Robert “Bob” Perkins (born December 6, 1933) is an American retired radio personality who worked as a jazz program host and DJ in Philadelphia. His radio career began in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1969, Perkins began working for Philadelphia's WDAS, where he worked for 19 years before moving to WHYY in 1988.[1] In 1997, he joined Temple University's WRTI Radio, where he worked until his retirement in 2023.[2] [3]
He was known for his laid-back and mellow style.[4] One of his well-known sayings is "This is BP with the GM!," meaning "Bob Perkins with the good music."[5] He is also an accomplished radio news journalist and a First Call Master of Ceremonies for regional jazz music events. He has earned well over forty different honors and awards from major government, artistic, journalistic and community organizations. Information about his on-air schedule may be found at WRTI's website.
Perkins started his radio career in Detroit in 1964. After breaking in as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM, he expanded to news at WCHB-AM while also working as jazz program director for its twin, WCHD-FM. He worked as newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM in Detroit, before returning to Philadelphia in 1969, where he joined WDAS-AM/FM.[6] 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.
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 of 2023.
Perkins had a five-year relationship with The Philadelphia Tribune, where he wrote commentary on government, society and public affairs. He also wrote editorials and other articles for the former Philadelphia New Observer. 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.
Perkins was born on December 6, 1933. He credits his love for radio to his father who repaired radios as a hobby when he was young. He got his first job in radio during a trip to visit his two brothers in Detroit in 1964. Perkins wandered into the station at WGPR-FM and got a position as on-air DJ and Announcer. He has attended two White House Presidential news conferences - one of Gerald Ford's and one of Jimmy Carter's. Perkins was born and raised in South Philadelphia and currently lives in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with his wife Sheila.
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);[7] Inducted to the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame, 2003 and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia http://broadcastpioneers.com 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;[8] 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).[9] Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was inducted in Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.[10]