As 2025 began, a highly popular radio personality among jazz enthusiasts in Philadelphia was hospitalized, fighting a health challenge that came following a stroke in 2019. On Sunday, Bob Perkins — “BP with the GM” — passed away. He was 91 years old.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Perkins began his broadcasting career in Detroit, in 1964. He returned to Philadelphia in 1969 for a role in the news department at WDAS Radio, a key Black community voice. Perkins later hosted a weekend jazz show at NPR member station WHYY, before moving to Temple University’s WRTI in 1997. There, he spent 25 years as the host of Evening Jazz.
Perkins retired from full-time duties in 2022 and his weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch in 2023. He remained active through his podcast, Stay Tuned with Bob Perkins.
Speaking of Perkins’ career, WRTI General Manager William Johnson previously said, “Bob’s contributions to jazz are innumerable. He’s introduced thousands, if not millions, of listeners to this music over the course of his career, delighted young and old with his signature sound, and been a tireless advocate for jazz appreciation and education.”
His wife, Dr. Sheila Perkins, told WRTI, “He was still very active and busy doing the work he had loved to do — writing, and planning things. He was still very engaged in conversations with friends and musicians. So he was active up until the last minutes.”