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"Skinny" Bobby Harper Obituary
'Skinny' DJ Harper dies: Longtime Atlanta radio star a model for WKRP's 'Johnny Fever'.
By RODNEY HO
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta radio personality "Skinny" Bobby Harper, whose outrageous antics in the 1960s and '70s became the model for a "WKRP in Cincinnati" character, died Tuesday of lung cancer.
Mr. Harper, 64, of Smyrna was hospitalized at Emory University Hospital on June 30, said his wife, Karen Harper of Stone Mountain. The body will be cremated. The memorial service is noon Monday at Dave & Buster's in Marietta. Wages & Sons Funeral Home, Stone Mountain, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Harper – nicknamed "Skinny" for his lithe frame – was the inspiration for WKRP's scruffy, spacey Johnny Fever, said Hugh Wilson of Charlottesville, Va., who created and produced the sitcom that ran on CBS from 1978 to 1982. "Bobby was more energetic than Fever," Mr. Wilson said, "but he was a great starting off point for me."
Over a nomadic 31 years, Mr. Harper presided over the mike at about 15 radio stations from Peoria, Ill., to Detroit. In 1968, he landed in Atlanta, where he worked for seven stations including WQXI-AM/790 ("Quixie in Dixie") and WSB-AM. He was fired several times, sometimes for unseemly comments on the air.
"He was just too hip for radio," said Atlanta comedian Jerry Farber.
He was the dominant radio personality in Atlanta when what's now called classic rock – the Beatles, Rolling Stones, et al. – was what most people listened to.
He rode a wild bull, ran in an ostrich race and belly-flopped into an immense ice cream sundae. He posed nude for a local magazine with a vinyl record as a fig leaf. He got drunk on the air with 80-proof vodka to prove that drinking and driving is bad.
"He was a star in his day, a wild and crazy guy," said Bob Neal of Atlanta, who worked with him in Detroit and at WQXI in the 1960s. "He'd speak first and think later. He was always getting in and out of trouble. Some people said he had a dark cloud. I say he had an angel on his shoulders."
In those early days, Mr. Harper was a heavy smoker, competitive poker player and big beer drinker, though he was not the laid-back pot smoker Johnny Fever's character was on WKRP. "He was like Walter Matthau in 'The Odd Couple,' " Mr. Neal said. In the early 1970s, Mr. Harper played liar's poker with Mr. Neal and a not-yet-mogul Ted Turner at a bar called Trees. "Bobby would always win," Mr. Neal added.
Booze and boos
In 1969, Mr. Neal and Mr. Harper sat behind home plate at a Braves-Mets championship game. Mr. Harper spied a man with a Mets banner. Spontaneously, he threw his cup of beer at the man, who ducked. The beer instead hit a well-dressed businessman across the aisle. Mr. Harper didn't apologize. "Get over it!" Mr. Neal recalled Mr. Harper saying. The beer-soaked man got security, who escorted Mr. Harper out. "People booed," Mr. Neal said.
On the radio, Mr. Harper would spout strong left-wing political commentary and racy-for-the-time humor. He mocked Richard Nixon and once left a phone message for the FBI's J. Edgar Hoover, played on the air: "Tell J. Edgar I think he's senile." In 1970, WQXI dropped him for making this joke: "A booby hatch. What is the question?" Pause. "What is Twiggy's manager waiting for?" QXI later rehired him.
"I used to be an angry young man," Mr. Harper told The Atlanta Journal in 1977.
Born in Saskatchewan, hockey-crazed Mr. Harper would walk home from school pretending to hold a mike in one hand, and say, "This is Bobby Harper, voice of the Montreal Canadiens." Mr. Harper majored in speech at William Jewell College, in Liberty, Mo., where his first on-air job was doing news for the student public address system.
He started at a radio station in Shenandoah, Iowa, but quickly moved up the ranks, landing at a station in Cincinnati in time to bring the Beatles to town on their first U.S. tour. "I was arrogant, cocky," Mr. Harper said years later. After he was being stopped by the police for speeding one too many times and placed on prison detail, his driver's license was suspended and he lost his job.
He eventually found his home in Atlanta and, except for brief stints in Louisville and Kansas City, stayed in radio here from 1968 to 1991.
"He was a Georgia boy the minute he moved here," said Kathy Fischman, who worked with him on WSB-AM in the mornings from 1985 to 1991, his last on-air job. "And he developed the most amazing black book. Andy Young, Sam Nunn, Lester Maddox, you name it. He could get anyone on the phone at any time, even 6 a.m. in the morning."
For his shows, Mr. Harper created a host of character voices, including Rex the Wonder Dog and Officer Bruce, who was gay and lisped. His most famous was Laverne, an old lady with a pinched voice. "In my mind, she looks a lot like Granny on 'The Beverly Hillbillies' show – she's got blue hair and she wears high-topped sneakers," Mr. Harper said in 1983.
By the early 1980s, he had mellowed. At 96rock, he ended his broadcasts, "Remember, God loves you." Kim "The Kimmer" Peterson, who worked with Mr. Harper at his last job said Mr. Harper "never wanted to offend anybody. He always did these sweet, fuzzy interviews. I'd make him cringe with my outrageous sense of humor."
