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Bob Perkins (radio personality)
American radio personality (1933–2025) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Robert Perkins (December 6, 1933 – January 19, 2025) was an American radio personality who worked as a jazz program host and DJ in Philadelphia.[1]
Perkins was known for his laid-back and mellow style.[2][3] He was also a radio news journalist, and a First Call Master of Ceremonies for regional jazz music events.[4]
Radio career
Perkins got his first job in radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964.[4][5] After breaking in as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM, he expanded to news at WCHB-AM.[6] He worked as a newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM in Detroit before returning to Philadelphia in 1969, where he joined WDAS-AM/FM.[7]
His distinctive deep voice and progressive points of view became an on-air signature for the FM and AM operations at WDAS over 19 years during the 1970's and '80's. From 1988 to 1997, he hosted a jazz program on Saturday nights on WHYY-FM.[8] During this time, he was also elected president of the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association and earned the distinction of being one of a select group of news directors and editors nationwide invited to interview President Jimmy Carter.[6][9]
In 1997, Perkins became the PM drive-time jazz radio personality and host for WRTI-FM Temple University Radio. He stepped down from full-time broadcasting in 2022 and retired from the station in April 2023.[10]
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Print media and other projects
Perkins briefly served as editorial director for The Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote a commentary on government, society, and public affairs. He also wrote editorials and other articles for the former Philadelphia New Observer and Icon. Perkins also independently produced a 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.[6]
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Personal life and death
Perkins was born on December 6, 1933 in South Philadelphia, where he was also raised.[6] He credited his love for radio to his father, who repaired radios as a hobby when he was young.[6]
Perkins later lived in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Sheila.[5][9]
Perkins died at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania, on January 19, 2025, at the age of 91.[11]
Honors and awards
Some of Perkins' major honors and awards for career accomplishments include:
- Mellon Jazz Community Service Award (2002)[12]
- Inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame (2003)[13][14]
- Inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame (2003)[12]
- City of Philadelphia Proclamation by Mayor John Street for Outstanding Contribution to Philadelphia Jazz (2007)[15]
- U.S. House of Representatives Proclamation by Congressman Chaka Fattah for Outstanding Contribution by a Pennsylvania Resident to Jazz (2007)[16]
- Inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame (2017)[17]
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See also
References
External links
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