Described by ‘Radio Times’ as ‘…one of the greats of British contemporary music broadcasting’ and‘…an independent champion of great music’ and by ‘The Mail On Sunday’ as ‘A National treasure’, Bob has been at the centre of the British music industry for more than forty years. In 2011 he was rewarded with an OBE in the Queens Honours list for his ‘services to music broadcasting’.
Few people have broken as many bands into the mainstream consciousness as Bob Harris through his work on Radio 1, the legendary ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ TV shows and his current programmes onRadio 2. He is passionate about music and his infectious enthusiasm permeates his work. Bobs guiding principle is the pursuit of excellence, and this is reflected in his broadcasting skills and his devotion to the best music.
He is a trusted guide and mentor to millions who have music at the centre of their lives. When Bob gives his support to an artist, people listen and his shows have become the Holy Grail for acts worldwide. His tireless promotion of new and cutting edge music is second to none.
In 2011, Bob was honoured with an Americana Music Association of America Trailblazer Award, aU. K. Heritage Award, and a Mojo Medal, as well as receiving his OBE from
Princess Anne at Windsor Castle in October 2011.
Bob and his wife Trudie run their own independent radio and television production house – The Whispering Bob Broadcasting Company. Since it was founded in 2005, WBBC has made television music specials for Sky Arts, and Sony-winning radio documentaries and major music specials for BBC Radio 2, including the award-winning ‘Sandy Denny Story’ and the 16-part ‘OGWT 40’ series. An album of tracks compiled by Bob to accompany the series topped the UK compilation charts in the summer of 2011.
Bob co-founded ‘Time Out’ magazine, has written books, newspaper articles and magazine columns. He has produced records, done 48-gig rock tours and interviewed a President. He has voiced television and radio documentaries, major advertising campaigns (including the Beatles USA campaign for‘Anthology 3’) and appeared in movies. He has been given a Fellowship by the University of Northampton and was the penultimate subject of ‘This Is Your Life’.
Bob has appeared on International panels at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville and was the keynote speaker at the NXNE festival in Toronto in 2008 and at the East Coast Music Awards in Nova Scotia Canada in March 2010.
Bob’s depth of understanding of popular music its origins and influences is immense. As a voice on the radio reassuring, knowledgeable and enthusiastic he is unique.
Bob has been successfully fighting prostate cancer since diagnosis in March 2007.