Punched out
In 1990, Mr. Harper defended his co-host's honor when another jockey insulted Ms. Fischman on the air.
"Bobby slugged the guy," Mr. Peterson said, "which is funny because he weighed like 115 pounds."
After WSB-AM dropped Mr. Harper, he left radio for good, landing a job in the corporate communications office of Delta Air Lines, then working for MARTA and Underground Atlanta before retiring.
Mr. Harper was a magnet for female fans, despite his signature bottle-bottom glasses that made his eyes look unusually big, said Ms. Fischman, now living in New Orleans. "He was charming to women whether they were 18 or 83," she said.
Mr. Harper spent Wednesday nights with a group of graybeard friends, drinking beer at local taverns, most recently Padriac's in Vinings. "It's a hard-body haven, and we're the geriatrics," said Norm Cates, one of the members and a trade newspaper publisher. "When we talked politics, Bobby was always the token bleeding-heart liberal. No matter how hard we gave it back to him, he was always resilient with the banter."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for "Skinny" Bobby Harper
R.T. Williams
December 25, 2021
I may be an old man now, re-living my own personal history with SKBH, but as time (almost 20 years now) has flown by, I realize that what I personally lost was not just a best friend but my brother. Not sure that either one of us ever expressed our relationship quite that way - that would have been totally un-cool - but he was literally the best. I never knew a more multi-talented, multi-faceted, loyal but contradictory human. And I don't think there's been another one.
Merry Christmas, Krissy (Karen too)
Krissy Harper
December 24, 2021
In case you´re wondering, I scattered my Dad´s ashes in the ocean at Rick´s Cafe in Negril, Jamaica while I watched Rick´s famous sunset. That was our favorite place to vacation. I miss my best friend everyday.
I know he appreciates everyone´s kind words, memories, and stories. He would be so proud and happy that he left a good memory for you to enjoy.
Spencer M
April 5, 2020
I knew Skinny Bobby when a young 20+ guy living in Stone Mountain, ga in the 80s 90s. He was a kool guy to know. I was just a young man dating his lovely daughter Jenny (Jennifer). I knew Jenny very well. She lived with us on short stints starting in Clarkston, Ga. I was just a young teen then. I didn't pay much attention to her at first but she and my sistet wete very close. Over the many years wih her in my family's life we all (including Skinny Bobby) we became a self proclaimed adopted family. There wad something weird happening to me. Every ounce of my being was falling deeply in love wth Jenny. I was too kool to ever let on how i felt and eventually i did. We were very close. She was the most beautiful young teen/woman i ever (even to this day) i ever knew. We did so much together. Her brother Jamie was kool fella. Sadly to say she left my life in my twenties to go back with her mom in Ca and i never saw that pretty, lovely smile again. My heart wiil eventually move on in heaven and I'll always remember i had a piece of heaven with her in my life. So sorry about the loss of her father. She had a glow when they were together. She loved him very much. God rest for Skinny Bobby and God bless to the family.
Louise Feit
November 23, 2018
I grew up with the Harper boys in Regina Beach Saskatchewan Canada. They were good friends of my brothers and were always such nice respectful boys, who always managed to show up when my mother made Homemade bread.Interesting to read of his life and career in the US.
George Yancey
February 10, 2018
I grew up in Atlanta and I remember listening to Skinny Bobby Harper on Quixie in Dixie while car pooling to school(late 60s, early 70s). The whole car would be completely drawn to the radio when he was on because we knew we would hear something really funny. We could not wait for the music to end to hear what he'd have to say next. Then we'd discuss his witticisms with friends at home room once we got to school. Nobody else like him on the air. What a way to start your day. He brought a lot of joy.
Sandy Semerad
September 1, 2016
I've posted a blog about my memories of Legendary DJ Skinny Bobby Harper. Please read and share. Hugs! Here's the link: http://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/2016/08/old-story-made-new-with-legendary-dj-by.html
Sandy Semerad
August 24, 2016
I blogging about meeting Skinny Bobby Harper and story telling here. Hugs!
http://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/2016/08/old-story-made-new-with-legendary-dj-by.html
Dennis Degan, Video Editor at NBC in New York, working for the Today Show. Photo from 2007.
Dennis Degan
January 28, 2014
Bobby was my mentor and role model. I first met him when I was in high school and he was a 'VJ' at Channel 36 on 'The Now Explosion'. After I graduated, I worked for him at WIIN radio in 1971 where I was given the enviable task of being his assistant. But he wasn't simply the guy I worked for, Bobby was the very essence of caring; the most influential person I've ever met, who's kindness was without measure or peer. I was only 20 years old and had no car, so Bobby would drive by my apartment on Briarcliff Rd at 5am to pick me up on his way to the station. At the station, he'd occasionally challenge me with little last-moment tasks to do, some of them on the air. I provided him with clips from the morning newspaper and wrote summaries of traffic reports we'd steal by listening to WSB and transcribing them.
