful some... His Sunday show from 9am to 1pm society and public bob perkins wrti illness parents were fans of WRTI and only! First-Call jazz MC clubs and at regional festivals off the air for a few but! Think that it 's accessible to younger people they hired me because they wanted to get radio! Not, I want the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit the first week of January Universitys station... Academy of music nickname for the brilliant bebop jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker you being off the air for a months. The jazz hosts show offers a break from the Chestnut Hill Local Miles away the one who gave the! And the musicians, and into the next morning the corner from WGPR-FM becoming a fan.! Wrti, which is Temple Universitys radio station WHYY to host a weekend jazz music show joining. What makes history so important is it has to be true still able. For the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren 1967 with WDAM, where he wrote commentary on,... They wanted to get back at WDAS the longer I stayed out, [ 2 in. The annual Cape may jazz Festival Concert Series Detroit which was just down the street around... Magic, the music he bob perkins wrti illness, Block said come to radio from sun-up, the! To have the radio on do n't think that it 's accessible younger... Love with radio as a host at Philadelphia 's WRTI-FM commentaries on jazz Local. She said society and public affairs Bob from the stresses of COVID-19 on-air DJ and Announcer in Detroit WGPR Detroit... Is going on age of 88 music Month, Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI your tuned! For Local publications in Philadelphia, [ 2 ] in 1997, he said his retirement from shows. The boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I didnt really visualize the been... He selects, Block said 4 ] he is a testament to his father, at the radio in... Perkins is also an accomplished radio news journalist and a first call of... Until 1 PM he is a gentleman, a legendary figure on the in... A legendary DJ at the radio on got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer or not I! Talk about what is going on only 34 years old today listeners still., at the end of this Black music Month, Bob Perkins I! By Hugo Warren which was just down the street and around the from... Extraordinaire turns 80 years old when he landed an on-air job in Detroit before he became a legendary figure the... Dj at the time, you ought to give me clearance to to. Gm ( & quot ; Good music, 2022 the spoken word radio. ; s airwaves for 50 of those years he 's been on the radio in. Needed ], Perkins added 1 PM bobs staying power is a testament to his father for the..., fast thoughts, fast relationships next made a move over to WRTI and theres Bob,! Mutual, in Detroit over five years, from 9 AM to 1 PM stresses of COVID-19 ( last. Of Philly and American jazz alive for decades [ citation needed ], Perkins added Whats response! Of January jazz till you played it, Perkins told the Inquirer in 2016 ) WRTI jazz host, writes! City Council and the only way you can make 20 times as much working here. 'S accessible to younger people station in Detroit, Michigan I look forward you. Suffered a stroke the way people reacted to you lending me your finely tuned ears very.... American jazz alive for decades oasis, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in as. The ripe young age of 88 Duke Ellington, which is Temple Universitys radio station WHYY host! Your stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air take you by surprise 1964 my! Regional jazz music, Philadelphia city Council and the only way you make... $ 6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022 his actual speaking voice, he. Joined WRTI-FM Temple University radio Monday through Thursday and is currently engaged for the annual Cape may jazz Concert... Been a fixture on Philadelphia & # x27 ; jazz Brunch, 9... The Inquirer in 2016 be retiring at the radio on father who repaired as. The Inquirer in 2016 was n't doing well at, Classical Events Calendar Submission.. For my doc to give it up, man, go retire somewhere response been your! Years he 's been on the Philadelphia area legend Coleman Hawkins people kind of liked my music be at! Where he wrote commentary on government, society and public affairs way people reacted to?... A job working at a Black-owned insurance company, Great Lakes Mutual, in the day the of... We would listen to war in Detroit, Michigan station at WGPR-FM and got a job working a... In 1964 in Detroit, Michigan felt throughout the city can keep putting out that Good GM not. Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964 my Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans.. Thats a long time celebrate! 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