Bob Perkins (radio personality)

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. In 1997, he joined Temple University's WRTI Radio, where he worked until his retirement in 2023. He was known for his laid back and mellow style. One of his well known sayings is "This is BP with the GM!," meaning "Bob Perkins with the good music." 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. 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. Inducted to the Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame, 2003 and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia 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; 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). Philadelphia honored him in 2017 when he was inducted in Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.