Bobby helped start the new Channel 36 in 1976 in an office building on Peachtree St. I have a photo of him working there; it's my only photo of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dennisdegan/557942413/
I didn't see Bobby again after that, but did reconnect by email once in 2002. Of course he remembered me and our antics at WIIN Radio. I felt glad that I had the chance to write to him to say 'thanks' before he passed. He shaped my life and I will never forget him. I wish I had had more time with him, my friend Skinny Bobby Harper.
Stephanie Heidt
February 13, 2013
Bob was my grandpa Jim's brother. I only met him once but WOW it's amazing how in just that one time meeting someone they could hold such a special place in my heart right next to Jim. <3
Bill Richie
August 16, 2012
I spoke to him twice...First time around 1976 when he was on the air in Kansas City, (WDAF?) and the second time in or about 1991 when he was in Atlanta. Both times he wouls use the "sound drop" "Skinny Bobby Harper". It was fantastic. To read that he was the model for Dr. Johnny Fever is just so wonderful. RIP you were great!
Tiffany Halpern Price
August 15, 2012
Girl Kris,
I was looking for you and found your Father's obituary. I'm so sorry. I always remember how much you light up when you spoke of him. And how much he did the same speaking of you.
Lenny Carbonia
April 17, 2012
Although I never met him, I loved him on WSAI and WING. I will surely miss his talent.
Thomas Kistler
April 15, 2012
Krissy: I was told by a friend of your fathers passing. I am so sorry. I lost my father as well and know the pain.
God Bless old friend,
Tom
tim lalonde
February 18, 2011
I never knew bob harper, but he grew up with my mother. His mother, Ann, married my uncle willie after Bob's dad died in Japan during ww2. My mother was the daughter Ann never had. My brother and I used to watch wkrp and thought Dr. Fever was incredibly funny. One time Ann was visiting at our home, My mother would bring Ann for visits, Ann told my brother and I, we were about eleven at the time, that Dr, Fever was based on her son. She told us several stories about him. He sounded like a pretty good guy.
My mom was heart broken to her of his passing. She and Bob were close growing up.
Bob was her grad escort. She knew him well.
If any of Bob's children read this please e-mail me at [email protected]. I have several pictures of Bob growing up along with some stories from my mother and Ann.
Ann Harper
May 6, 2010
Bobby (Bob to me) and I were together from 1959 (the fall of that year) to June 19, 1965. We were married on August 20, 1960 in Orinda, California. We had four children: James, Jennifer, baby daughter, Jamie. I remember so distinctly Bob walking over to the program director of KFNF (Shenandoah, Iowa) and asking about what he was doing? Or could he maybe get a job doing this radio thing? Or just friendly talk about I do not know what because, I remained in the bleacher seats (basketball game) and simply watched. This, of course, was to change Bob's life as he knew it. In that moment of time, an extremely good radio personality was born. What he and I encountered, accomplished, initiated, and screwed-up (just a little) was enough for far more years than most couples have in a greater amount of time. Oh, the stories I could tell and will. Heck, maybe I should write a book - well, there might be enough for at least an essay or two. So, before I go (for now), I want to acknowledge the best of skinny Bobby and Annie (which is what he always called me): James, Jennifer, baby daughter that wasn't to be, and Jamie. These four were/are, our proudest achievements. The children miss their father and all the missed opportunities also. I hope to write more soon - wow! I just found the computer so I may as well use it and tell everyone about the missing four to five years that no one else knows about.
Barbara Eastman
April 9, 2010
I'm glad to see someone else who remembers Skinny Bobby when he was at WSAI in Cincinnati. Do you also remember him when he was on WING in Dayton? It was a sad day, indeed, when he left WSAI. The station was never the same, especially since Paul Purtan had also left.
gerry hoffman
April 8, 2010
i listened to skinny bobby as a teen when he was at wsai in cincinnati. it was a sad day when he left. i never forgot him or his show. the best dj ever. rest in peace.
Bill Cross
March 19, 2010
I listened to Skinny Bobby when he was at WDAF Radio 61 AM in Kansas City in 1971. Though he was only at the station for maybe a year and a half me and my brothers still talk about him. What a guy.
Frank Noyes
March 20, 2009
I have many fond memories of listening to Skinny Bobby Harper. One is when he had Elton John host as DJ, referring to him as "EJ the DJ". Plus, I loved his radical politics!
Marcia Senecal
January 1, 2009
I'm just now learning of your death , and though I never met you, I am forever grateful you made my dear, sweet mother laugh and smile during very tough times. You were kind enough to take time out to talk to her over the phone when she called into your radio station, (late 70's.) You brightened her last days, before she too lost her battle with cancer. God Bless you and your family,
Daughter of Cecilia Nino
Marcia Senecal
A. States
October 13, 2008
Wow. You're gone and I didn't even know it. You had the most beautiful voice-I always listened to you in the early 80's. You'd say " Wake up sleepy babies" and I'd wake up feeling all nice. I'm sorry you are gone. Best wishes to your family.
