Legendary broadcaster Bob Harris has decided to step down from hosting his Radio 2 shows, Radio 2 Country (Thursdays, 9-10pm) and Sounds of the 70s (Sundays, 3-5pm) due to ill health.
Bob says: “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.
“Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station. 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.
“But 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. I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100%.
I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “I would like to say a sincere thank you to Bob, a true radio legend, for many years of very special shows on Radio 2. Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity. Since taking the reins of Sounds of the 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories of being at the heart of the music scene throughout the decade. 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.”
Over a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years, Bob Harris became one of the UK’s most respected and influential music broadcasters. His stellar career encompassed landmark roles on Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and television, including his celebrated tenure on the award-winning BBC music show Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s. However, the majority of his time on air was spent at Radio 2, which he describes as the “Champions League” for 30 years.
Since joining the station in 1996, Bob has been a trusted voice for music lovers, presenting acclaimed programmes on Saturday evenings, Bob Harris Country and Sounds of the 70s. Renowned for his warmth, deep musical knowledge and commitment to championing new artists, he helped shape Radio 2’s specialist music output and introduced generations of listeners to emerging talent alongside established stars.
A passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana and singer-songwriters, Bob has played a significant role in the growing popularity of country music in the UK. Throughout his career, he earned widespread respect from listeners, artists and colleagues alike, leaving an enduring legacy at Radio 2 and on the wider British music industry.
In April this year, Bob celebrated his 80th birthday, with Radio 2 marking the occasion through a special programme, Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music, which is currently available to listen back to on BBC Sounds. Joined by Zoe Ball, Bob reflected on the key musical milestones, memorable encounters and defining moments from his extraordinary life and career.
The programme traced his early achievements, including co-founding the listings magazine Time Out, launching his first Radio 1 show in August 1970, touring with T-Rex, and presenting The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1972, where he interviewed some of the era’s biggest stars, including John Lennon and David Bowie. It also covered his return to Radio 1 in the 1990s, his time at BBC Greater London Radio, and the launch of Bob Harris Country on Radio 2 in 1999. Bob also discussed his significant health challenges, as well as his receipt of an OBE in 2011. The documentary looked back at Bob taking over as host of Sounds of the 70s in November 2024.
Bob presented his last episode of Sounds of the 70s on Sunday 8 March, and his last Radio 2 Country Show on Thursday 2 April.
