He said yesand hes been here ever since. NPR news updates every hour. Bob says that it was Joe who first introduced him to jazz. Bob Perkins at home at WRTI-FM studios. And it is. 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. Friday evenings at 10 PM, veteran WRTI jazz host J. Michael Harrison presents The Bridge, exploring the merging platforms of popular music and jazz. Pianist Orrin Evans believes BP is vital to Philadelphias jazz scene. I did what I could, he said, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. And Ive been a newsman, editorial writer, disc jockeyI guess just about everything with the spoken word in radio. "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. (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM) His father's illness is what really led to radio becoming an important part of the Perkins household. And hopefully its working. July 1, 2022. Particularly for older listeners, he gives them the comfort of something familiar, and makes them remember that this music that he's playing was the soundtrack to a lot of their lives. The music Perkins plays can summon Proustian recollections of a first kiss, a dance at the Savoy Ballroom or a joyful reunion after a long absence. The great alto saxophonist and jazz icon Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955. 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. Perkins was born on December 6, 1933. I looked around, and I found a station that wanted a newsman. Perkins has been ill and off the air for a few months but will make his return in the first week of January. I had a mild stroke. You dont know whos listening, how many people: could be one, could be 10,000. The music that appeals to BPs old noggin is what he calls the melodic stuff with no expiration date, most of it recorded decades ago. I became the news and editorial director after Jim Clash died at WDAS, Perkins said. 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. It gives you a feeling of a time gone by, a past era where jazz was the music of the day.. Later, in the mid-80s, Perkins hosted a WDAS-AM jazz show that mixed in Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee with jazz artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Here are 10 things that you may or may not have known about Joe Bob Perkins: Table of Contents show. BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. ), I remember telling my friends about it, McKenna adds. Jazz also captivated Perkins at a young age. Here's a great in-depth article about Bob from the Chestnut Hill Local. Bob Perkins reflects on his memories of Philadelphian tenor saxophonist Sam Reed, who passed away earlier this month.. I think because of them, thats where my love of jazz music was solidified.. Jazz Host Extraordinaire Bob Perkins is Retiring from Weeknights on WRTI Our beloved "BP with the GM"Bob Perkins with the Good Musicis turning off his mic on weeknights starting on June 30th after a long and storied career. I had WDAS and WHYY, doing all of those things simultaneously for about 10 years. I knew the Athletics batting averages like they were my own name. He began his career at WGPR Detroit. I try not to ad-lib and talk about what is going on. I next made a move over to WRTI, which is Temple Universitys radio station, as a volunteer DJ playing jazz music. ABOVE PHOTO: The Legendary BP with the GM (Photo courtesy of WRTI-FM). Maybe were getting back to that today. I'm a general assignment breaking news reporter. 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. 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. 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. Why might that be? 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 spoke about the evolution of radio. Some of the management of that station listened to me on WGPR and they liked what they heard, he said. Radio started I think, in 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Perkins. Bob's contributions to jazz are innumerable. And for 50 of those years he's been on the radio to the delight of thousands and thousands of listeners. 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. 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. BP: I dont know. I [then] looked up and I saw a sign that read WGPR-FM. 12 of 12. 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. Ive got high mileage on my odometer, Perkins wrote. BP was awarded the 2002 Mellon Jazz Community Award. The late teen years. 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. Each Friday at 6 PM, there's Nouveau Jazz . 1054. 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. You can find some solace in what you like. I look forward to you lending me your finely tuned ears very soon.". The South Philadelphia native has been one of the greatest voices of the citys airwaves since 1969, when he joined R&B station WDAS in an influential news and editorial position after working in Detroit radio for five years. 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. I try to ameliorate that and take the rough edges off if I can, with the music. Perkins, a longtime jazz DJ, will continue hosting his weekly "Sunday Jazz Brunch show. 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. At the same time, I started writing for the Philadelphia New Observer newspaper owned by Hugo Warren. People say, You ought to give it up, man, go retire somewhere. Why? For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. #WRTImusic Last Update. 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. BP: It seems that way. It takes a little bit of thought. Bob Perkins has been instrumental in establishing WRTI as one of the premier jazz stations in the country since 1997. TN: Why do you feel people respond so strongly to music? He is a gentleman, a kind soul, and every bit as nice in person as you hear on-air. 