[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING BOB PERKINS FOR ADVANCING JAZZ THROUGH HIS BROADCAST AND 
                             WRITING CAREER

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                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 11, 2007

  Mr. FATTAH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Bob 
Perkins, an outstanding Philadelphian who has devoted more than four 
decades as a radio host and commentator to the advancement and 
enjoyment of Jazz.
  ``B.P. with the G.M.'' has been the radio signature for Bob Perkins 
bringing the Good Music of Jazz to grateful Philadelphia listeners for 
the past ten years from WRTI-FM, the Temple University flagship 
station.
  Bob Perkins has entertained and informed listeners for 42 years as a 
radio newscaster, commentator and jazz host, 37 of those years in 
Philadelphia, while writing opinion pieces and jazz commentary for 
numerous local publications.
  Bob was born and raised in South Philadelphia, where he listened 
night and day to the radio that was on constantly in the Perkins 
household. His career took him briefly to Detroit, but by 1969 he was 
back in Philadelphia at WDAS as newscaster, news director and editorial 
director. Meanwhile he was hosting a popular Saturday night Jazz 
program on public radio's WHYY-FM.
  Ten years ago Bob moved to WRTI-FM, where he shares his encyclopedic 
knowledge of Jazz, and the men and women who perform it, with his 
devoted audience. It is programming that brings prestige and listeners 
to WRTI-FM while keeping alive this unique and indigenous American art 
form.
  Bob Perkins has been the deserving recipient of more than three dozen 
awards for journalistic, broadcast and community excellence. He is the 
recipient of a Mellon Jazz Community Service Award and the Kal Rudman 
Milestone in Radio Award. In 2003, he was inducted into the 
Philadelphia Broadcast Hall of Fame. He and his wife Sheila live in 
Philadelphia's West Oak Lane section.
  At age 73, Bob continues his weeknight and Sunday broadcasts, 
offering his insights, his stories, and his love on ``the G.M.'' And so 
I rise in recognition for a lifetime of achievement. On behalf of all 
your grateful fans, thank you Bob Perkins, native son and Philadelphia 
civic treasure.

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