In his 50th year on the radio in Philadelphia, WRTI Jazz Host Bob Perkins (BP with the GM) is sharing his story with anyone who'll lend him their "finely tuned ears." He's the guest speaker at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia on Friday, February 22 at 3 PM. It's a free event, and open to the public.
"My talk," says BP, "will focus on the ways I was seemingly set up to become a broadcaster. In retrospect, it became clear to me some years ago that so many fine people and great opportunities were placed in front of me, guiding me to a small radio station in Detroit almost 55 years ago, at which, I virtually walked in the door and got hired, with no formal broadcast experience."
He was born and raised in South Philly and his father loved radio programming and repaired radios as a hobby. There was always a radio on in his house, from dawn until late at night. He heard the great voices of early radio, and began to like it.
“I broke into broadcasting in Detroit in 1964," he explains, "and I worked at several stations before ultimately returning to Philadelphia, where I've had several radio gigs, the longest one at WRTI 90.1. And because of my "big ears" and early unofficial mentors, over the years, I developed into a newsman, editorial writer, jazz columnist, documentarian, and DJ." This November marks Bob's 55th year in the media, and 50th year in Philadelphia radio.
If you'd like to attend BP's lecture at the storied Athenaeum of Philadelphia, call 215-925-2688, or send an email to events@PhilaAthenaeum.org. Location: 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia 19106
Parking: There are two parking garages a half a block south of the Athenaeum on 6th St.; both are connected to condominium buildings. The Independence Place garage (east side) is a self-park facility. The Hopkinson House garage (west side) offers valet parking.