Legendary Duke radio play-by-play announcer Bob Harris died on Wednesday in Durham, it was announced. Harris was a staple in both football and men’s basketball as he was the Voice of both programs for decades. He was 82 years old.
Who was Bob Harris?
Robert Brinley Joseph Harris OBE, popularly known as “Whispering Bob” Harris, is an English music presenter. He was a host of the BBC2 music programme The Old Grey Whistle Test and was a co-founder of the listings magazine Time Out. He presents Bob Harris Country on Thursdays on BBC Radio 2 at 9 pm.The Old Grey Whistle Test
Bob as the Old Grey Whistle Test
Harris presented The Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC Two from 1972 until December 1979. His first appearance on the show was as chair of a debate on the Night Assemblies Bill, based on his experience as a journalist and at the invitation of producer Richard Williams. Shortly afterwards he was invited to be the main presenter. His velvety voice and quiet delivery earned him his enduring nickname (Whispering Bob). His hippie-style beard and laid-back presentation made him a favourite target for parody, most notably by Eric Idle on the 1970s BBC comedy show Rutland Weekend Television.
