Bobby Skafish Explained

Bobby Skafish is a long-time radio personality in the Chicago area.[1]

Early life and education

Skafish was born in Indiana circa 1953/1954. He has four older siblings. His father was a milkman and his mother was a part-time employee in school cafeterias. Skafish attended Gavit High School. He then attended Calumet College for a year before transferring to Indiana University where, as a senior, he worked on the campus radio station.[2]

Career

Skafish began working as a disc jockey (DJ) on WWJY (WFLM at the time) in Crown Point, Indiana, then moved to WXRT in Chicago six months later where he became one of the best known radio personalities in Chicago.[3] In 1983, he moved to WLUP (commonly called "the Loop").

At the Loop, Skafish called himself "Rob S." on the air. By 1990, Skafish was on the air for the afternoon drive and was considered one of the Loop's anchors.[4]

In 1993, Skafish moved to WKQX, then to WXRT in 1994. In 1997, Skafish hosted and produced hundreds of original programs for WXRT to celebrate its 25th anniversary. WXRT released Skafish in 2006 in what it said was an effort to communicate to its listeners that the station is not "frozen in time".[5]

Next, Skafish aired on WDRV as the afternoon personality from 2007 to 2015.[6]

In 2016, Skafish published his book We Have Company: Four Decades of Rock and Roll Encounters.[7]

Notes and References

  1. WXRT Chicago Making Progress. McCormick. Moira. February 5, 1983. Billboard. 11. August 14, 2010.
  2. News: The Times . Munster, Indiana . September 9, 1983 . 28 . Waters . Michael . Skafish .
  3. News: The Times . Munster, Indiana . Lounges . Tom . January 12, 1997 . 45 . East Chicago's Bobby Skafish shines light on rock's roots .
  4. News: Chicago Tribune . October 30, 1990 . 54 . Kening . Dan . Easy Does It .
  5. News: Chicago Tribune . August 8, 2006 . Rosenthal . Phil . WXRT-FM cuts veteran host Skafish .
  6. News: Chicago Tribune . Feder . Robert . June 7, 2015 . Rock vet Skafish out at WDRV .
  7. News: The Times . Munster, Indiana . November 6, 2016 . Pete . Joseph S. . Skafish to release book at brewery .