Jay Kaplan
July 9, 2008
Back in the years I was studying at Ga. Tech (1971-1975), Bobby almost made the commute in those pre-Marta days tolerable. I remember his having then mayor Sam Massell on the air as the guest DJ. Told to bring his own music for the show, Mayor Sam brought twice as many as they had time to play. Always sharp when under pressure, Bobby allowed him to play half of each song.
He was a entertainer on a media that was tough to provide real, spontaneous entertainment. Several years after his death I’m just now learning about it. I’m sad. Skinny Bobby Harper was a DJ’s DJ.
Kathie Manson
April 23, 2008
Aside from anything about Laverne and the Never Can Say Goodbye Retirement Home, my favorite Skinny Bobby bit was about a bus trip to a football game in Alabama. Somebody had a flask shaped like a ham sandwich and they all kept stopping for more "ham sandwich". I laughed til I cried, and still smile to think of him and his incredible wit. Sorry to be so late with this...
david agee
April 22, 2008
i was a "rock star" in the mid 60s while in high school. bobby loved my group in dayton, ohio and got us much exposure and brought us to cincinnati a few times after he moved. we shared many funny things before he moved on to cinci. the guys and i would meet up with bobby at wing radio after school sometimes and just go around to different places and act like fools. much of what we did and said made it to the air waves a couple days later. he was so personable and genuinely funny and just a fun guy to be with. he was one of us and we loved him.
Eddie Lee
April 21, 2008
I remember "Skinny Bobby Harper" from his short stint at 79 WAKY in Louisville KY. His morning tysts with the old Coffee Lady still live in my memories. Bobby may have been the inspiration for Dr. Johnny Fever, but he was also one of the prime inspirations for me to go into radio, where I have worked for the past 30 plus years. Bobby's whit and enthusiam still bring a smile to my face, and when I feel a bad day comming on, I can still play his bits in my head and get through the day. He is, without reservation, a talent and spirit greatly missed. Thank you Bobby for your time with us, now you can make God laugh.
David Bowman
January 16, 2008
Listened to Mr. Harper while in high school & college in the late 60's & early 70's. Two classic bits I remember was one about spaghetti trees and another about aging female love birds. Would give anything to hear those again. Will forever remember and cherish your humor.
You are missed.
Barbara Eastman
July 2, 2007
I first listened to Bob Harper when he was at WING Radio in Dayton, OH in the early 60's. He later moved to WSAI Radio in Cincinnati, where he worked with a DJ who would become one of his best friends, Paul Purtan. I was a big fan of both Bobby and Paul and used to write them letters every week, and they very often sent replies.
In 1965, Paul Purtan relocated to Detroit station WKNR and Bobby ended up there with Paul after a stint in Atlanta. In 1967, I visited my sister in Detroit and was invited by Paul and Bobby to visit them at WKNR on two different days. Those visits are one of the best memories I have. I still have some pictures of me with Bobby and Paul taken in July 1967.
I knew Bobby died in 2003 but had never seen this "Guest Book" before. "WKRP in Cincinnati" is being shown on the ALN Cable Network and I knew Bobby was the inspiration for Dr. Johnny Fever and it made me start to think of all my fond memories of him, so I decided to "Google" him and found this website.
I know the biggest part of his career was spent in Atlanta, but I'd like to see more memories of Bobby from anyone who remembers him in Dayton, Cincinnati or Detroit in the 1960's.
Jennifer Finnell
June 13, 2005
Bobby-Just wanted to let you know that I still think about you!! Miss you! Can't wait to have some corona's up in heaven!
jennifer harper
June 7, 2004
DI truely want to thank all the people who have taken the time to sign this guest book.And for sharing with the rest of us,some of the special memories and and great stories.I have really enjoyed reading about the times they got to have with him.
I know my father was a very special and caring person.And that he touched everyone he ever met in a special way. Personally and professionally. He loved being a D.J.And he was very good at it. He also loved being a Dad,and grandfather. He had a wonderful zest for life, and shared his enthusiam with the public, by way of radio. He always had something nice to say, to anyone he crossed paths with.
I am very saddened that he is not with us anymore. I miss him very much. As do my brothers Jim and Jamie Harper of California, and my sister Krissy harper of Atlanta, and his grandchildren Steven Sarah and Samantha also of California.
He will be with us in our thoughts always, and forever in our hearts. Until such time as we are together again.
God bless each and everyone of you
Jennifer Harper
Daughter
California
Krissy Harper
May 18, 2004
The best friend I've ever had. Miss you everyday, Dad!
Rod Williams
October 26, 2003
As News Director of WING Dayton, Ohio in the 50s and WSAI Cincinnati in the 60s I worked with "Skinny" over a period of years and can tell you he was always on Radio's fast track even though his wheels, sometimes left the rails.
The last time I saw him was shortly after a disagreement with Cincinnati PD. A minor event but enough to place him on I75 picking up debris.
I waved to him as I drove home that day and now wish I would have stopped.
I know he is somewhere behind the pearly gates making a lot of people laugh and maybe even picking up a little heavenly litter.
Clara Lara
August 25, 2003
May he rest in peace. I too had a Bobby. My son passed away on December 21, 1998 at age 17.
