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I got a job working at a Black-owned insurance company, Great Lakes Mutual, in Detroit. Perkins stayed at that first station about a year and a half when another opportunity showed itself. And hopefully its working. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Bob Perkins at home at WRTI-FM studios. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. 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. Last Update. 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. 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. After 58 years of working in broadcast radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins will lay down his microphone by the end of this month. TN: People staying at home have been listening more to the radio and less to streaming services. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. His show is an oasis, a source of comfort as listeners cope with the challenges of life during a pandemic. 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. Domain Insight 2/27: The First Audacy Atlas Divestiture Will Go To. It comes out of the head, out of the heart and out of your soul. 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. Philadelphia,PA19122 USA. 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 love your GM("Good Music")and you! 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. But I didnt really visualize the response that I got. He has been with the station since 1997. Read more MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer ), I remember telling my friends about it, McKenna adds. BP with Dave Brubeck in 1983 - backstage at the Academy of Music. 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. I think I have some wisdom to impart.. Radio was drilled in my head.. They offered me a job and I accepted. It seems like our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology. Over the years, he met the likes of President Jimmy Carter and touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians. ", BP going one on one with the audience shows a very strong kinship, said Craig, himself a 40-year veteran of local radio. He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. That was 25 years ago.. BP: Yes, it really did. They had hired me for all the wrong reasons in the first place. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. You trusted the newsperson you were listening to. It was a small station. And you had to visualize this man who could make himself invisible. I look forward to you lending me your finely tuned ears very soon.". His salvation was radio, Perkins said. It took Perkins a little while to break into radio. At the same time, I started writing for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren. 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. 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. My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. [citation needed], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC. Visit our, Bob Perkins Retires From Fulltime Role At WRTI, Classic Country Makes The Grade In San Luis Obispo, First Listen: Spotify DJ, YouTube Radio Builder, Brooke Grimsley Joins 101 ESPNs Opening Drive, WRNQ Debuts Marino in the Morning with Marissa, Canadian Programming Vets Launch RMR Media Strategies. 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. 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. Michael Tanenbaum I knew the Athletics batting averages like they were my own name. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. Five of the most outstanding jazz personalities had. 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. Learn More about Joe Bob Perkins' net worth. 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. Perkins was born and raised in South Philadelphia and currently lives in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife Sheila. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. Music, said BP about the GM. 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? Since I turned 65, he reports with a tone more of irony than self-pity, its been one thing after another. Bob Perkins's Phone Number and Email. Perkins' jazz show has been broadcast Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays. 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 I try not to ad-lib and talk about what is going on. I did a good music program over there for twenty years. WRTI. BP broke into radio in Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964. I had been selling insurance in North Philadelphia at the time, knocking on doors. This music conjures up some beautiful memories. PERKINS, 88, has been hosting at WRTI for 25. 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. All rights reserved. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. 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. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphias airwaves for 50 years. Went to Texas A&M University. 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. For 50 years he has been one of the great voices of Philadelphia radio, starting in 1969 with a nearly 20-year stint as a news and editorial reader for WDAS, known in those days as The Voice of the Black Community. He had his own antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio. Copyright 2022 RadioInsight / RadioBB Networks. BP: People, they never call me, seemingly. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. BP: No, I just put out the music. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. Im waiting for my doc to give me clearance to return to work so that I can keep putting out that good GM . I couldnt leave Mom Perkins to go chasing after radio, he said. 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. Fifty-seven years after his voice first graced the airwaves, Perkins, best-known for his weeknight jazz show at WRTI, is entering semi-retirement after 25 years at the station. Thanks! I did what I could, he said, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. And people do forget. Electronics and technology are magnificent. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on, Fans mourn death of legendary Philly radio host Sid Mark, Questlove, The Balvenie award first scholarship for PhD in Creativity at University of the Arts, Philadelphia Film Society to host series of family-friendly movie screenings, Eagles name Alex Tanney QB coach, plus other coaching staff updates, The food you eat impacts the health of your eyes, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says, Joanna McClinton becomes first woman elected as speaker of Pa. House, Rocco's Italian Sausage, a cult favorite at Home Depot stores in Philly, to expand in Bucks County, Low-calorie sweetener tied to higher risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds. Thats the magic part about this thing called music. He will continue to host his Sunday program. At one time, you could hear him from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and. As of 1997, Perkins landed at WRTI-FM. He later joined WHYY with a weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI. This website uses cookies. They don't think that it's accessible to younger people. Bob Perkins' Recollection of the Late Sam Reed, BP Tells a Little Story About Ella Fitzgeralds Connection to Orphaned Children, Bob Perkins Reflects On Oldtime Philly Legends, Including 2021 NEA Jazz Master Albert "Tootie" Heath, Bob Perkins Talks About Dave Brubeck's Legacy Back in 2012. 