Bob Slade Legendary New York City Radio Host and Newsman Has Passed
Bob Slade, the longtime host of 107.5 WBLS’ and 98.7 KISS FM (WRKS') “Open Line” public affairs show, has died after a longtime bout with kidney disease. Though he excelled over the airwaves delivering news and commentary, Harlem native Slade’s original dream was to be an actor. In fact, Slade studied acting at Queens College and was a member of the Negro Ensemble Company and the Harlem YMCA Theater Group. He developed an interest in radio while performing in off-Broadway shows.
After stints doing news radio on Long Island in 1971, Slade moved to New York City’s 98.7 Kiss-FM station, where he became the news director. There, he developed the venerable “Open Line” program, which he co-hosted with attorney Bob Pickett and musician James Mtume.The show tackled a host of urban issues from police brutality to education and politics. It moved to WBLS when 98.7 changed its format in 2012. In recent years Slade was heard nationally as one of the fill-in hosts on syndicated radio's Rev. Al Sharpton's "Keepin' It Real" talk show. (Parts of this post Source: New York Daily News)
I love you Bob Slade. Rest In Peace my friend! pic.twitter.com/wKu3YIWjGs— Skip Dillard (@mixcom) March 24, 2019
Damn. Hate to hear this. Bob Slade was a great radio guy. I did his show all of the time. "Radio legend Bob Slade, host of WBLS’ `Open Line,’... https://t.co/phvpiNMnIG— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) March 24, 2019
RIP, to my brother,friend, and partner, Bob Slade. For a quarter of a century we struggled together, you are irreplaceable. Thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/n2QMOfoH7M— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) March 24, 2019
MY DEAR FRIEND/BROTHER/COLLEGUE, THE AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST #bobslade PASSED AWAY EARLIER TODAY, i WORKED WITH HIM FOR OVER 20YRS ON NYC RADIO. HIS WARM SPIRIT, PRESENCE, WISDOM &… https://t.co/xLJNIcG1mp— Mr Radio aka LG (@LennyGreen) March 24, 2019
So incredibly hurt to hear of the passing of Bob Slade. The man was so New York, so radio, and such a good good man. He always treated me with kindness and respect and seemed so proud when I started my work at 98.7 ESPN NY.— RosenbergTelevision (@Rosenbergradio) March 24, 2019
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