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. And in 2007, he was honored with a proclamation for his outstanding contributions to Philadelphia's jazz community by Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council, and the House of Representatives in Harrisburg. BP: No, I just put out the music. You can touch a button and get any answer to any question that you have. His older brother had introduced him to the music of Duke Ellington, which sparked a lifelong love of big band and jazz music. 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. 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. Michael Tanenbaum 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. 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. How is someone out there feeling? I'm thrilled he'll continue to host Sunday Jazz Brunch after he retires, because we all need some GM (good music) with our toast and jam!". Read More. announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April, California residents do not sell my data request. My father must have been listening to radio from the very start. Perkins then moved to public radio station WHYY to host a weekend jazz music show before joining WRTI. My dad was my radio school, the 86-year-old remembered. My gerontologist tells me, Keep moving.. He announced his retirement from weeknight shows in April. Perkins stayed at that first station about a year and a half when another opportunity showed itself. My father just loved to have the radio on. 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. He was too ill to work; he had rheumatoid arthritis. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. I went downstairs at the same building, and told the insurance company, Im here to quit a job I never started. Leaving out the door of the insurance company, the man who had offered me a job selling insurance said, Do you know what theyre going to pay you up there? 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. Read more MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer We would listen to radio from sun-up, through the night, and into the next morning.. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. 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? When WHYY dropped its music programming to concentrate on news and information, Perkins moved uptown. I think its magic, the music I play. "[4] He is also an accomplished radio news journalist and a First Call Master of Ceremonies for regional jazz music events. 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. Courtney Blue, KLN '12, hosts Late Evening Jazz, The Jazz Request Show and Nouveau Jazz Showcase. 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. 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. Perkins recalled that his father, at the age of about 40, had such severe arthritis that he could barely walk. Beginning in June, he will end the weekday program and continue with the Sunday broadcast on90.1 FM. Hes speaking their language especially people who have been listening for years and years.. But at age 88, Perkins is signing off passing the ball to the next era of jazz lovers. I also dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to be, Perkins added. He has attended two White House Presidential news conferences - one of Gerald Ford's and one of Jimmy Carter's. Thats a long time. Hed just play people that he liked. 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. Radio was saturated into me like a sponge thats put in water, Perkins said. Any birthday wishes? All rights reserved. I did what I could, he told The Inquirer in 2020, because I didnt know a thing about writing editorials. He went on to work for WDAS and while in Philadelphia, [2] in 1997, he joined WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. I guess along with fast food came fast everything fast cars, fast thoughts, fast relationships. Bell Building He went to work at another Black-owned radio station in Detroit which was just down the street and around the corner from WGPR-FM. 1. Bob Perkins has been a fixture on Philadelphias airwaves for 50 years. WRTI, this 600th review is for you! Everything is so fast nowadays. Since his Bloomberg profile states that he has gone to both . His salvation was radio, Perkins said. Its not the same. You know, its magic that Ive been around that long and people have that much confidence in me. On this show he would play a record by Dick Haymes or Doris Day or Rosemary Clooney. Ive met a lot of good people, a lot of entertainers, musicians, and politicians along the way. By, Classical Events Calendar Submission Form. He goes way back and he studied by listening to some of the great commentators and broadcasters over the years, he said. 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. Thanks! But what are you going to do? He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and the musicians, and has known many of the greats. Eventually, they changed their format to Jazz and Classical music. He has been with the station since 1997. Anybody who wants to hear jazz on the radio, you have to tune to WRTI and theres Bob Perkins. He also champions local musicians and music. All the girls belong to me!". Not really fair to the jazz side, IMO, since most people sleep 8 hours of that half, but if you hook yourself up through the website, you can get streaming of whatever . Bob is jazz radio, David Conant, former general manager at WRTI, told The Inquirer in 2016. 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.. The world wasnt moving quite as fast. And I would sit with him and we would listen. Once Mom made transition, I decided to go for it, and so I packed my bags, and I was off to Detroit. Perkins was born and raised in South Philadelphia and currently lives in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife Sheila. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Maybe its one of the high points in their life. The estimated net worth of Joe Bob Perkins is at least $6.75 million as of November 2nd, 2022. They were doing quite well, raising their families, Perkins said. 