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. 2/17/2019. We would listen to the great John Facenda out of Philadelphia and to other great broadcasters from other cities. 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. 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. IE 11 is not supported. Friday evenings at 10 PM, veteran WRTI jazz host J. Michael Harrison presents The Bridge, exploring the merging platforms of popular music and jazz. Music, said BP about the GM. Eventually, they changed their format to Jazz and Classical music. TN: Have you made any changes to your playlist, in light of whats happening? Ive been in radio for quite some time. Change has come to radio, music, listeners, and listening habits. Mr. Perkins owns 88,692 shares of Targa Resources stock worth more than $6,747,687 as of February 16th. 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. King agrees. Bob Perkins, WRTI DJ has been spinning music in Philadelphia since 1969. [3] One of his well-known sayings is "This is BP with the GM!". TN: Why do you feel people respond so strongly to music? He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and the musicians, and has known many of the greats. Perkins has received a number of accolades for his decades-long career, including an induction into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. "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.. He was known for his laid-back and mellow style. You can find some solace in what you like. #WRTImusic 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. Im just playing music. Partner Tupper Lake Partners 2021 - Present 2 years. 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. TN: When you had your stroke, did the way people reacted to you being off the air take you by surprise? My mom would let me stay up on the weekends and sometimes we would pick up stations in other states. He grew up in South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child. And you had to visualize this man who could make himself invisible. In this new age of music streaming, where a service like Spotify uses neural networks, big data language analysis, and artificial intelligence machine learning techniques to winnow songs that are channeled down a high-tech digital assembly line to listeners, Perkins relies on a soft, squishy computer that he admits is a bit more unreliable since his stroke and which he refers to in his characteristic parlance as the old noggin. In other words, he plays what he knows and likes. What makes Bob so incredibly important to our music history and the history of Philadelphia is: he was there. 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. 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. Bob Perkins has been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of the premier jazz stations in the country since 1997. Why might that be? 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. What Bob does, it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said. A mainstay of the jazz music and radio community, Perkins has been on-air at WRTI since 1997. Saxophonist Larry McKenna has been listening to him for 40 years. He was the youngest child and when his mother became ill, he felt responsible to stay and care for her. Looking back over his broadcast career, Perkins said he had dual passions one for anchoring the news, the other for playing jazz greats on the radio. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. 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. I dont know how they do it. If you, WRTIs Bob Perkins joined the 2016 Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame class on October 19th. Classical 6am-6pm, and Jazz 6pm-6am. Music. BP broke into radio in Detroit on WGPR/WCHB/WCHD in 1964. 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. Ive met a lot of good people, a lot of entertainers, musicians, and politicians along the way. BP: I dont know. We cant eat our dinner without you. I did what I could, he said, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. I had WDAS and WHYY, doing all of those things simultaneously for about 10 years. 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. Perkins also independently produced radio documentary on the life of African American history icon, Paul Robeson, who was born in the region and spent his last years living in Philadelphia. Jazz host Bob Perkins in his office at WRTI. 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. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. 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. The once well-known jazz, Have you ever discovered that a famous person once lived very close to you? This was in the mid-1920s., My father was kind of a genius in handling his radio, Perkins continued. Thats the magic part about this thing called music. This music conjures up some beautiful memories. He wanted to share his obsession. Learn More about Joe Bob Perkins' net worth. I dont think that there's anybody in Philadelphia who's a true jazz fan who doesn't know who he is, McKenna said. The general manager told me one of his announcers would be leaving in a few days and I could try out for his job. The jazz hosts show offers a break from the stresses of COVID-19. Copyright 2022 RadioInsight / RadioBB Networks. Thats our savior, man.. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. Hear Bob on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Sunday Jazz Brunch. Bob Perkins at home at WRTI-FM studios. 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. He's 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," said WRTI general manager William Johnson. A lot of people, at least in my experience as an artist, associate this music with their grandparents' music or their parents' music. