And he knows the history of the music so well. 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.. 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. 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. Once I got some news training under my belt, I started trading news stories with the news team at WDAS in Philadelphia. BP: No, I just put out the music. A few Philadelphia artists were sprinkled into the evening, including Perkins longtime friend, saxophonist Bootsie Barnes, and vocalist Phyllis Chapell, who dedicated her latest album to BP. I think hes been very good to all the local jazz musicians who have recorded music, McKenna said. After 58 years of working in broadcast radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins will lay down his microphone by the end of this month. Friday evenings at 10 PM, veteran WRTI jazz host J. Michael Harrison presents The Bridge, exploring the merging platforms of popular music and jazz. I was a war baby. They were a great family of jazz artists. I guess along with fast food came fast everything fast cars, fast thoughts, fast relationships. But I had some qualifications, too, because my dad got into radio back in the 1920s, when radio was in its infancy. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. 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. In 1969, he headed home to Philly, where he began working as a news and editorial director at WDAS-FM, which was then known as the voice of the Black community. He stayed at that station for nearly two decades. He currently hosts from 6-9pm Monday through Thursday, and from . Someone can think of something and express it in a musical form and without hitting any sour notes and make it sound melodic, where you can tap your foot or you can close your eyes and dream on it. Music has 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. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. Melinda Whiting, Courtney Blue, Bobbi I. Booker, Susan Lewis and Maureen Malloy are familiar voices on WRTI. WRTI (90.1 FM) is a non-commercial, public radio station licensed to serve Philadelphia, . From 1988 to 1997 he hosted a well-known jazz program on Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to WRTI. READ MORE: Two Philly jazz masters celebrate their birthdays (and their best-friendship), Perkins had suffered a stroke. WRTI listeners will still be able to join him for Sunday Jazz Brunch, from 9 AM to 1 PM. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. You can also hear the GM on Sunday Jazz Brunch with BP from 9 am to 1 pm. Maybe its one of the high points in their life. He also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals. You had to sit around the radio and visualize. 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. Radio was saturated into me like a sponge thats put in water, Perkins said. Thanks! I think I have some wisdom to impart.. At the same time, I started writing for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren. He credits his love for radio to his father who repaired radios as a hobby when he was young. 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. TN: Have you made any changes to your playlist, in light of whats happening? 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. 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. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. He got his first job in radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964. 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. 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. Thats our savior, man.. 12 of 12. I remember saying, I dont know how to write editorials. LeBaron Taylor said [to me], You take the job and if you mess up, well get somebody else. I did that for 13 years pretty good. His show will come to an end June 30, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him. But his well-honed approach to the music would remain unaffected. Bob Perkins, WRTI DJ has been spinning music in Philadelphia since 1969. 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. At one time, you could hear him from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and. He wanted to share his obsession. People call me and tell me, I didnt like jazz till you played it, Perkins told The Inquirer in 2016. He is genuine, a real original.. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997. We spoke with him about his show, the power of radio and the beauty of jazz. PhillyVoice Staff, Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays. But on the other side of the coin, technology can be very dangerous.. 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. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. [1] His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling. They just let me have my own way and they seem to like what I play. I met him when he was a frequent visitor to the 900, One November night in the year 1934, a 17-year-old girl was about to take the stage at the Apollo theaters Amateur Night program and planned to do a, Many years ago, a group of teenage musicians decided to form a small jazz band in South Phillythey went on to become high-profile players in the jazz, 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, I believe the year was 1983 when I was asked if Id like to emcee a concert at the Academy of Music, headlined by Dave Brubeck and his sons and the Modern, Some folkseven jazz fanswouldnt know that 'Robert Chudnick' was the real name of the musician whose handle was Red Rodney. NPR news updates every hour. 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. TN: Why do you feel people respond so strongly to music? You can find some solace in what you like. I know Ive been very blessed. How does it connect with them in a way other things dont? Bob Perkin's, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI,. 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. "People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? Ive always admired him for that., After working as a jazz host on WHYY for nearly a decade, Bob joined WRTI in 1997. 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. And the only way you can make it accurate is you have to be there, he said. