(Bobbi Booker is the managing editor of PlanPhilly at WHYY Information, growing information protection of city design, improvement, coverage, and metropolis planning in Philadelphia. She knew and labored with Bob Perkins through the years.)
The information of Bob Perkins’ passing on January 19 introduced Philadelphia’s media market collectively, along with his obituary featured or talked about throughout each main newspaper, radio station, and web site within the area and lined by nationwide shops.
As he usually referred to himself, Ol’ BP would have been tickled by the protection, recognizing the indelible mark he left on the media panorama. Whereas he’s rightfully celebrated for his extraordinary work as a jazz music DJ, at coronary heart, he was a steadfast information reporter who by no means strayed removed from his journalism roots.
Born on December 6, 1933, in South Philadelphia, Perkins grew up surrounded by the sounds of radio, due to his father’s interest of repairing radios. That early publicity sparked a ardour, resulting in a 60-year profession spanning varied mediums, together with radio, print, web sites, and podcasting. As a trusted newsman, distinguished journalist, and beloved jazz host, Perkins left an unparalleled legacy of excellence and dedication.
A Newsman at Coronary heart
Perkins started his radio profession in 1964 in Detroit, breaking in as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM. He shortly expanded his function to information at WCHB-AM, later serving as a newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM.
His profession introduced him again to his hometown in 1969, the place he joined WDAS-AM/FM. For 19 years, he grew to become a cornerstone of Philadelphia radio, serving as Information and Editorial Director and anchor at one of the crucial standard stations within the Delaware Valley.
Throughout this period, he was elected president of the Pennsylvania Related Press Broadcasters Affiliation and earned the excellence of being one in all a choose group of stories administrators and editors nationwide invited to interview President Jimmy Carter. His resonant voice, forward-thinking views, and meticulous dedication to journalism outlined his profession within the Nineteen Seventies and ’80s.
Past the airwaves, Perkins briefly served as editorial director for The Philadelphia Tribune and wrote insightful commentaries on authorities, society, and public affairs. He contributed to different regional shops, together with The New Observer and ICON Journal. His editorials and profile articles provided considerate evaluation of urgent points, showcasing his means to tell and have interaction readers throughout mediums.
He additionally produced an impartial radio documentary on the lifetime of African American icon Paul Robeson, additional cementing his function as a storyteller devoted to preserving historical past.
Transition to Jazz
Whereas his roots had been within the information, Perkins seamlessly transitioned to jazz programming within the Eighties. From 1988 to 1997, he hosted a well-liked Saturday night time jazz present on WHYY-FM, charming audiences along with his laid-back and mellow model.
In 1997, he joined WRTI-FM, Temple College Radio, because the PM drive-time jazz host, the place he grew to become a beloved determine within the jazz neighborhood. For 27 years, Perkins curated jazz playlists that resonated with listeners, combining his encyclopedic data of the style with an innate means to attach along with his viewers.
(Photograph courtesy of the Perkins household)
Even after retiring from full-time broadcasting in 2022, he continued to share his ardour for storytelling via his podcast, Keep Tuned with Bob Perkins, providing narratives that wove collectively music, tradition, and historical past.
Legacy and Reflection
Bob Perkins was greater than a broadcaster; he was a mentor, a consummate skilled, and a cherished good friend to many within the business. He was acknowledged with the 2002 Mellon Jazz Neighborhood Award and honored by Mayor John Avenue, Philadelphia Metropolis Council, and the Pennsylvania Home of Representatives in 2007 for his contributions to the town’s jazz neighborhood. His meticulous consideration to element, from flawlessly programming exhibits with data to participating listeners along with his heat commentary, set a normal for excellence.
I had the distinct honor of manufacturing Perkins’ ultimate years on the air at WRTI 90.1 as he recovered from his 2019 stroke. BP would open up in regards to the moments that formed his outstanding profession throughout breaks between songs.
He was not simply an interesting storyteller, he was a consummate skilled who at all times had one eye on the studio clock. I used to be continually amazed by his means to program and back-time his present flawlessly to hit the highest of the hour, even whereas working with precise data which may skip. He got here ready with meticulous notes and a backup plan for each situation.
BP cherished his connections to jazz performers all through their careers. He fondly reminisced about watching bassist Christian McBride and organist Joey DeFrancesco develop from proficient children performing round city to internationally acclaimed jazz artists.
Perkins additionally had a particular reference to legendary pianist Dave Brubeck, who he met, as the 2 shared birthdays (however totally different years). I used to be most tickled by his response when he fondly recalled jazz-pop star Nancy Wilson greeting him backstage — a reminiscence from the ‘70s that, almost a half-century later, left him virtually giddy. I discovered his response to that second totally endearing.
Ol’ BP was additionally my supply of attention-grabbing information: followers throughout the nation would ship him information clippings, which he graciously shared with me, at all times sustaining his sharp concentrate on information alongside his craft as a jazz aficionado. Producing his present was about greater than sustaining consistency — it was a chance to take a seat on the knee of a grasp and be taught.
Perkins’ skilled requirements, storytelling presents and profound dedication to radio proceed to affect me — a real journalist to his core, who lived as much as his iconic on-air moniker: BP with the GM – Bob Perkins with the Good Music on your finely tuned ears.