Terri Monaghan
August 3, 2003
If you were one of Bobby’s fans sometime during the last four decades, chances are, he took a little bit of your youth along with him for safekeeping.
Terri Monaghan
Robert Barnes
July 31, 2003
Many nice things have been written here about Bobby Harper. I want to add this: In all my dealings with the man, I never felt a negative vibe. He was open, friendly, glad hearted and eager to share some fun. He worked hard. He kept going. He was a force. And every time he'd call out my name in a crowded movie theater, just to say hello, I felt gratitude because he cared.
I will miss him.
Linda Goslin
July 30, 2003
As a native Atlantan, I remember all the fun and laughs I had listening to Bobby on the radio. When I heard he was going to be working in my department at Delta, I was so excited. I told everyone I was going to be working with "Skinny" Bobby Harper. I loved working with Bobby (or Bobbo, as I called him). He was a fun, warm, caring person. He loved his family and enjoyed talking about his kids.
Karen, he shared with me the wonderful Banana Bread and Chocolate Chip cookies you would make for him. He would say, "Isn't that the best banana bread you've ever had. Karen makes the best."
I loved Bobbo and am saddened that he is gone. May God bring you comfort and peace in your sorrow.
R.T. Williams
July 29, 2003
Once upon a time (1968) an Atlanta TV producer and a certain off-the-wall, nutso, over-the-top, slightly-demented, completely off- & left-of-center jockey of discs who happened to see the world thru 2" coke bottle bottoms (which probably accounted for much of the above), teamed up to produce the "First Annual Gold Clef Awards", a salute at that time to Atlanta's recent prominence in the pop music world. This match-up of producer and skinny/squinty-eyed host led to a 35 year friendship....best friends.
A year later, when this same darling (daring??) duo was in Miami, putting together a highly suspect Now Explosion, the DJ informed the producer that he had had it, was going to take his wife & baby back to Atlanta "where he belonged". So the disappointed producer and the DJ held a 2-man wake at the next-door movie theater by sitting thru the just released "MASH", nine times!, back-to-back!, aided by alternating trips to the adjacent shop/purveyer of potables. Those of us who knew & loved the DJ can sympathize with theater management: they avoided the duo for almost 12 hours. Another year later, back in Atlanta the producer, now in the service of the fledgling Mouth-of-the-South, decided to revive the DJ's not-yet-storied television career with two really forgettable but groundbreaking efforts: "The Miller/Harper Sports Report", complete with wiggling, bikinied and magic-markered, living "scoreboards", not to mention Freddie Miller (producer refrains from commenting on what he really had in mind); and Atlanta's only late-nite talk show, "Harper, Etc." which actually met a somewhat abrupt and unceremonious end...due to another of those already fabled DJ moments.
Those early days also found the DJ and the producer teaming up for telethons for Special Olympics as well as numerous commercials and psa's.
One supposes the point of all this ancient reminiscing is that, in addition to the myriad stories, attributes and accomplishments that he is known for, if not for the intervention of fate and physical health in the late '70's, the DJ would have surpassed even his own legend with what would have been a unique career in television. The intervening years between then and now have been everything but forgettable, and now, cherished.
The producer and the DJ were always extremely competitive, sometimes ridiculously so, and the producer still retains a small momento from last week's hospital visit: a sore hand from an unbelievably strong, but not unexpected, hand shake. The DJ never quit, and that's the least of all he'll be missed for.
OK, this has got to stop. But how does one do that when stories about the DJ will never really end?
Paul Iams
July 29, 2003
In 1961, I was eleven. Twice a week, I would attend rehearsals of the Dayton (Ohio) Rotary Boys' Choir. The walk to and from the bus took me past WING's Showcase Studios. I always could find time before rehearsal and maybe an hour afterwards to stand in front of the window and watch Bob Harper do his nightly radio show. For my diligent attendance, a young Bob Harper befriended me. I'd run and get coffee for him and, in return, he gave me records and let me hang out in the studio. It was my introduction to radio and broadcasting. Thanks, Bob, for your kindness to this still grateful fan.
Pamela Melissovas
July 29, 2003
I got my start in '75 working part time at WGST with Skinny Bobby Harper! What a fun job, so young and naive I was.
Bobby was hilarious as "Laverne" but his but his favorite thing to talk about off mike was Kristen.
When we had contests to give away money, he would let me pick the random names out of the phone book, he made me feel like I was doing something worth while, that and going to get him coffee! I have a newspaper article on Bobby back then, I am mentioned as the pert brunette.
Bobby and Bob Neal used to invite me (like a kid sister) to tag along to Houlihans for a drink and play pool after work. They also liked to talk about his annual tip to Destin, but I was too you and naive to hear the details, thank you now!
Bobby, you helped form my early years of what working in radio was supposed to be, being professional and having fun. I will be forever greatful.
TO THE FAMILY, LOVE IN CHRIST.
