One of the most recognizable radio voices in the world, Bob Kingsley, 80, passed away at his home in Weatherford, Texas, on Oct. 17 after a battle with cancer.
As the former host and executive producer of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Bob has been inducted into both the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Bob was a mainstay on radio for 60 years. In 1978, he took over as host of American Country Countdown after four years as the show’s producer. In 2006, he and his wife and business partner Nan Kingsley established Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, still running on more than 320 stations. Bob received many of broadcasting’s top honors and was named to the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. He is the namesake and was the first recipient of the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, presented each year since 2014 at the Grand Ole Opry House and benefiting the Opry Trust Fund.
Blair Garner, host of The Blair Garner Show and a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame, shared his sentiments with NCD upon hearing of Bob’s passing.
If you’re lucky, at some point during your lifetime, you might meet someone by whom all others are judged. For any of us in country radio, that man was Bob Kingsley. To accurately convey his impact on country music, and the broadcast industry at large, would inevitably fall short of the reality.
We are all left now to honor his efforts. His tireless dedication to the format, the singers, and especially the songwriters. Bob’s philanthropic efforts with those who serve, or have served our country. An incredible spirit that we’ll not likely see again.
Personally, Bob was my mentor. The way he honored his craft. The way he stood as a man of character and integrity. I feel a bit numb with his loss.
Mostly I will miss seeing Bob and his wife of 30 years, Nan, as that amazing powerhouse of a couple. The magic in their eyes for each other was so plainly visible. Please keep Nan in your prayers, and take a moment to realize the gravity of this all.
Bob, I love you and will miss you dearly.
Blair
A celebration of life will be held in Nashville on Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at The CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kingsley’s name to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund.
