Country Radio Legend Bob Kinglsey Has Died
Gracious, talented, hard working, and beloved. That’s how I would describe Country Music Hall of Fame radio legend Bob Kingsley. He was generous with his time, his advice and his show. For more than 40 years Bob could be heard, nationally, on 2 hugely popular country countdown shows. First, as host of the Casey Kasem produced, American Country Countdown , and then, later, as host of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40.
Just one week ago Bob announced he was battling bladder cancer. He would fight, and make his way back to the mic. That’s what he told u. Earlier today, at his Weatherford, Texas home, he lost his battle. Country music fans and artists are mourning the loss of a legend and friend. The National Radio Hall of Famer was 80 years old.
I had the rare and wonderful honor of filling in for Bob on his Country Top 40 two times. It was unquestionably the greatest honor in my radio career. I had listened to him for years. And as a young girl, I would keep track of pop songs on the radio, and follow the countdowns every week. Total radio geek.
A few years ago, when Bob graciously handed his show over to me, while he was on vacation, he fulfilled a life long dream for me. He gave me his cell number, offered advice and praised me. He didn’t have to do any of that. For the longest time, I kept a message he left me on my cell phone, and would occasionally listen to it. Sadly, when replacing phones, it was lost; But the memories, the music and the man never will be.
That voice. That beautiful baritone will forever be with me, and millions of fans who tuned in every week to hear Bob tell stories, as only Bob could, and countdown the biggest songs in country music.
RIP, Mr. Kingsley. You are #1 on my chart.
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Kingsley is survived by his wife of 30 years, and business partner,Nan.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in Nashville on, November 14 at 1:00 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.