Pam
Christina Ricucci Owen
July 29, 2003
Bobby and I were co-workers and friends from our days at WGST in the mid-1970s. He was the warmest, sweetest, funniest, and most lovely soul I've ever known. He had an inexplicably unique way of connecting with anyone and everyone, magically making even strangers feel as though he were a brother or long-time friend. I was blessed and deeply touched to be able to visit with Bobby in the hospital just a few days before he died. Despite his physical struggle to hang on, his smile and his hug and the warmth of his voice reminded me that he will always be with me and with the countless others who loved him and who were the recipients of his warmth, his humor, and his caring & loving spirit. Bobby's memorial service was all I would have expected -- filled with music and hilarity and "Bobby stories", an occasion he would have truly loved and a joyous celebration of Bobby's life. Thank you, Bobby, for all you gave us and for leaving a part of yourself with each of us. We will miss you so much. Vaya con dios, mi amigo....
David Reynolds
July 29, 2003
Well, no more 'Harris Poll' and the traffic condition is not 'chartreuse', but a very deep, sad blue today. Bobby, for all the mornings you got me through work, thank you.
Matt Robbins
July 28, 2003
Today is a special day in my life and it involves Bobby. 28 years ago yesterday (it was a Sunday then too in 1975) my first born child Meghan entered the world at Piedmont Hospital. On Monday morning I called my friend Skinny Bobby at WQXI to tell him the news. He announced Meghan's arrival to the Atlanta radio listeners and played "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" for her and us. Later that day he came to visit Kathleen and me, and of course the lovely new lady, Miss Meghan, at the hospital. I just got back from the memorial service at Dave and Buster's;I told the DJ there about my story and he played Stevie Wonder's song for me. Thank you Bobby for that special and everlasting gift!
Thank you also, Bobby, for gracing our lives and home in those early years - as my family grew to include Kevin and Kiera in later years. Although we lost contact,
I felt we never lost touch as you moved from the radio world to corporate Atlanta, at Delta and at MARTA. I hope you know I valued the time and thoughts we shared.
Karen, I know you had so many people come to you today as I came, to extend to you our thoughts. I forgot to mention that we might have been one of the few who knew where Grundy WVA was - maybe that frame of refrence will renew some memories of "OH YES I REMEMBER, THOSE WERE THE ROBBINS!"...And you,Krissy, who planned the festivities today: it was nice to see you again. You've grown to be quite the lady - with the image of your gracious Mom and the fire of your Dad! To you and your siblings, thank you for allowing so many people - in maybe too many radio markets and communities - to share your father.
When all of us first met Harper, we had hoped to change a world. We all wonder whatever did happen to those fires and hopes! In retrospect,we changed it in smaller increments than we had hoped but we did change it.
I was blessed to have a job in the Pershing Point area, so I often met Bobby at WQXI and we went to breakfast at a number of places nearby. I am sorry I didn't take advantage of all the wonderfilled times that a Bob Neal and the others had with him, later in the day (although I must admit (in case the authorities are monitoring), I am unsre if I could've appreciated" the herbs of some of the places, including Jamaica).
We all know that life moves into new dimensions in a rhythm over which we have no control. Death came too quickly for one so young and vibrant, but maybe not soon in terms of what pains cancer brought.
All I know is that in the new world, there will be "No Problem, Mon" for you Bobby and for us who surely follow.
So, Mr DJ, Set up the turntable for us and play some of that music that makes us young again. Through you, we will meet one day to capture in a new way the joi de vivre that you, Skinny Bobby Harper, mirrored so well.
Play On and Soar!!!
dave stewart
July 28, 2003
I was saddened to hear about Skinny Bobby Harper last week. I remember him in the mid-70's at WDAF in Kansas City. In fact, when I was in high school, it was Bobby's energy that helped me crawl out of bed and get ready for the day. He really seemed to enjoy what he was doing, which may be all too rare. Even though it's been more than 25 years since I heard Bobby on the air, his presence left a last mark.
Dave Stewart
Kansas City
Zareen Nevrekar
July 28, 2003
Krissy,
We are saddened to hear of your loss. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Zareen
CHUCK DRIEBE
July 26, 2003
For over 30 years, we helped Bobby with various legal matters. However, the most fun that I had was during one of those periods (early 80s?) when he was off the air. Wrote a poem that was published in the "letters to the editor" section of the AJC. It started:
"Skinny Bobby Harper, where have you gone.
We used to wake up to you at the crack of dawn."
He later got back on the air at WSB without the help of this poem.
Tom Wilder
July 25, 2003
The real "Doctor" has left the building.
Phil Couch
July 25, 2003
Having graduated from high school in 1966, I went through my formative years listining to 'Skinny' Bobby. You brought allot of joy to my youth. Thanks for everything.
Neil Monroe
July 25, 2003
I worked closely with Bobby at Delta for 5 years in the early 90s. He missed radio, and radio missed him. Yet, today, even after more than a decade off the air, Bobby remains an icon. That's because he was a man who loved his listeners, a made whose talent and professionalism stood above the rest.
The Bobby I knew was a modest man who wouldn't like all this fuss. But he was a friend to tens of thousands, a man who added joy to the lives of others.
Bobby will be missed.