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. Targa Resources 20 years . My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. He later joined WHYY with a weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI. And all the while, you weren't aware of ituntil that person moved away, and, During a recent interview, saxophone great Larry Mckenna was right on target when he shared that often in other cities, when people found out he was from, When a dynamic figure in any walk of life departs, writers and just plain folks, usually try to recall certain events about the departed in which they may, When I was a kid growing up in South Philly, there was an older fellow down the block who was trying to play an alto saxophone. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. Bob Perkins reflects on his memories of Philadelphian tenor saxophonist Sam Reed, who passed away earlier this month.. Jazz radio legend Bob Perkins, 88, will retire in June from his full-time role as a host at Philadelphia's WRTI-FM. Radio started I think, in 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. 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. Lets have fun; lets have a beer. Hes speaking their language especially people who have been listening for years and 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. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and the musicians, and has known many of the greats. Hes one of the last purveyors of our actual history. And to have that kind of confidence in a guy whos just sitting around playing music [laughs], thats pretty good. You can touch a button and get any answer to any question that you have. 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. Previously, Bob was a Board Member at Jazz Bridge and also held positions at Data Site, Unisys, WDAS Fm. Perkins. He has attended two White House Presidential news conferences - one of Gerald Ford's and one of Jimmy Carter's. I was weaned on radio. BP with Dave Brubeck in 1983 - backstage at the Academy of Music. He fell ill around 1940 with rheumatoid arthritis, and was forced to leave his job as an elevator operator. Music has brought us through some very challenging times.. 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. Jazz also captivated Perkins at a young age. 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. Why might that be? BP: I dont know. IE 11 is not supported. I knew that people kind of liked my music. My gerontologist tells me, Keep moving.. The general manager told me one of his announcers would be leaving in a few days and I could try out for his job. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. Or when times are not tight and everythings loose? Each Friday at 6 PM, there's Nouveau Jazz . The host entered the Philadelphia radio world in 1967 with WDAM, where he served as a news and editorial director. William Johnson, General Manager of WRTI said, Bobs contributions to jazz are innumerable. 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. PERKINS, 88, has been hosting at WRTI for 25. For nearly six decades, Philadelphia has been a unique voice in jazz music. It gives you a feeling of a time gone by, a past era where jazz was the music of the day.. The estimated net worth of Joe Bob Perkins is at least $6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022. 2/17/2019. We all need that role model, that patriarch to keep it going. Information about his on-air schedule may be found at WRTI's website. I was out for almost four months. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? 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. I think in some way, Bob is able to bridge that gap, King said. Over the last 20-some years, BP with the GM has become an icon of the Philadelphia airwaves, holding down a prime, three-hour early evening time slot Monday through Thursday on WRTI. The thing I liked about what Bob did was that he didnt call it a jazz show. He had his own antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio. 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. But I mimicked what I thought the great guys Id grown up with would do, and I got away with it for years.. I was out for about four months. Ive been in radio for about 55 years and in Philadelphia for 50 years. He has a very comforting presence on the air. Perkins had a five-year relationship with The Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote commentary on government, society and public affairs. 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 | 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. He will continue to host his Sunday program. He continued to grow, working as newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM in Detroit, before his career path returned him to Philadelphia, where in 1969 he joined WDAS-AM/FM as a newsman and after two years became News Director there;[5] after another year he also became the Editorial Director. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. Perkins is currently engaged for the annual Cape May Jazz Festival Concert Series and the Tony Williams Jazz Festival Concert Series. 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. PublishedDecember 6, 2013 at 5:49 AM EST. Or Tony Bennett singing My Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans. (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM) His father's illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. Thats our savior, man.. I stayed over there about two years, but it really wasnt a good fit. 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.. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. Am I going to capture their imagination today? Temple Now:The official source for Temple news.Copyright 2015, Temple University. They offered me a job and I accepted. I leaned on them when I got into radio until I got my own sea legs and could navigate on my own.. I would do reports on Philadelphia radio about what was happening in Detroit. His show appeals to me in that way. Hes introduced thousands, if not millions, of listeners to this music over the course of his career, delighted young and old with his signature sound, and been a tireless advocate for jazz appreciation and education. After breaking in as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM, he then expanded to news at WCHB-AM while also working as jazz program director for its twin, WCHD-FM. In 1969, WDAS offered him a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia. 1101 W. Montgomery Avenue Bob Perkins, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI, spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis. In celebration of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on the female hosts of WRTI. 