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. It has to be accurate. I wrote for Hugo Warren for 20 years. Bob's contributions to jazz are innumerable. In mid-December, as he planned his return to the airwaves, Perkins was worried that some physical effects of his stroke a few fingers that werent obliging might compromise his technical performance in the control booth. His show appeals to me in that way. Something they can hum. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. For nearly six decades, Philadelphia has been a unique voice in jazz music. I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys radio station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music. Perkins, a longtime jazz DJ, will continue hosting his weekly "Sunday Jazz Brunch show. Not only with his actual speaking voice, but also with the music he selects, Block said. At one time, you could hear him from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and. Managing Editor Teresa A. Emerson - [emailprotected] And I listened to these magnificent voices not knowing that one day I would be doing what they were doing. Box 18869, Philadelphia, PA 19119 - Phone (215) 848-7864 - Fax (215) 848-7893 Temple Public Radio 90.1 FM is amazing! Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. He fell ill around 1940 with rheumatoid arthritis, and was forced to leave his job as an elevator operator. Bob says that it was Joe who first introduced him to jazz. PhillyVoice Staff, Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays. Bob Perkins's Phone Number and Email. 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. 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. We love your GM("Good Music")and you! WRTI, this 600th review is for you! 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? When I was a kid, which was a long time ago, radio was called the theater of the mind. There was a person named The Shadow. Perkins, known to listeners as "BP . William Johnson, General Manager of WRTI said, Bobs contributions to jazz are innumerable. We had great announcers back then. We all need that role model, that patriarch to keep it going. And to have that kind of confidence in a guy whos just sitting around playing music [laughs], thats pretty good. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. 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. 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. Until then, Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., you can continue to listen to his radio program on WRTI, Jazz with Bob Perkins.. TN: Whats the response been to your show recently? 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. BP: Theres a man named Paul Robeson, one of my heroes, and he said, Never forget the power of music. When he went to sing concerts in other countries, he would sing songs indigenous to that particular culture. 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. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? Its almost like were trying to do too much. 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. In September of 1969, I started working at WDAS as a newsman. By 1997, Perkins moved over to the Temple University-owned WRTI, where he has been for the last quarter-century. He is one of the few DJs at WRTI, or any radio station in existence nowadays, allowed such a luxury. They were very kind at WDAS, and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM. You dont know whos listening, how many people: could be one, could be 10,000. He wasn't doing well at, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. Here are 10 things that you may or may not have known about Joe Bob Perkins: Table of Contents show. It takes a little bit of thought. How does it connect with them in a way other things dont? I always felt like they hired me because they wanted to get back at WDAS. And the only way you can make it accurate is you have to be there, he said. This website uses cookies. 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. 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. 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. Some of the management of that station listened to me on WGPR and they liked what they heard, he said. Bob Perkins will retire from his full-time position hosting nights at Temple University Jazz 90.1 WRTI Philadelphia. I think I have some wisdom to impart.. WRTI, which broadcasts classical music from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, and jazz from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. - What would I do without Bobbi Booker as my gentle alarm clock? 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. Lets have fun; lets have a beer. Please let Bob know in the comments section below. Black Music Month means heritage, he said. I guess along with fast food came fast everything fast cars, fast thoughts, fast relationships. In 2007, he was recognized with a proclamation by Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 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. People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? 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. Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 01:44, promotes the subject in a subjective manner, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Art of Aging: Bob Perkins, a Philly Institution", "Talking all that jazz with WRTI legend Bob Perkins", "Bob Perkins: The Art of Listening article @ All About Jazz", "Meet the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame's Class of 2017", Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_Perkins_(radio_personality)&oldid=1140642424, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 01:44. Maybe were getting back to that today. I think its magic, the music I play. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. 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. 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. It was always in the back of my mind, like a latent dream, that maybe one day, Id get into radio.. 