My dear friend Bob Fass has passed away. He was a fixture in New York radio for 50 years, and more. I was honored to work with him during my broadcast career. He was noted for his courage compassion wit, and unique humor. Also the man could be impossible sometimes. Which was added seasoning to the experience of knowing, and loving him. He was much respected by the arts, and political communities.
A story. Years later we were in my small office at the radio station. I confided that I carried unresolved sins. Old stupid mistakes I’d been dragging around since I was a kid. That, and had no idea what to do with them. He looked at me, and said, “…I forgive you. Forgive yourself as you forgive others.” He went on knowing I was Catholic.“…Your penance is to do good for others.” He had such kindness. Well he could drive ya crazy too,…but still.
Below a very short video I recorded of him on air. Bless him.
Yeah... I remember his shows.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P. Bob!
In 1967 Bob Fass urged his listeners to go to JFK airport one evening, where he also appeared, and cheer the passengers coming through the arrival gate. Wow! What a night, and what a huge surprise for those people who were totally bewildered by hundreds of us cheering their arrival.
ReplyDeleteLong live the memory of Bob Fass!
Bob Fass, and Jean Shepard were my inspirations for getting into radio. Well them, and sitting listening to the Adventure Lone Ranger or Sargent Preston of the Yukon on a giant 1940's radio console with my Grand Uncle Louie. He'd tune in the world on the shortwave which was common feature on them things. Heck we'd even listen to Radio Moscow! Throw in Bob Jean the Beatles, and that Buddhist guy Allen Watts, and it was a deal!
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