Bob Perkins (radio personality) facts for kids
Robert Perkins (born December 6, 1933 – died January 19, 2025) was an American radio host and DJ from Philadelphia. He was famous for playing jazz music on the radio.
Bob Perkins was known for his calm and relaxed way of speaking. He also worked as a news reporter on the radio and often hosted jazz music events.
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Bob Perkins' Radio Journey
Bob Perkins started his radio career in 1964 when he visited his brothers in Detroit. He first worked as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM. Later, he became a news reporter at WCHB-AM. He also worked at WJLB-AM in Detroit before moving back to Philadelphia in 1969.
Working at WDAS Radio
In Philadelphia, Bob Perkins joined WDAS-AM and WDAS-FM. For 19 years, through the 1970s and 1980s, his unique deep voice became well-known on these stations. He shared his thoughts on many topics, which listeners enjoyed.
Hosting Jazz on WHYY-FM
From 1988 to 1997, Bob Perkins hosted a jazz show on Saturday nights at WHYY-FM. During this time, he became the president of the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association. He was also one of a few news directors chosen to interview President Jimmy Carter.
Later Years at WRTI-FM
In 1997, Perkins became the afternoon jazz host for WRTI-FM, which is Temple University Radio. He stopped working full-time in 2022 and officially retired from the station in April 2023.
Writing and Other Projects
Bob Perkins also worked in print media for a short time. He was an editorial director for The Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote about government and public life. He also wrote for other newspapers like the Philadelphia New Observer and Icon.
Perkins also created a radio documentary about Paul Robeson. Robeson was an important African American historical figure who was born near Philadelphia and spent his last years there.
About Bob Perkins' Life
Bob Perkins was born in South Philadelphia on December 6, 1933, and grew up there. He often said his love for radio came from his father, who enjoyed fixing radios as a hobby.
Later in his life, Bob Perkins lived in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Sheila.
Bob Perkins passed away on January 19, 2025, at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania. He was 91 years old.
Awards and Recognitions
Bob Perkins received many awards for his long and successful career:
- Mellon Jazz Community Service Award (2002)
- Inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame (2003)
- Inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame (2003)
- Received a special award from Mayor John Street for his great work with Philadelphia Jazz (2007)
- Received an award from the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Chaka Fattah for his outstanding contribution to Jazz in Pennsylvania (2007)
- Inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame (2017)
