Tributes pour for broadcasting legend: Sydney radio icon Bob Rogers passes away at 97
- Replies 7
Australia has lost a cherished voice that resonated through the airwaves for decades. The recent passing of one of Sydney's most iconic radio personalities has left a significant void in the hearts of many.
Known for his remarkable contributions to the industry and ability to connect with listeners, his legacy continues to inspire.
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues alike, we reflect on the impact he made and the memories he leaves behind.
Bob Rogers, whose career spanned an incredible 78 years, passed away peacefully at his Mosman home at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the very fabric of Australian broadcasting.
The Sydney radio legend, whose voice became a comforting and familiar presence in the lives of countless Australians, is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Jerry, and their four daughters.
His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, all united in their grief over the loss of a true pioneer in the industry.
Derryn Hinch, a friend of Bob's and a fellow broadcasting stalwart, spoke on behalf of the family, describing Rogers as a ‘true icon and legend’ whose absence will be profoundly felt.
‘I grew up listening to him from across the ditch in New Zealand. He was a one-of-a-kind talent,’ he shared.
‘He really was a legend, he was a radio icon in Australia. He will be badly missed.’
Bob Rogers's radio career began during World War Two, when he started as a panel operator for 3XY in Melbourne in 1942.
His career trajectory saw him move to Hobart, where he worked six days a week as a radio announcer and eventually helmed Australia's first Top 40 show on 2UE from 1958 until 1962.
This show catapulted him to national fame and set the stage for the modern format of music radio that we know today.
One of the most remarkable chapters in Bob's career was his association with The Beatles during their 1964 Australian tour.
Selected to represent 2SM, he recorded a series of radio interviews with the iconic band—an experience that would become a defining moment in his life and career.
During the tour, Bob even brought along his two eldest daughters to meet the group during their travels.
His youngest daughter, Skye, affectionately dubbed the ‘Beatles baby’, was born shortly after this tour, a nod to the indelible impact the band had on Rogers' personal and professional life.
Bob's illustrious career was not without its personal touches.
His wit and warmth endeared him to listeners, as evidenced by his playful comment following the birth of his fourth daughter: ‘I had been hoping for a son, I couldn't believe we had a fourth girl. The day after she was born, I was on Tonight with Don Lane, and he congratulated me, and I said, “After four daughters, Skye's the limit”—that is the name of her company now.’
Since joining Sydney radio station 2CH in November 1995, Bob Rogers has been the voice behind the six-hour Saturday night Reminiscing program for more than two decades.
His dedication to his craft and his audience was unwavering, even as he continued to broadcast well into his nineties before his retirement in October 2020, at the age of 93, after a minor stroke.
Reflecting on his decision to step away from the microphone, he expressed his deep love for the industry and the connections he had made over the years.
‘I have absolutely loved my time in this industry—I have met so many wonderful people and built such a treasured connection with my listeners and team, but at my age (93 years) I feel it's the perfect time to say goodbye and hand over the microphone to my fellow presenters,’ he stated.
The news of Bob Rogers' passing saw fans take to social media to share their memories and express their sorrow.
‘I am sad to hear that Radio Legend Bob Rogers has passed away. He was 97,’ one broke the news.
‘He started his radio career during the 2nd world war and remarkably was still going up until a few years ago. I remember him on 3UZ in the 1970s.’
‘Australian radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the ripe old age of 97. His illustrious career saw him still broadcasting into his nineties. I admired him enormously. He and John Laws were my radio heroes. Vale Bob Rogers,’ another shared.
‘The legendary Bob Rogers. Australia's first DJ in the halcyon Top 40 days. Vale,’ a third said.
‘Bob Rogers: my condolences to his families and to all Australians!’ another expressed.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Rogers family and to all Australians who feel the loss of this broadcasting giant.
Bob Rogers' story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his audience—a true testament to a life well-lived in service of the art of radio.
