Bob Seymour
As jazz director for WUSF-FM 89.7 since 1981, Bob has interviewed many performers prominent in that field of music, and has produced broadcasts from the Sarasota Music Festival and La Musica Chamber Music Festival. But he didn’t plan on a career in radio, even though he was always fascinated with by it as a kid. But, after college, a friend urged him to give it a try.
He’s always had a passion for music and played the trombone in high school and college. He never had any training or background in jazz, but for some reason he always leaned toward it. Then he got the chance – at a $1.60 an hour – to work at a radio station in Illinois. Although he knew it wasn’t a lot of money, he enjoyed it and wanted more.
In 1976 Bob ended up in Florida with no intention of doing any radio, but opportunities kept knocking. Before joining WUSF-FM in 1981, he worked as a news anchor/reporter with WFSO in Pinellas Park and WQSR-FM in Sarasota. When he first joined WUSF, his job included reporting as well as carrying the title of jazz music director.
His Sarasota Music Festival and La Musica Chamber Music Festival recordings have aired nationally, and he has written a number of music reviews and album liner notes. He’s an advisor to the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, involved with VIVO, the Florida Orchestra Guild, and a founding board member of The Tampa Jazz Club.
After 35 years on WUSF-FM, the long-time host of Saturday night's "Late Night Jazz" retired. His last show was March 26, 2016.
Station History
1976 - 2016 Other Tampa Bay Area Stations (On Air Personality)
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