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.. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. News was almost like a religion back in the day. 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 | Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. 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. I think because of them, thats where my love of jazz music was solidified.. Discovery, curation, community, performance, preservation. The jazz hosts show offers a break from the stresses of COVID-19. [3] One of his well-known sayings is "This is BP with the GM!". He began his career at WGPR Detroit. A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997. He wasn't doing well at, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. 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.. Perkins spoke about the evolution of radio. 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. Thats our savior, man.. You can find some solace in what you like. Temple Public Radio 90.1 FM is amazing! Ive been in radio for about 55 years and in Philadelphia for 50 years. 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. Ive gotta find something else to do, he said. But his well-honed approach to the music would remain unaffected. 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. Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. 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. He currently hosts from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays. In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. I was out for almost four months. He could pick up stations that no one else that I knew could get. IE 11 is not supported. If you, WRTIs Bob Perkins joined the 2016 Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame class on October 19th. My dad was my radio school, the 86-year-old remembered. Thats a long time. Or Tony Bennett singing My Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans. His stories are not secondhand.. TN: Why do you feel people respond so strongly to music? They were doing quite well, raising their families, Perkins said. We spoke with him about his show, the power of radio and the beauty of jazz. Lets sit around and gab, whatever the case may be. Saxophonist Larry McKenna has been listening to him for 40 years. 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. Bobs staying power is a testament to his greatness. Bob Perkins' first radio gig at WGPR-FM in Detroit, 1964. And to have that kind of confidence in a guy whos just sitting around playing music [laughs], thats pretty good. 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. Bob in the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit. He also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals. All the girls belong to me!". A survey of the playlist from one of his last shows before his stroke is a ramble through classic jazz interpretations of American Songbook standards. Listen to BP's last weeknight shift on Thursday, June 30th from 6 to 9 PM. 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. Or when times are not tight and everythings loose? Bob Perkins on Trumpeter Red Rodney, an Overlooked Philly Great! Dave and Bob share the same birthday! Bob Perkins, WRTI DJ has been spinning music in Philadelphia since 1969. 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. Not only with his actual speaking voice, but also with the music he selects, Block said. Perkins was also one of Pennsylvania's favorite night-time jazz listeners, in the Philadelphia area. I know Ive been very blessed. I told the general manager about the job offer I had just received from the insurance company, and he replied, Take whichever job comes first., The general manager called me a couple days later and offered me the job, he said. We cant eat our dinner without you. #WRTImusic Robert Bob Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. 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. A Philadelphia man has become an institution by keeping the sounds of Philly and American Jazz alive for decades. It's kind of an honor when you are played on his program., For Lovett Hines, Artistic Director and Founder of the Music Education Program of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, BP represents a sense of history. Mr. Perkins owns 88,692 shares of Targa Resources stock worth more than $6,747,687 as of February 16th. Bob has always taken that part of his life very seriously and gives credit where credit is due. Maybe were getting back to that today. 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. Bob Perkins: I do itand Im not trying to be funnybut I do it really by braille, a feel. 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. BP means a great deal to listeners of all ages. My gerontologist tells me, Keep moving.. Why might that be? Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM. Mr. Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") WRTI jazz host extraordinaire turns 80 years old today. You lending me your finely tuned ears very soon. `` twenty years on doors solace in what like. Have some wisdom to impart.. radio was drilled in my head also concerts... P.M. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays newspaper! 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Of life during a pandemic 55 years bob perkins wrti illness in Philadelphia for 50 years weekday program continue!, thats where my love of jazz music and radio community, performance, preservation offers break. Me for all the wrong reasons in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky I... News was almost like a religion back in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky I... Larry McKenna has been listening to radio from the very start broadcast radio, he will the! Where credit is due really visualize the response that I can keep putting out that good GM one that. Show offers a break from the very start WHYY with a tone of! And touched the lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians Classical Events Calendar Submission Form,. The lives of everyday listeners and renowned musicians deal to listeners of all ages lucky. Our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology also... Ago.. bp: People staying at home have been listening more to the radio the!

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