Do you have fond memories of listening to Bob Rogers you want to share? How has his voice touched your life? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
Known for his remarkable contributions to the industry and ability to connect with listeners, his legacy continues to inspire.
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues alike, we reflect on the impact he made and the memories he leaves behind.
Bob Rogers, whose career spanned an incredible 78 years, passed away peacefully at his Mosman home at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the very fabric of Australian broadcasting.
The Sydney radio legend, whose voice became a comforting and familiar presence in the lives of countless Australians, is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Jerry, and their four daughters.
His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, all united in their grief over the loss of a true pioneer in the industry.
Australian radio legend Bob Rogers passed away at 97, surrounded by family at his Mosman home. Credits: Facebook / Sky News Australia
Derryn Hinch, a friend of Bob's and a fellow broadcasting stalwart, spoke on behalf of the family, describing Rogers as a ‘true icon and legend’ whose absence will be profoundly felt.
‘I grew up listening to him from across the ditch in New Zealand. He was a one-of-a-kind talent,’ he shared.
‘He really was a legend, he was a radio icon in Australia. He will be badly missed.’
Bob Rogers's radio career began during World War Two, when he started as a panel operator for 3XY in Melbourne in 1942.
His career trajectory saw him move to Hobart, where he worked six days a week as a radio announcer and eventually helmed Australia's first Top 40 show on 2UE from 1958 until 1962.
This show catapulted him to national fame and set the stage for the modern format of music radio that we know today.
One of the most remarkable chapters in Bob's career was his association with The Beatles during their 1964 Australian tour.
Selected to represent 2SM, he recorded a series of radio interviews with the iconic band—an experience that would become a defining moment in his life and career.
During the tour, Bob even brought along his two eldest daughters to meet the group during their travels.
His youngest daughter, Skye, affectionately dubbed the ‘Beatles baby’, was born shortly after this tour, a nod to the indelible impact the band had on Rogers' personal and professional life.
Bob's illustrious career was not without its personal touches.
His wit and warmth endeared him to listeners, as evidenced by his playful comment following the birth of his fourth daughter: ‘I had been hoping for a son, I couldn't believe we had a fourth girl. The day after she was born, I was on Tonight with Don Lane, and he congratulated me, and I said, “After four daughters, Skye's the limit”—that is the name of her company now.’
Since joining Sydney radio station 2CH in November 1995, Bob Rogers has been the voice behind the six-hour Saturday night Reminiscing program for more than two decades.
His dedication to his craft and his audience was unwavering, even as he continued to broadcast well into his nineties before his retirement in October 2020, at the age of 93, after a minor stroke.
Reflecting on his decision to step away from the microphone, he expressed his deep love for the industry and the connections he had made over the years.
‘I have absolutely loved my time in this industry—I have met so many wonderful people and built such a treasured connection with my listeners and team, but at my age (93 years) I feel it's the perfect time to say goodbye and hand over the microphone to my fellow presenters,’ he stated.
The news of Bob Rogers' passing saw fans take to social media to share their memories and express their sorrow.
‘I am sad to hear that Radio Legend Bob Rogers has passed away. He was 97,’ one broke the news.
‘He started his radio career during the 2nd world war and remarkably was still going up until a few years ago. I remember him on 3UZ in the 1970s.’
‘Australian radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the ripe old age of 97. His illustrious career saw him still broadcasting into his nineties. I admired him enormously. He and John Laws were my radio heroes. Vale Bob Rogers,’ another shared.
‘The legendary Bob Rogers. Australia's first DJ in the halcyon Top 40 days. Vale,’ a third said.
‘Bob Rogers: my condolences to his families and to all Australians!’ another expressed.
Bob Rogers' story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his audience—a true testament to a life well-lived in service of the art of radio.
Do you have fond memories of listening to Bob Rogers you want to share? How has his voice touched your life? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
and my thoughts and prays are with your family and your many many friends