David Perkins
July 25, 2003
When I was growing up having Skinny Bobby Harper plaing on the radio as I sat on the hood of my car, on the upper level of the varsity was the ultimate in coolness. Once I had a flat tire on my way home from work and he stoped and helped me change it, He never told who he was but as soon as he opened his mouth I knew by his voice, I heard once the song ,I am the morning Djay was written about him. I don't guess it matters now . But a little of my youth has sliped away with Bobby.
Tim and Carolyn Merck
July 25, 2003
With deepest sympathy at this sad time.
We were neighbors for several years back in the 70's in South DeKalb. Bobby was devoted to his family and was the same person off radio as he was on. Atlanta has lost a good one. Enjoy the heavenly music, Bobby.
Bunkey Moore Woodworth
July 25, 2003
Krissy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
RAYLENE BROWN
July 25, 2003
I could not believe it when I read in the paper that "Skinny" Bobby Harper had died. Having lived here all my life, I remember his days on WQXI and Z93. He will be missed.
Leesa Brooks
July 25, 2003
"Thanks for the Memories."
Janet
July 25, 2003
It's sad to know that we will never again be updated on the number of moo cows on the streets of Atlanta. Or be hoaxed about the teacher in East Point who had everything in her apartment stolen, with the police valuing the contents at $3.65! You made mornings and getting to work fun. Godspeed, Bobby.
Kerry Sartain
July 24, 2003
The name of Skinny Bobby Harper brings memories of the 60's flooding back. Quixie in Dixie, high school functions and later high school reunions. Bobby was Atlanta to me. With his passing, Atlanta has lost another hugh piece of its history. Bobby, you will be greatly missed.
Gloria walden
July 24, 2003
Skinny Bobby Harper leaves a memory for all... He will be missed.
Rob Taylor
July 24, 2003
When I worked at Clayton Junior College in the 70's I had Bobby on campus to be the grand marshall for the annual tricycle race. He added much to it like he did to so many other things he was involved with. I'll miss him. Gary McKee better not die or we will all be in big trouble.
Nikki Rapp
July 24, 2003
In my teens in the late 60's,when Lake Spivey had a public beach,they had dances & bands. "Skinny Bobby Harper" was always there to MC and crack jokes. I have great memories of those dances. Thanks Bobby. You were one of a kind.
Bertha Ray
July 24, 2003
Skinny Bobby Harper was more than just a DJ, he was a true friend to everyone who listened to him. His humor and wit will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Matt & Kathleen Robbins
July 24, 2003
We were saddened by the news of Bobby's death, taken far too young for someone so full of life. We met him and Karen decades ago, and enjoyed having them at our home. He had flair, he had insight and he had joy -- these are gifts we all hope to mirror in our own lives.
There are two stories I wish to share: Bobby had a feature on WQXI entitled "Thought for the Day," which in all honesty were not that thought-provoking but were humorous. The day after we met him at the Omni at a game, he announced on his radio show that here was a letter from someone about the radio feature:"Dearest Bobby, it was so good to see you last night, but I was with himmmmm. Hope to see you again sooon. PS,your thought for the day is ok..Love and kisses, Kathleen R." Needless to say we enjoyed that; many heard it and questioned Kathleen about her sanity.
But the one thing we personally remember Bobby with such appreciation is this: on the day after our first child Meghan was born, Bobby played "For Ms Meghan Robbins: You Are The Sunshine of My Life"...and later that day he visited us at Piedmont Hospital. Thank you for that, Skinny Bobby
Our condolences to Karen and the kids. God grant you peace, Bobby,
and we will see each other again in a new sunshine of our lives.
Tracy & Billy Brookshire
July 24, 2003
We will miss him very much. We went on many trips with him to the Bahamas in the early 80's. He was
a very funny man always kept us in stitches. Enjoyed the times we had at Club Med.
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. Crank up the radio station in heaven and let us hear you down here.
Charliece Swiney
July 24, 2003
Karen & Kristin,
May God grant you His peace and keep you both in the hollow of His hand. Our prayers are with you.
Marvin & Charliece
Bob Adams
July 24, 2003
Deepest sympathy to Krissy and all the family. Bobby and I were Delta and sports friends. When he learned I was ill this spring he called to check on me every week or so, always with a wisecrack to lift my spirits. I will miss picking fantasy baseball teams with him.
Cathy Benson
July 24, 2003
I HAVE LISTEN TO SKINNY BOBBY HARPER SINCE I WAS A KID, SINCE THE 60's. HE WILL BE MISSED. "GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY"
Cherallynne Forcella
July 24, 2003
I knew Bobby, and in addition to being a great radio personality, he was a kind and caring man. I'm saddened by his passing.
Jeff
July 24, 2003
The spectators may have left, but the fans are still in their seats, fondly remembering Skinny Bobby.
LMC
July 24, 2003
I have missed hearing the older "Lavern" from the "Never Say Goodbye" nursing home. She used to talk about some of the amusing folks who were residents there, and amusing activities, like teeth-grinding contests. Lavern was also a member of the "Toe-to-Toe-With-Satan Church of the Constant Struggle(say Hallelujah!). I'd love to hear a recording just once more.
