(Bobbi Booker is the managing editor of PlanPhilly at WHYY News, developing news coverage of urban design, development, policy, and city planning in Philadelphia. She knew and worked with Bob Perkins over the years.)
The news of Bob Perkins’ passing on January 19 brought Philadelphia’s media market together, with his obituary featured or mentioned across every major newspaper, radio station, and website in the region and covered by national outlets.
As he often referred to himself, Ol’ BP would have been tickled by the coverage, recognizing the indelible mark he left on the media landscape. While he is rightfully celebrated for his extraordinary work as a jazz music DJ, at heart, he was a steadfast news reporter who never strayed far from his journalism roots.
Born on December 6, 1933, in South Philadelphia, Perkins grew up surrounded by the sounds of radio, thanks to his father’s hobby of repairing radios. That early exposure sparked a passion, leading to a 60-year career spanning various mediums, including radio, print, websites, and podcasting. As a trusted newsman, distinguished journalist, and beloved jazz host, Perkins left an unparalleled legacy of excellence and dedication.
A Newsman at Heart
Perkins began his radio career in 1964 in Detroit, breaking in as a DJ and announcer at WGPR-FM. He quickly expanded his role to news at WCHB-AM, later serving as a newsman and assistant director at WJLB-AM.
His career brought him back to his hometown in 1969, where he joined WDAS-AM/FM. For 19 years, he became a cornerstone of Philadelphia radio, serving as News and Editorial Director and anchor at one of the most popular stations in the Delaware Valley.
During this era, he was 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. His resonant voice, forward-thinking perspectives, and meticulous dedication to journalism defined his career in the 1970s and ’80s.
Beyond the airwaves, Perkins briefly served as editorial director for The Philadelphia Tribune and wrote insightful commentaries on government, society, and public affairs. He contributed to other regional outlets, including The New Observer and ICON Magazine. His editorials and profile articles offered thoughtful analysis of pressing issues, showcasing his ability to inform and engage readers across mediums.
He also produced an independent radio documentary on the life of African American icon Paul Robeson, further cementing his role as a storyteller dedicated to preserving history.
Transition to Jazz
While his roots were in the news, Perkins seamlessly transitioned to jazz programming in the 1980s. From 1988 to 1997, he hosted a popular Saturday night jazz show on WHYY-FM, captivating audiences with his laid-back and mellow style.
In 1997, he joined WRTI-FM, Temple University Radio, as the PM drive-time jazz host, where he became a beloved figure in the jazz community. For 27 years, Perkins curated jazz playlists that resonated with listeners, combining his encyclopedic knowledge of the genre with an innate ability to connect with his audience.
(Photo courtesy of the Perkins family)
Even after retiring from full-time broadcasting in 2022, he continued to share his passion for storytelling through his podcast, Stay Tuned with Bob Perkins, offering narratives that wove together music, culture, and history.
Legacy and Reflection
Bob Perkins was more than a broadcaster; he was a mentor, a consummate professional, and a cherished friend to many in the industry. He was recognized with the 2002 Mellon Jazz Community Award and honored by Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2007 for his contributions to the city’s jazz community. His meticulous attention to detail, from flawlessly programming shows with records to engaging listeners with his warm commentary, set a standard for excellence.
I had the distinct honor of producing Perkins’ final years on the air at WRTI 90.1 as he recovered from his 2019 stroke. BP would open up about the moments that shaped his remarkable career during breaks between songs.
He was not just a fascinating storyteller, he was a consummate professional who always had one eye on the studio clock. I was constantly amazed by his ability to program and back-time his show flawlessly to hit the top of the hour, even while working with actual records that might skip. He came prepared with meticulous notes and a backup plan for every scenario.
BP cherished his connections to jazz performers throughout their careers. He fondly reminisced about watching bassist Christian McBride and organist Joey DeFrancesco grow from talented kids performing around town to internationally acclaimed jazz artists.
Perkins also had a special connection with legendary pianist Dave Brubeck, who he met, as the two shared birthdays (but different years). I was most tickled by his reaction when he fondly recalled jazz-pop star Nancy Wilson greeting him backstage — a memory from the ‘70s that, nearly a half-century later, left him practically giddy. I found his reaction to that moment utterly endearing.
Ol’ BP was also my source of interesting news: fans across the country would send him news clippings, which he graciously shared with me, always maintaining his sharp focus on news alongside his craft as a jazz aficionado. Producing his show was about more than maintaining consistency — it was an opportunity to sit at the knee of a master and learn.
Perkins’ professional standards, storytelling gifts and profound dedication to radio continue to influence me — a true journalist to his core, who lived up to his iconic on-air moniker: BP with the GM – Bob Perkins with the Good Music for your finely tuned ears.