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. Music. Its a rallying cry. And people do forget. Robert "Bob" Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American radio personality. I went to a radio school through my father. Melinda Whiting, Courtney Blue, Bobbi I. Booker, Susan Lewis and Maureen Malloy are familiar voices on WRTI. 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. You trusted the newsperson you were listening to. 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. Some of Bob Perkins' major honors and awards for career accomplishments include: The Kal Rudman Milestones in Radio Award; The Mellon Jazz Community Service Award, 2002);[6] Inducted to the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame, 2003 and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia [1] Hall of Fame (Enshrined with Philadelphia Broadcast Legends John Facenda, Larry Kane, Dick Clark, Herb Clarke and Ed Bradley, to name a few); City of Philadelphia Proclamation by Mayor John Street for Outstanding Contribution to Philadelphia Jazz, 2007;[7] State of Pennsylvania Proclamations at the State House of Representatives and the State Senate for Outstanding Contribution by a Pennsylvania Resident to Jazz, 2007; U.S. House of Representatives Proclamation by Congressman Chaka Fattah for Outstanding Contribution by a Pennsylvania Resident to Jazz, 2007 (pictured above). Listener-supported. For younger listeners who might not be as familiar with jazz and are exploring the genre, BPs show is an introductory primer: Jazz 101. I dont think that there's anybody in Philadelphia who's a true jazz fan who doesn't know who he is, McKenna said. At one time, you could hear him from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. But it seems like the longer I stayed out, [chuckles] the more positive response I got. News was almost like a religion back in the day. I was a war baby. Previously, Bob was a Board Member at Jazz Bridge and also held positions at Data Site, Unisys, WDAS Fm. 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. Black Music Month means heritage, he said. Mr. Perkins owns 88,692 shares of Targa Resources stock worth more than $6,747,687 as of February 16th. I dont know why music is so much more powerful than some other entity. He is genuine, a real original.. You can never know. But on the other side of the coin, technology can be very dangerous.. From 1988 to 1997 he hosted a well-known jazz program on Saturday nights on WHYY-FM before moving to 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. Twitter: @WRTImusic Language: English Contact: By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. 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.. You had to sit around the radio and visualize. IE 11 is not supported. 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. "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.. WRTI's legendary jazz DJ Bob Perkins retires at age 88 For nearly six decades, Philadelphia has been a unique voice in jazz music. I was out for about four months. 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. Bob in the mid '60s - a seasoned veteran on the job for one year at WGPR in Detroit. Joe Blocks parents were fans of WRTI and the pianist grew up listening to BP, becoming a fan himself. Perkins credits his father for being the one who gave him the love for radio. Scroll down to see recent playlists. If I was lucky enough to get a radio gig in the boonies without any experience, Id be lucky, I was told. WRTI's legendary jazz host, Bob Perkins, is surrounded by his cd collection of jazz recordings in his home in Wyncote in 2019. I think in some way, Bob is able to bridge that gap, King said. He is a jazz program host and DJ for WRTI. Do you have any anecdotes about BP you'd like to share? Jazz radio host and South Philadelphia native Bob Perkins, a mainstay on Temple University's public WRTI-FM station, plans to significantly scale back his hours this summer. In September of 1969, I started working at WDAS as a newsman. Classical music and jazz public media. 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 lived on the same block as the famous Heath Brothers in South Philadelphia growing up, he said. I dont know how they do it. By Bob Perkins | WRTI-FM (Philadelphia, PA) One November night in the year 1934, a 17-year-old girl was about to take the stage at the Apollo theater's Amateur Night program and planned to do a dance routinebut changed her mind and decided to sing a song instead. Five of the most outstanding jazz personalities had. 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. Perkins will continue to host his Sunday show from 9am to 1pm. I look to my dad and my older brother, Perkins said, and I guess I was just programmed to do what I do. 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. 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. We had great announcers back then. 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. Own name through Thursday and to radio from the very start was almost like sponge! Dont think radio announcers are as influential today as they used to,. Tuned ears very soon. `` known many of the management of that station listened to me on and. To a radio gig in the Day food came fast everything fast cars, relationships... Weekly `` Sunday jazz Brunch show more than $ 6,747,687 as of February 16th Gerald Ford 's and one the... Parker was only 34 years old when he died in 1955 passed away earlier month... 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Table of Contents show landed an on-air job in Detroit, King said same time, you could hear from! Joined WRTI-FM Temple University radio wants to hear jazz on the job for one year at in! Older brother had introduced him to the next era of jazz lovers Perkins said i had WDAS and in... Jazz Showcase were fans of WRTI and the musicians, and has many... Touch a button and get any answer to any question that you or... To any question that you have any anecdotes about BP you 'd like to share and continue the!