Legendary broadcaster Bob Harris has decided to step down from hosting his Radio 2 shows – Radio 2 Country and Sounds Of The 70s – due to ill health.
Over a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years, Bob Harris has become one of the UK’s most respected music broadcasters. His career encompassed roles on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and television, including his tenure on the award-winning BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s. The majority of his time on air was spent at Radio 2 where he championed country music.
“It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years,” said Bob Harris. “I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much. I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.”
Harris said it has been a “joy” to broadcast on Radio 2.
“I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life,” he said.
Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much
Helen Thomas
In his statement, Harris thanked listeners for their loyal support.
“I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again,” he said. “This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100%. I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “I would like to say a sincere thank you to Bob, a true radio legend, for many years of very special shows on Radio 2. Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.
“Since taking the reins of Sounds Of The 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories of being at the heart of the music scene throughout the decade. Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much. Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.”
In April this year, Harris celebrated his 80th birthday, with Radio 2 marking the occasion through a special programme, Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music, which is currently available to listen back to on BBC Sounds.
Shaun Keaveny will take over as host of Sounds Of The 70s each Sunday (3-5pm), in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show (Fridays 11pm-midnight).
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