Legendary broadcaster Bob Harris has announced that he is stepping down from his BBC Radio 2 shows due to ill health. Nearly 56 years of broadcasting excellence Over a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years, Bob Harris became one of the UK’s most respected and influential music broadcasters. His distinguished career included landmark roles on Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and television, most notably his celebrated tenure on the award-winning BBC music programme The Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s. However, the majority of his broadcasting career was spent at Radio 2, which Bob has described as the “Champions League” of radio, where he remained a key voice for three decades. Bob Harris’s legacy at Radio 2 Since joining Radio 2 in 1996, Bob has been a trusted companion for music lovers, presenting acclaimed programmes including Saturday evening shows, Bob Harris Country and Sounds of the 70s. Renowned for his warmth, encyclopaedic musical knowledge and commitment to championing new talent, Bob introduced generations of listeners to emerging artists alongside established stars. His influence helped shape Radio 2’s specialist music output and earned him the admiration of audiences and musicians alike. Championing country music in the UK A passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana and singer-songwriters, Bob has played a significant role in the growth of country music across the UK. From his time hosting his highly-popular Radio 2 show to being the Guest Editor Of Maverick Country, Bob helped bring country music to mainstream audiences, contributing to its rise as one of the UK’s fastest growing music genres. Bob has also been the host of Country to Country festival ever since its inaugural event in 2013. Throughout his career, Bob earned widespread respect from listeners, artists and colleagues, leaving an enduring legacy at Radio 2 and across the wider British music industry. Celebrating Bob Harris at 80 In April this year, Bob celebrated his 80th birthday. To mark the occasion, Radio 2 broadcast the special programme Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music, which remains available on BBC Sounds. Joined by Zoe Ball, Bob reflected on the defining moments of his remarkable life and career, revisiting key musical milestones, memorable encounters and extraordinary achievements. From Radio 1 and Time Out to The Old Grey Whistle Test The programme explored Bob’s early accomplishments, including co-founding the listings magazine Time Out, launching his first Radio 1 programme in August 1970, touring with T. Rex and becoming the face of The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1972. During his time on the influential television series, Bob interviewed some of the era’s most iconic artists, including John Lennon and David Bowie. The documentary also revisited his return to Radio 1 during the 1990s, his work with BBC Greater London Radio, and the launch of Bob Harris Country on Radio 2 in 1999. Bob also discussed his health challenges and reflected on receiving an OBE in 2011. Final Radio 2 broadcasts The documentary concluded with Bob’s most recent chapter at Radio 2, including taking over as presenter of Sounds of the 70s in November 2024. Bob presented his final episode of Sounds of the 70s on Sunday, March 8 while his last edition of The Radio 2 Country Show aired on Thursday, April 2. Sounds of the 70s will be taken over by Shaun Keaveny and American singer Darius Rucker will continue to present The Radio 2 Country Show in the interim. Bob said: “It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. 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. “Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station. “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. “But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. “Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say. 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. “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.” Radio 2 pays tribute to one of broadcasting’s most respected voices 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.”
