Bob Perkins (radio personality) facts for kids
Robert Perkins (born December 6, 1933 – died January 19, 2025) was a well-known American radio personality. He was famous for hosting jazz music shows and being a DJ in Philadelphia.
Bob Perkins was loved for his calm and smooth style. He had a famous saying: "This is BP with the GM!" This meant "Bob Perkins with the good music." He also worked as a radio news reporter. Plus, he was often asked to host jazz music events. He received more than 40 awards for his work. You could find his show schedule on WRTI's website.
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Bob Perkins' Radio Journey
Bob Perkins began his radio career in Detroit in 1964. He started as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM. Later, he also worked in news at WCHB-AM. At the same time, he directed jazz programs for WCHD-FM. He was a newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM in Detroit.
Moving to Philadelphia Radio
In 1969, Bob Perkins moved back to Philadelphia. He joined WDAS-AM and FM. His deep voice and fresh ideas became his signature sound. He worked at WDAS for 19 years during the 1970s and 1980s. From 1988 to 1997, he hosted a jazz show on Saturday nights at WHYY-FM.
Working at WRTI
In 1997, Perkins became the afternoon jazz host for WRTI-FM at Temple University Radio. He stopped working full-time in 2022. He officially retired from the station in April 2023.
Writing and Other Projects
Bob Perkins also wrote for newspapers. He wrote for The Philadelphia Tribune for five years. In this newspaper, he shared his thoughts on government and public life. He also wrote for the Philadelphia New Observer.
Documentary Work
Perkins also created a radio documentary. This documentary was about Paul Robeson. Paul Robeson was an important African American history figure. He was born in the Philadelphia area and spent his last years there.
About Bob Perkins' Life
Bob Perkins was born in South Philadelphia on December 6, 1933. He grew up there too. He said his father helped him love radio. His father used to fix radios as a hobby.
First Radio Job
Bob got his first radio job in 1964. He was visiting his brothers in Detroit. He walked into the WGPR-FM station. There, he got a job as an on-air DJ and announcer.
White House Visits
Perkins even attended two White House news conferences. One was for President Gerald Ford. The other was for President Jimmy Carter. Later in life, Bob Perkins lived in Glenside, Pennsylvania. He lived there with his wife, Sheila.
His Passing
Bob Perkins passed away on January 19, 2025. He was 91 years old. He died at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.
Awards and Recognitions
Bob Perkins received many important awards for his long career. Some of these include:
- The Kal Rudman Milestones in Radio Award.
- The Mellon Jazz Community Service Award in 2002.
- He was inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2003.
- He was also honored in the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame. Here, he joined other legends like John Facenda, Larry Kane, Dick Clark, Herb Clarke, and Ed Bradley.
- The City of Philadelphia gave him a Proclamation in 2007. Mayor John Street honored him for his great work in Philadelphia Jazz.
- The State of Pennsylvania also honored him in 2007. Both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate recognized his contributions to jazz.
- The U.S. House of Representatives gave him a Proclamation in 2007. Congressman Chaka Fattah honored him for his outstanding work in jazz (pictured above).
- In 2017, Philadelphia honored him again. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.
See also
- Jazz Bridge
- Hal Jackson
- Yvonne Daniels
- Joseph Deighton Gibson Jr.
- Lavada Durst
- Daddy-O Daylie
- Black-appeal stations