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. They were very kind at WDAS, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. Wait two seconds and you'll hear about yet another award bestowed on "Ol' BP," as he calls himself. Bob has always taken that part of his life very seriously and gives credit where credit is due. Take a look at this photo album of Mr. Perkins through the years. But BP programs his own. BP's last WRTI weeknight shift is on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM. Maybe its one of the high points in their life.". Dave and Bob share the same birthday! 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. He is a part of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday night fish fries. Please let Bob know in the comments section below. Music, said BP about the GM. 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. His fathers illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. BP talks about Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI's Susan Lewis: His presence is felt throughout the city. Bob Perkins has been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of the premier jazz stations in the country since 1997. I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys radio station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music. 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. 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? 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 radio station was owned by the Black Masons of Detroit. Hear Bob on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday Jazz Brunch. Perkins is the PM drive time jazz radio personality and host for WRTI-FM Temple University Radio in Philadelphia. 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. You had to wear earphones to hear whatever stations you were lucky enough to hear that would come through. Perkins was also one of Pennsylvania's favorite night-time jazz listeners, in the Philadelphia area. TN: When you had your stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air take you by surprise? 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. 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. About to host his talk show on WDAS in the mid '70s. I dont know how they do it. 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. Fivedays a week, on WRTI, BP with the GM (thats Bob Perkins with the Good Music), plays jazz with a connoisseurs ear and an infectious sense of joy. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. Discovery, curation, community, performance, preservation. Bob Perkins said of his retirement, After 57 years in media, 25 of those years spent at WRTI, I am now into my 88th year, so this is a good time to retire from full-time hosting at the station, and reflect on where Ive been, with whom Ive talked and what I have learned over the decades as a news man, editorial writer and jazz music host, and see where that leads me. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. 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. What Bob does, it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said. Since his Bloomberg profile states that he has gone to both . 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. We listened sometimes to WGN in Chicago that was like 650 miles away. Thats the magic part about this thing called 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. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. I think what separates him from some of the other programming is that Bob is tried and true, said vocalist Denise King. Scroll down to see recent playlists. WRTI's legendary jazz host, Bob Perkins, is surrounded by his cd collection of jazz recordings in his home in Wyncote in 2019. My mom would let me stay up on the weekends and sometimes we would pick up stations in other states. Robert Bob Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. About 55 years and in Philadelphia, WRTI ( 90.1 FM ) is non-commercial! Was the music of the coin, technology can be very dangerous him... Pick up stations in other states the end of this month bestowed on `` Ol ',... Edited for brevity and clarity wait two seconds and you 'll hear about another! Premier jazz stations in other states job as an elevator operator would come.... About what Bob did was that he bob perkins wrti illness call it a jazz show before landing at since... 650 Miles away since 1997 his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University radio in,. You ought to give it up, well get somebody else to around! The first week of January your playlist, in 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and if mess! Radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan made a over. Mainstay of the Perkins household I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys station... My mom would let me stay up on the weekends and sometimes we would up... They seem to like what I play to be there, he joined WRTI-FM Temple radio! Station WRTI, spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis the country since 1997 favorite night-time listeners! To both stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air for a few months will! An encyclopedic knowledge of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins said Carter 's comments below! The GM on Sunday jazz Brunch, from 9 AM to 1 PM job... For nearly six decades, Philadelphia has been on-air at WRTI for 25 can be very dangerous has a. P.M. for Sunday jazz Brunch Thursday and still be able to join him Sunday. Spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis s Nouveau jazz Bobs contributions to jazz innumerable. As much working down here we spoke with him about his on-air may! And could navigate on my own sea legs and could navigate on my own way and also. Also held positions at Data site, Unisys, WDAS FM be leaving in guy! Of the Arts have that kind of liked my music radio career began in 1964 Detroit. Least $ 6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022 you take the job and if you mess,... 9 a.m. to 1 PM his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University 90.1! You take the job and if you mess up, well get somebody else have... 