Digger asked DJ,
broadcaster and writer 'whispering' Bob Harris some questions.
Bob Harris
The following bio extract is from Bob's website:
Bob Harris is a legend, pure and
simple. 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 nearly forty years. Few people have broken as
many bands into the mainstream consciousness as Bob
Harris…through his work on Radio 1, the legendary ‘Whistle
Test’ TV shows and his current programmes on Radio 2. He is
passionate about music and his infectious enthusiasm permeates his
work. Bob’s 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.
He has been described as the ‘John Peel of country music’, and
his unbridled passion and commitment to the genre (and its many
sub-genres) has gained him the recognition of the Country Music
Association, who honored him with the ‘International Broadcaster
of the Year’ award in 2004. Bob has appeared on International
panels at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville and in June 2008
will be the keynote speaker at NXNE in Toronto, Canada’s most
prestigious music festival. Bob and his wife Trudie recently
founded the Whispering Bob Broadcasting Company, an independent
radio production house, making documentaries for Radio 2,
including ‘When John Met Paul’ with Paul McCartney, broadcast
July 2007 and winner of a Sony Silver Award in 2008. He 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’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 and in 2009 joined Sir George Martin as Patron of
the annual gala 'Sound and Vision' evening at Abbey Road studios,
benefiting Cancer Research UK.
Bob kindly answered a few questions for www.retrosellers.com
Images courtesy of and © copyright www.rexfeatures.com
Bob in the OGWT control room
Rory Gallagher on the OGWT set
Digger: Not
that it would effect your status as a musical guru, but can you play
any musical instruments and did you have any formal musical
training?
Bob: I can play 'Apache' (thumb
only) on guitar and I can pick out a tune on piano. I had
piano lessons for a couple of years when I was about 7.
Digger: Can you tell us who you think were the leading musical acts
in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s?
Bob: If you mean the
biggest...they are...
50's: Elvis, Buddy Holly, Everly Bros
60's: Beatles, Stones, Bob Dylan
70's: Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Elton John, Bee Gees
80's: Michael Jackson, U2, Madonna
90's: REM, Maria Carey, Garth Brooks
00's: Coldplay, Beyonce, Red Hot Chili Peppers
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Mariah Carey |
The Everly Brothers |
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Coldplay |
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U2 |
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Led Zeppelin |
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Bob Dylan |
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Digger: Why did the OGWT format not get resurrected in recent years?
Bob: There have been 'Whistle Test
Years' series and a documentary on BBC 4, but no one has revived the
format, with the exception of 'From The Basement' on Sky Arts, which
has similarities.
Digger: Do you have an MP3 player and, if so, what’s on it?
Bob: I have an iPhone/iPod, which
contains a hugely eclectic mix...from Western Swing to Radiohead.
Digger: What have been the highlights of your career and what would
you still like to accomplish?
Bob: Being on Radio 2. Meeting and interviewing John Lennon.
Being voted CMA International Broadcaster of the Year and winning
two Sony Silver awards for documentaries made by WBBC, our
production company.
My ambition is to be part of the Barmy Army when the England cricket
team next tour the West Indies.
Digger: What description of you, your career and your influence are
you most happy with?
Bob: Broadcaster/writer.
Digger: With the fragmentation of music via the Internet, Indie,
multi-channel and multi-media, do you see this as being good for
music?
Bob: Yes.
Digger: Vinyl versus digital – what’s your view?
Bob: I like both, for different reasons. Vinyl is warmer,
digital more flexible.
Digger: What makes a great DJ?
Bob: Loving the music and being yourself.
Digger: What are your current and planned projects and can you tell
us about the WBBC?
Bob: WBBC is our production and events company...making
documentaries for Radio 2 and staging concerts such as ChildLine
Rocks.
Digger: What makes you laugh, what makes you sad, what makes you
angry and what makes you hopeful?
Bob: Cor blimey...rubbish on the side of the road makes me cross...
Digger: Please name those guests (living or dead) that you would
invite to a special one-off edition of the OGWT to be produced in
2009.
Bob: John Lennon, Steve Earle, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Robert
Plant, Sam Baker, Paul Weller, George Martin, Dale Watson, Mark
Lamarr.
Digger: You come from Northampton, which is where I am. Do you
maintain any connections with the town?
Bob: I'm a fellow of the university.
Digger: Is the credit crunch effecting your work or the people
around you?
Bob: Yes...the music industry is getting harder.
Bob Harris interview. May 2009.
Many thanks to Bob and to Genevieve
Willis for their kindness and
help with this interview.
More information at:
Bob
Harris website
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