Born in 1946, Bob Harris started off as a club DJ in the 1960s and helped found Time Out magazine, before beginning his tenure on BBC Radio 1 in 1970 presenting Monday editions of ‘The Sound of the ‘70s’. In 1972, he took over as presenter of music flagship show The Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC2. The programme showcased live performances from the biggest and newest acts across the whole spectrum of music – all brought together by the softly-spoken Harris, who the public affectionately dubbed ‘Whispering Bob’.

After stints on local and national radio stations, Harris returned to BBC Radio 1 in 1989, before beginning his long run on Radio 2 in 1996, becoming the DJ of The Country Show. Since 2024, he also resumed his post on The Sound of the ‘70s after over 50 years away.

Sadly in April this year, Harris broke the news that his prostate cancer which he’d been treated for since 2007 had spread to his spine, which he described at the time as “really frightening news”. He undertook an intensive course of radiotherapy, and was making plans to return to the airwaves as soon as possible, but this morning both Harris and the BBC announced he would be leaving the station. In an address to listeners, he said he was “so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realised that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my entire life.”

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After nearly 6 decades as a DJ and broadcaster, Bob Harris signed off with a message via social media, where he 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.”

Speaking of his investment in country music, which has become a cultural sensation in the UK in the last few years, Harris said “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 signed off on the message to show appreciation to the fans he’s made over his 56 years – “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.”

In Harris’s absence since his treatment began, Shaun Keaveny has hosted Sound of the ‘70s, while Darius Rucker has presented The Country Show – the BBC has confirmed today that both will continue in their roles following his departure. Keaveny paid homage to ‘Whispering’ Bob, saying “It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of rock, roll and radio than almost anyone. Somewhere, every week, some kid hears Won’t Get Fooled Again for the first time! You did that for me Bob, and millions like me. We’d like to say thank you for the music, you’ll always be our Rock ‘n’ Roll Doctor.” Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, commented on how Harris brought “love, laughter and captivating stories” to the radio, in a statement that also read “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.”