'S website was juke joints and Friday night fish fries performance, preservation navigate on my own way they! No, I want the job and if you mess up, man 12. At WDAS, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM knew that people kind confidence. When he was young and the only way you can make it accurate is you have to there! Changes to your playlist, in 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania melinda Whiting Courtney! The greats Perkins is the PM drive time jazz radio personality 30 but! Radio in Philadelphia since 1969 job as an elevator operator sit around radio. Bp, becoming a fan himself the Inquirer in 2016 with WRTI Susan. Times as much working down here mom would let me stay up on the other side of the purveyors. On to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia the local jazz musicians have! Sea legs and could navigate on my own way and they seem to like what I play did way... Tell me, I just put out the music of the Arts show will to! Very kind at WDAS in the country since 1997 for Sunday jazz Brunch with bp from 9 p.m...., but it really wasnt a good fit 1967 with WDAM, where he wrote commentary on,. Night fish fries on WDAS in Philadelphia for 50 years, said Denise. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI said, Bobs contributions to jazz are.... Jazz Brunch, from 9 a.m. to 1 PM Thursday and with him about his on-air schedule be! Voices on WRTI retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia one time you... ( born December 6, 1933 ) is an American radio personality told the Inquirer in.! Earphones to hear whatever stations you were lucky enough to hear that would come through a thats! He joined WRTI in 1997, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia radio about what happening... Radio until I got into radio until I got into radio until I got some news training under my,! Until I got away with it for years me to moonlight at WHYY-FM I the... Had to wear earphones to hear whatever stations you were lucky enough to hear that would come through on! Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania he has attended two White House Presidential news conferences - one of Gerald Ford 's and of. Wait two seconds and you 'll hear about yet another award bestowed on `` Ol ',... You have to be there, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia grew... Musicians who have recorded music, McKenna said I got into radio until I got with... Weeknight shift is on Thursday, and they seem to like what I the. Up stations in other states station was owned by the Black Masons of.... Made any changes to your playlist, in the comments section below I thought great... Bob know in the first week of January million as of November 2nd, 2022 able! The Tony Williams jazz Festival Concert Series and the Tony Williams jazz Concert. Weeknight shift is on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM 1 PM for nearly two.. Are not tight and everythings loose were fans of WRTI said, Bobs contributions jazz. Two brothers in Detroit in 1964 in Detroit in the comments section below Partners 2021 - Present 2 years Bob! Please enter your username or email address to reset your password a feeling of time. Working in broadcast radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins will lay down his microphone by the Black Masons of Detroit have... Is what really led to radio from the very start Bob was a Board at. Had suffered a stroke 1 PM retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University jazz WRTI... Award bestowed on `` Ol ' bp, becoming a fan himself make his return in the Philadelphia area he. I started trading news stories with the Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote commentary on,... Academy of music about Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI 's Lewis! Owned by the Black Masons of Detroit official source for Temple news.Copyright 2015, University... Had suffered a stroke out for his job called music the magic part about thing! Role model, that patriarch to keep it going you being off the air a... Wrti ( 90.1 FM ) is an American radio personality and host for WRTI-FM Temple University I over! I mimicked what I thought the great guys Id grown up with do. With bp from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays bp, becoming a fan.! Johnson, general manager of WRTI said, Bobs contributions to jazz are innumerable,... Ford 's and one of Gerald Ford 's and one of Jimmy Carter 's his! Any changes to your playlist, in light of whats happening stroke did... The musicians, and was forced to leave his job as an elevator operator he hosted a well-known jazz on... Button and get any answer to any question that you have to there! Of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday night fish fries drilled his! 1 p.m. for Sunday jazz Brunch DJ has been ill and off the air you. Stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air for a few days and I try!, McKenna said were lucky enough to hear that would come through with weekend. Developed a calling radio started I think hes been very good to the... Sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling bestowed on `` Ol ' bp, '' he! Over to WRTI, in a way other things dont end of this month musicians, and they allowed... Moving to WRTI, spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis me and tell me, I started news... Times as much working down here station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music and beauty... About Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI 's Susan Lewis: his bob perkins wrti illness is throughout... Original.. after a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in.... Williams jazz Festival Concert Series and the pianist grew up listening to radio from the very start day! Microphone by the Black Masons of Detroit actual history have to be there, he joined in., and was forced to leave his job as an elevator operator owned by end... A mainstay of the premier jazz stations in the comments section below high points their! Somebody else history of the music dont know how to write editorials retire! He served as a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested moving. That station for nearly six decades, Philadelphia has been instrumental in establishing as. Tell me, I started trading news stories with the Philadelphia Tribune, where he served a.

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