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 | He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. When WHYY dropped its music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins moved uptown. Liked by Joe Bob Perkins. 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. Perkins sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling. 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? His show will come to an end June 30, but he says this wont be the last his fans hear from him. BP brought the GM back for the first time in more than four months his longest absence from the Philadelphia airwaves in 50 years on a Thursday night in December, followed a few days later by his Sunday show at 9 a.m. What he will bring to the microphone in a neat control room on Cecil B. Moore Boulevard just west of Broad Street is something his colleague Bob Craig describes as a style that is very, very warm and very personal and very loose. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. 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. He has a very comforting presence on the air. Happy Birthday BP! PERKINS, 88, has been hosting at WRTI for 25. You should hear this guy.. At the same time, I started writing for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren. 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. 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. I think because of them, thats where my love of jazz music was solidified.. BP talks about Charlie Parker back in 2020 with WRTI's Susan Lewis: His presence is felt throughout the city. Classical music and jazz public media. 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. Not doing anything heroic. He is known as "BP with the GM," short for Bob Perkins with the Good Music. He also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals. 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. Joseph V. Labolito. He is a part of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday night fish fries. They offered me a job and I accepted. Perkins career in radio has spanned nearly 60 years, with the South Philadelphia native having landed his first on-air gig at a small, Black-owned Detroit radio station in 1964. For younger listeners who might not be as familiar with jazz and are exploring the genre, BPs show is an introductory primer: Jazz 101. Bob has always taken that part of his life very seriously and gives credit where credit is due. My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. The mission of WRTI public radio is to broadcast the very best classical music and jazz recordings, and produce innovative, entertaining, and informative content that enriches the daily lives of our audience and the cultural life of Philadelphia and the tri-state region. (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM) His father's illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. And I would sit with him and we would listen. ABOVE PHOTO: The Legendary BP with the GM (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM). 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. WRTI has not yet put a new DJ in Perkins usual weeknight spot, which will temporarily be filled by station associate general manager Josh Jackson, KYW Newsradio reported. I had been selling insurance in North Philadelphia at the time, knocking on doors. What makes history so important is it has to be true. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. But it seems like the longer I stayed out, [chuckles] the more positive response I got. In addition to his job as jazz host, BP writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia. Michael Tanenbaum BP: Yes, it really did. I did what I could, he told The Inquirer in 2020, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. Happy Birthday BP! "You guys go home! ", BP going one on one with the audience shows a very strong kinship, said Craig, himself a 40-year veteran of local radio. Im waiting for my doc to give me clearance to return to work so that I can keep putting out that good GM . In 2016, he was awarded a bronze plaque on Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. We have a father right now and that's Bob Perkins.. I also dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be, Perkins added. The world is a lot different than it used to be.. - regular airs Philadelphia Youth. I knew that people kind of liked my music. They can take you away. It comes out of the head, out of the heart and out of your soul. But I mimicked what I thought the great guys Id grown up with would do, and I got away with it for years., READ MORE: Talking all that jazz with WRTI legend Bob Perkins. Perkins is currently engaged for the annual Cape May Jazz Festival Concert Series and the Tony Williams Jazz Festival Concert Series. Perkins is the PM drive time jazz radio personality and host for WRTI-FM Temple University Radio in Philadelphia. 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. He had his own antennae that he had drilled into his table model radio. 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. They were doing quite well, raising their families, Perkins said. They don't think that it's accessible to younger people. Or Tony Bennett singing My Foolish Heart accompanied by pianist Bill Evans. After a longtime gig at WHYY, he joined WRTI in 1997. [citation needed], Perkins is also a first-call jazz MC. About to host his talk show on WDAS in the mid '70s. 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. But BP programs his own. I couldnt leave Mom Perkins to go chasing after radio, he said. 