Broadcasting legend leaves BBC Radio 2 after 56 years

The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer and in April he revealed it has spread to his upper spine.

Mr Harris, who lives in Steventon, near Abingdon, said leaving his shows has been “one of the hardest decisions of my life”.

READ MORE: Whispering Bob Harris branches out

The former Old Grey Whistle Test presenter has lived in the village for more than 30 years.

Radio presenter Bob Harris (Image: Tim Hughes)

He added: “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 per cent.

“I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.”

Radio presenter Bob Harris (Image: PA)

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, hailed Harris as “a true radio legend” as she offered him “a sincere thank you.”

She said: “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.”

Mr Harris, who has had a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years, took over Sounds Of The 70s from Johnnie Walker in 2024.

He has also had roles on Radio 1, BBC Six Music and television, including his celebrated tenure on the award-winning BBC music show Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s.

Radio presenter Bob Harris (Image: BBC/PA)

The presenter has long been a passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana and singer-songwriters and introduced generations of listeners to emerging talent alongside established stars.

He played a significant role in the growing popularity of country music in the UK and BBC Radio 2 celebrated Harris’s 80th birthday in April with a special programme, Bob Harris At 80: A Life In Music.

He presented his last episode of Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday March 8, and his last Radio 2 Country Show on Thursday April 2.

Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds Of The 70s each Sunday from 3-5pm, after deputising in the slot, in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show on Friday nights.

He said: “As long as I can remember, I’ve loved the music of the 70s. My mum reckons Rocket Man was all over the radio when I was born in ’72 … guess who was playing that on the original Sounds Of The 70s at that time.

“It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of rock, roll and radio than almost anyone.

“I consider it not just an honour but a mission to continue Bob’s work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade.

“Somewhere, every week, some kid hears Won’t Get Fooled Again for the first time. You did that for me Bob, and millions like me. We’d like to say Thank You For The Music, you’ll always be our Rock n Roll Doctor.”

Darius Rucker will continue to host The Radio 2 Country Show on Thursdays from 9-10pm in the interim.