Inducted: 2016

Also known as “BP with the GM,” (translation: “Bob Perkins with the Good Music”), Perkins has been in the broadcasting industry for more than four decades as an on-air host, and is now commonly referred to as a Philadelphia jazz radio legend.

BP broke into the radio business in 1964 when he landed an on-air job in Detroit. In 1969, his hometown of Philadelphia beckoned him back with a gig at rhythm-and-blues station WDAS, where he worked for the next 19 years. He joined WRTI in 1997. In addition to his job as jazz host, BP writes numerous columns and commentaries on jazz for local publications. He also hosts concerts at jazz clubs and at regional festivals.

BP was awarded the 2002 Mellon Jazz Community Award. In 2007, he was honored with a proclamation for his outstanding contributions to Philadelphia’s jazz community by Mayor John Street, Philadelphia City Council, and the House of Representatives in Harrisburg. Wait two seconds and you’ll hear about yet another award bestowed on “Ol’ BP,” as he calls himself.

Hear Perkins on Monday through Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm on WRTI, 90.1 FM.