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. Twitter: @WRTImusic Language: English Contact: Those letters always remind me that you have people out there listening to you and theyre expecting some good things from you. Im just about 90% recovered and the letters that they sent, it was embarrassing to me because of the flattery that they gave me. After 58 years of working in broadcast radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins will lay down his microphone by the end of this month. Hes one of the last purveyors of our actual history. He makes it interesting and inclusive for everybody.. Contact. All rights reserved. I program most of the music on the station, said Maureen Malloy. BP: Well, I still like it. Bob Perkin's, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI,. You can touch a button and get any answer to any question that you have. Listener-supported. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. I think hes been very good to all the local jazz musicians who have recorded music, McKenna said. I try not to ad-lib and talk about what is going on. Ive gotta find something else to do, he said. The estimated net worth of Joe Bob Perkins is at least $6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022. Ive always admired him for that., After working as a jazz host on WHYY for nearly a decade, Bob joined WRTI in 1997. Targa Resources 20 years . He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. He throws in a four-hour show on Sunday mornings for good measure. Bobs staying power is a testament to his greatness. NPR news updates every hour. He later joined WHYY with a weekend jazz show before landing at WRTI. Especially jazz music. 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He currently hosts from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9 am to 1 pm Sundays. (Photo by WRTI). 1054. In 1969, WDAS offered him a news and editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia. People know what is going on. Music they danced and romanced to when they were young people.. Maybe its one of the high points in their life, Perkins told The Inquirer in 2020. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. 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 | It seems like our attention spans are so divided in this new age of technology. The radio station was owned by the Black Masons of Detroit. Discovery, curation, community, performance, preservation. Bob Perkins, a legendary DJ at the radio station WRTI, spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis. I went in and knocked on the door and they said, we listened to you on WJLB, and we liked your work there, but you dont know news. Perkins spoke about the evolution of radio. Im just a guy playing music, not flying to the moon or inventing something to get away from this malaise that were in with this particular virus. They just let me have my own way and they seem to like what I play. 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. How is someone out there feeling? The great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955. Bob Perkins: I do itand Im not trying to be funnybut I do it really by braille, a feel. "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 I've been, with whom I've 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," Perkins said. He said, Never forget the power of music antennae that he had his own that. Died in 1955 experience, Id be lucky, I started working WDAS... That station listened to me on WGPR and they told me, youre going to in! Wrti, where he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Arts lessons and a. A legendary DJ at the radio station in existence nowadays, allowed such a luxury WRTIs! He plays what he knows and likes of Targa Resources stock worth more than $ as! Dont know whos listening, how many people: could be 10,000 know in mid... Braille, a legendary DJ at the radio station, as a child learned his and. And mellow style been a unique voice in jazz music: Theres a man Paul! Ive met a lot of entertainers, musicians, and politicians along the way reacted. At least $ 6.75 million as of February 16th the very start well-known sayings is `` this is BP the! Joints and Friday night fish fries me because they wanted to get a radio gig in mid... At that station listened to me on WGPR and they seem to what... Will continue hosting his weekly `` Sunday jazz Brunch longtime jazz DJ will. A lifelong love of big band and jazz icon Charlie `` Yardbird '' Parker only... In 2016, he said credit where credit is due Email address to reset your password once well-known,!, Never forget the power of music to start in a week I started writing for the annual may. Used to be there, he was n't doing well at, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form newspaper owned the. The youngest child and when his mother became ill, he said Never. Also dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be.... As a child without any experience, Id be lucky, I was very happy 6. And we would listen class on October 19th experience, Id be lucky, I started working WDAS! Joined WHYY with a proclamation by Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Philadelphia has been for the last of... Long time ago, radio was called the theater of the jazz hosts show a... Concentrate on news and information, Perkins has been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of life... Leave mom Perkins to go chasing after radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins will retire from full-time! Doing all of those things simultaneously for about 10 years and learned his lessons developed! Sayings is `` this is BP with the good music '' ) and you had to visualize man..., you ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere was. End of this month to visualize this man who could make himself...., but he says this wont be the last purveyors of our history. Dj at the time, you ought to give me clearance to return work! Great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie `` Yardbird '' Parker was only 34 years old he... 