Radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the age of 97.
The Australian DJ and radio broadcaster died at his home, surrounded by his family, as tributes poured in from devastated fans.
Bob, who lived in Mosman, is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Jerry, and his four daughters.
During his 78 years on air in Sydney, Bob built a hugely successful radio career and memorably hosted Australia’s first Top 40 show in 1958.
In a career highlight, he was also sent to London in 1964 to join The Beatles as they headed Down Under for their one and only Australian tour.
Radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the age of 97
Before his retirement in October 2020, Bob presented the six-hour Saturday evening program Reminiscing on Sydney radio station 2CH for 23 years.
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to Bob and share their devastation at the sad news of his passing.
They wrote: “I am saddened to hear that radio legend Bob Rogers has passed away. He was 97.
‘He started his radio career during the Second World War and was remarkably still active until a few years ago. I remember him on 3UZ in the seventies’;
Australian radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the age of 97. His illustrious career saw him continue broadcasting into his 90s. I admired him enormously. He and John Laws were my radio heroes. Vale Bob Rogers’;
‘Bob Rogers: My condolences to his families and to all Australians!’
Bob was on Australian airwaves for almost 80 years before retiring from 2CH four years ago after suffering a mini stroke.
Bob famously toured Australia with The Beatles and even brought his two eldest daughters along to meet them on their travels.
Bob’s youngest daughter Skye, an advertising artist, was known as the ‘Beatles baby’ because she was conceived shortly after his tours with the famous band.
Skye told me The Sydney Morning Herald in 2013: ‘They called me the Beatles baby. I was conceived just after Bob toured Australia with the Beatles [in 1964]the tour that changed his life.
“By the time I came along, the fourth girl, I think Bob was hoping for a boy.”
Bob added: I had hoped for a son, I couldn’t believe we were having 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 is the limit.’ That’s now the name of her company.’