After 57 years of a successful career in radio, television and film, Philadelphia’s legendary Bob Charger passed away Friday, Aug. 2, following recent health issues.
As word began to spread about the veteran broadcaster’s death, social media lit up with condolences and heartfelt words of praise for the well-liked broadcaster and film actor and producer.
Posters used words like “classy,” “most dynamic voice,” “iconic broadcast legend,” “loyal friend,” “class act” and “great person,” among other words of praise to describe Charger, 71.
The multi-talented area resident, with “the perfect radio voice,” gained widespread fame and accolades through his career years, from both his fans and colleagues in the business. With his jovial and down-to-earth personality, and wealth of knowledge in his fields, the beloved broadcaster became a household name in the Delaware Valley.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Charger attended South Philadelphia High School. While only a teenager, he launched his lifelong radio career on WNJH in Hammonton, N.J.
After graduation, he began writing a music column for three area newspapers and hosting a weekly entertainment show on cable television. The media bug had bitten, propelling Charger into a lifetime of being in the limelight.
Moving from station to station, Charger finally got his big break when he landed a job as a disc jockey at WIBG Radio 99, nicknamed “Wibbage,” one of the most popular stations in Philadelphia at the time. Charger continued his career, moving to other top-rated stations, including 610 WIP, which was then the No. 1 music station, and the famous 56 WFIL, where he became a “Boss Jock.”
Charger also served as music and program director for several stations, including 1380 WAMS, in Wilmington.
Expanding his already growing resume beyond the Philadelphia area, Charger worked stints at radio stations in Jackson, Miss., and Las Vegas, before heading south to expand his horizons even further, moving to the television field.
Expanding to full- time television in the South, Charger performed as a weather man, magazine co-host and morning show host for a local CBS affiliate and produced and hosted several game shows including “Music Mania.” Over the years, he lent his voice to several local and national commercials and infomercials.
From acting in radio and television commercials, Charger progressed to acting in films, becoming a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild. Among his many film credits are “Rocky III,” “Rocky V,” “Mannequin,” “Mannequin on the Move” and “Philadelphia.”
After gaining skills and fans on the airwaves with stints at many Delaware Valley-area radio stations, Charger entertained radio listeners for over 20 years as an on-air personality for CBS Broadcasting’s 98.1 WOGL, fondly referred to as “Oldies 98,” where he served as host and producer of the highly successful “Brunch with The Beatles Show.”
‘Consummate professional’
In more recent years, Charger got involved as a consultant, producer, and team member with Character Driven Productions, American Veteran Productions, and Irish American Films on several successful documentary films.
Charger was a consultant/producer for “Charlie Gracie, Fabulous” and “The Wages of Spin I and II:” which were distributed nationally by PBS and are in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame archives.
“Bob was a dear friend, who was always the consummate professional as he enjoyed a decades-long career in the Philadelphia Metro Area and beyond,” shared Charlie Gracie Jr. of Glen Mills, who along with his parents, Charlie Sr. and Joan, was a longtime friend of Charger. “More importantly, Bob brought character and integrity to his industry … . He was a gentleman and a man of faith. His wealth of knowledge of pop music and the stories behind the hits and misses was staggering!”
Through the years, Charger emceed several shows for Gracie’s famous father, the late Charlie Gracie Sr.
He also hosted the Charlie Gracie Memorial Tribute held by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia in 2023 and was a part of the Charlie Gracie Sr. Life Celebration held as a tribute to the late rock ‘n’ roll icon last summer at the Media Theatre.
Charger also served as producer on several Irish-themed film and TV projects, such as Duffy’s Cut; History of Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade; “Out and About USA”; four episodes for Irish/Sky TV and the “Irish Eyes” pilot. He also was as a producer for American Veteran Productions’ Vietnam War-themed documentary films, “Remember The 27 Crusaders,” “Edison 64” and the most recent, “Lads of Swampoodle.”
“Bob was one of the nicest, friendliest people that I have ever met,” shared Shawn Swords, of Glenolden, director/producer and director of operations at Character Driven Productions, American Veteran Productions and Irish American Films. “I loved him like a big brother. He was the salt of the earth, a mensch, and an enormously talented and gifted entertainer.”
More recently, Charger also hosted and produced programs for Main Line Television, based in Radnor, and interviewed guests from all walks of life.
Charger also was a longtime friend and member of the Delaware County Press Club and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.
Charger served on a past Delco Press Club Evolution of Radio panel. He was a member of the Broadcast Pioneers, serving for one year on its board, and often emceed its events, where he donned a Santa Claus costume as emcee for several holiday luncheons.
“I’ve been a friend of Bob’s for over 50 years,” shared Leigh Richards, a longtime veteran of Philadelphia radio, TV, and film, and current president of Broadcast Pioneers. “He always enjoyed emceeing our events. He was well-liked and always seemed happiest with a mic in his hand.”
“Bob was known for his unique radio voice, but he was also a fabulous interviewer and worked in TV and film,” stated Andrea DiFabio of Springfield, president of The Press Club of Delaware County and owner of Vinyl Revival in Lansdowne. “I was honored when he appeared at my record store for screenings of some of the films he produced. He had a wealth of musical knowledge and enthusiastically shared his love of music with us. He was very approachable and was genuinely interested in hearing more about everyone he met. He has left a lasting positive impact on the entertainment industry as well as on his fans and friends.”
A graveside service will be held for Bob Charger at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Road, Yeadon.
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