I'll miss him/her.
Connie
July 24, 2003
I worked with Bobby at WRMM and WSB. What I remember most...is that every single morning, he called his daughter, Krissy and told her he loved her. He was one sweet man.
Johnson Clyde
July 24, 2003
Thanks for the 60's & 70's
Bobby, Rock On!!
Clyde Johnson
John Roop
July 24, 2003
I met Bobby when he was with Delta. Our personalities seemed to click, and I always enjoyed our visits together, his light banter. The last time we crossed paths was in Buckhead at the St. Patrick's Day parade. I always looked forward to running into him again and am saddened that won't happen again. It's wonderful when someone brings cheer to another person's life and Bobby Harper could do that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
mark white
July 24, 2003
When I moved to Atlanta in the fall of 1976 the first thing I heard on the radio was Bobby Harper's alter ego "Laverne" fussing as she tore her dress climbing up to the top that billboard. Atlanta will always remember and miss you
Shannon Cottrell
July 24, 2003
May you rest in peace Bobby. My thoughts and prayers to his family at this time.
Art Baskel
July 24, 2003
I use to listen to "Skinny Bobby Harper" when I lived in Atlanta. A great voice and uplifting personality will be missed
Jane Ellen Pope
July 24, 2003
I knew Bobby briefly during his stint with WSB. I found him to be a wonderfully fun, talented and thoughtful man. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Elizabeth Wilson
July 24, 2003
A '65 graduate of the Arlington Schools in SW Atlanta, Bobby was DJ for a lot of dances -- then came back 30 years later for the entire school's reunion -- he was great -- and he will be missed.
Rob Luck
July 24, 2003
When I moved to Atlanta in 1971, Skinny Bobby was the most refreshing thing on radio. We had nothing like him in Ruston, La.
Ron Lumpkin
July 24, 2003
Bobby...what a lousy poker player.
Hi/Lo no peek? We love you and miss you even though you arranged for us Willie Nelson tickets in the handicapped section where no seats were available. Lisa & Ron Lumpkin
Mike Abel
July 24, 2003
I'll always remember Robert E. Lee Pruitt's bugle and the telephone calls, like when Skinny Bobby tried to call and wish Nikita Kruschchev happy birthday. You were the best, Bobby Harper!
DIANE BALL
July 24, 2003
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING BOBBY
AT MY PREVIOUS JOB @ FASHION CARE
DRY CLEANERS IN SMYRNA. HE WAS A VERY KIND & CARING PERSON. HIS FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
S. Rogers
July 24, 2003
Having grown up in the metro Atlanta area, Bobby Harper was certainly a staple of teenagers' radio listening habits in the 60-70's. I listened to him then and later when he was with WSB. He brought a lot of fun and laughter to many people in this area. He will be missed.
Paul Vaughan
July 24, 2003
To the family, we share in your loss.
Thanks to Bobby for starting and uplifting many a day for all the years.
Rest In Peace.
Rick Rearden
July 24, 2003
My wife and I used to wake up to Skinny Bobby every morning when we first married. I always thought he was a great D.J. I'm sure Atlanta will miss him. May God bless and console his family in their grief.
Rick Gunter
July 24, 2003
Bobby was a great fan of hockey in Atlanta and a great friend to the Atlanta Flames Fan Club. I will miss him, but we will also miss Laverne, Officer Bruce and all of his personalities. I know that he's calling play by play in heaven's Stanley Cup and having a ball doing it. Rest in peace Skin.
Ava Champion
July 24, 2003
How fondly I recall the days of "Quixie Radio." Paul Drew, Pat Hughes, Tony "The Tiger" Taylor, dear dear Bobby Harper and the rest. They brought The Beatles to Atlanta and made my teenage years much more fun than this generation will ever know. Thanks Bobby!! I loved ya so!!
Bob Carper
July 24, 2003
Great memories of boisterous laughter from Officer Bruce's traffic reports, phone calls to Howard Cosell and countless other entertaining episodes. Thanks, Bobby!
Geraldine Williams
July 23, 2003
I enjoyed working with you at MARTA and later seeing you when I passed through Underground Atlanta. May you rest in peace.
July 23, 2003
Bobby brought endless hours of entertainment to those in Atlanta. He wil be missed. Our prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.
Kell Morrow
July 23, 2003
I will miss Bobby. I had had the pleasure of getting to know him somewhat almost thirty years ago now, and I remember so well how much he loved Atlanta, how much he loved people and how much he loved life.
I know that he is now with God, but I will still miss his wit and his true sincerity.
Lane Bowden
July 23, 2003
He was the GREATEST. I saw him so many times at so many events and he was the Coolest DJ around ever.!
Elizabeth Goodrich
July 23, 2003
Skinny Bobby Harper was part of my growing up.
I will never forget him.
Good bye my friend.
John Graves
July 23, 2003
Having been born in '65, Bobby was the first person to make a memerable impression out of the hundreds of other on air persons including T.V. Nice work Bobby, and you will be missed.
Tom
July 23, 2003
Morning Radio will never be the same
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