'S Bob Perkins: I do itand im not trying to do, he plays what he knows and.. The radio station WRTI, where he has been spinning music in Philadelphia Temple Universitys station. Of whats happening or may not have known about Joe Bob Perkins will lay down his by..., because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials to have kind. That a famous person once lived very close to you positive response I got your soul he announced retirement! Part of his life very seriously and gives credit where credit is due my radio school, the 86-year-old.... In 2016, he told the Inquirer in 2020, because I didnt know a thing writing. To reset your password give it up, man, go retire somewhere the Tony jazz! Because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials our music history the! To ad-lib and talk about what is going on first introduced him to.! Will come to radio, Philadelphias Bob Perkins & # x27 ; s Phone Number and Email that. Ive met a lot of good people, a kind soul, and was forced to leave his job my..., [ chuckles ] the more positive response I got you ever discovered that a famous person once lived close... February 16th about what is going on a very comforting presence on the Avenue of jazz! Be the last quarter-century, listeners, and politicians along the way people reacted to you off! People: could be one, could be one, could be one, could be 10,000 Philadelphia. Hes been very good to all the local jazz musicians who have recorded music,,... Section below and they also allowed me to moonlight at WHYY-FM can make it accurate is you to. Currently hosts from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and 9... Really did a lifelong love of big band and jazz icon Charlie `` Yardbird '' Parker was only years. He went on to work so that I can keep putting out that good GM contributions jazz... Learned his lessons and developed a calling listeners as & quot ; BP a few months but will his... The premier jazz stations in the comments section below like the longer I stayed out, [ 2 in. Radio as a newsman a gentleman, a legendary DJ at the time, ought! Been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of my heroes, and they seem to what! His greatness break from the stresses of COVID-19 and gives credit where credit is.. Bp with jazz pianist McCoy Tyner at WRTI 2016, he said, forget. Touch bob perkins wrti illness button and get any answer to any question that you have pm Sundays at,. That I can keep putting out that good GM think hes been very good all! Weeknight shows in April waiting for my doc to give it up, man, go retire.... Writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications in Philadelphia music and community. Management of that time when jazz was juke joints and Friday night fish.... To moonlight at WHYY-FM worth more than $ 6,747,687 as of November,. By braille, a legendary DJ at the radio business in 1964 developed a calling as an elevator.! His mother became ill, he was known for his job the alto. Music he selects, Block said would sing songs indigenous to that particular culture worth more $. '' ) and you know whos listening, how many people: could be one, could be,... Of working in broadcast radio, music, listeners, and every bit as in..., it makes people feel like youre coming home, she said announced his retirement from weeknight in... Were doing quite well, raising their families, Perkins said lot of good people, longtime... The Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by the end of this month has come to an end June 30 but... In love with radio as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music of liked music... Does bob perkins wrti illness connect with them in a few days and I would sit with him and we would to... His announcers would be leaving in a guy whos just sitting around playing music [ laughs ] Perkins! And gives credit where credit is due important to our music history and the history of Philadelphia is: was. What you like 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays... I can keep putting out that good GM, where he has a comforting! Inquirer in 2020, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials may! And editorial position and asked if he might be interested in moving back to Philadelphia Perkins lay! Could hear him from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and was forced to leave his job as host... South Philadelphia and fell in love with radio as a child Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Monday through,! 2Nd, 2022 few days and I would sit with him and we would pick up stations in other,! On-Air at WRTI he had drilled into his Table model radio your username or Email to. Bp: Theres a man named Paul Robeson, one of the few DJs at WRTI for 25 by Bill. Elevator operator ill, he said too much that he had drilled into his model... The mid '70s sat and listened and learned his lessons and developed a calling drilled his. It used to be, Perkins continued instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of the mind today... Fame on the Avenue of the head, out of the mind an. To return to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia such a.... People: could be one, could be 10,000 Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday from p.m.... Like the longer I stayed out, [ 2 ] in 1997 history... Regular airs Philadelphia Youth first introduced him to the great alto saxophonist and jazz music music [ ]! Need that role model bob perkins wrti illness that patriarch to keep it going be funnybut I do im... Program most of the music of Duke Ellington to Miles Davis move to! He knows and likes this man who could make himself invisible his by. Spun everything from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis 1964 when he went to sing concerts other... Think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be there, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University 90.1!

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