Remembering Bob Kevoian, iconic broadcaster, and co-founder of “The Bob and Tom Show”

Remembering Bob Kevoian, iconic broadcaster, and co-founder of “The Bob and Tom Show”.

By: Kevin Vickery

On Friday, April 17th, nationally syndicated radio program, “The Bob & Tom Show” which originates from Indianapolis released the official announcement: 

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of Bob Kevoian, beloved co-founder and longtime host of The Bob & Tom Show, who passed away peacefully Friday afternoon at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Details regarding memorial services will be shared at a later time.”

The loss was felt immediately not only locally but around the country by comedians, professional athletes and other long time, “friends of the show”.

I’ve been a fan of “The Bob and Tom Show” since the duo first started the program at WFBQ-FM (Q95) in March of 1983 and can even remember the first time I ever listened to them. I was in 7th grade in Mr. Robbin’s Industrial Arts class (which is just a fancy name for wood-shop) and we got to listen to the radio while we worked on our projects.  That’s where I first heard Bob and Tom laughing and cutting up on the radio and was instantly hooked.  I became a devoted listener and enjoyed it even more as more co-hosts were added to the team like Chick McGee, Kristi Lee and Pat Carlini. The show also featured character voices by Mark Patrick and Dean Metcalf who went on to become the show’s Executive Producer.

For me growing up with “The Bob and Tom Show” made me feel like I actually knew all the members of the crew and listening was as much of a Hoosier tradition as the Reggie Miller era Pacers, the Peyton Manning era Colts, watching David Letterman during his 33 years on late night TV, listening to John Mellencamp (with and without Cougar) or eating a Royal Feast at Pizza King.

In those pre-podcast, smart-phone days, we all relied on radio programming for everything from news, and sports to discovering new music.  As a fan of novelty music and comedy, I had already been listening to the nationally syndicated, “Dr. Demento Show” for years when Bob & Tom came along and there more mature material and rock & roll format came along at the perfect time in my life.

The show reigned supreme and it was so influential that it was literally why I studied telecommunications at Ball State.  I basically had this plan that I would graduate college and somehow go be part of their program.  Being at Ball State gave me the opportunity on a few occasions to watch them broadcast the show live from our campus when they took the show on the road for their annual college tour.

Sadly, my plan of being a part of their show never came to fruition but I did get to meet them when they were on campus.  Even though I never got to know Bob Kevoian personally, I can remember him always being very personable and kind when he’d take a few minutes to shake hands and chat with students.

My career in broadcasting instead sent me to Nashville, TN where I finished my degree through an internship at the number one station in town, WSIX-FM. While Bob & Tom were still only broadcasting in the Indianapolis market at the time, WSIX featured the nationally syndicated, “Gerry House and the House Foundation” morning show which I thought was going to be an equally cool program.  It was not.

In my opinion, for every bit that Bob & Tom were clever, edgy and cool, that program was corny, generic and cheesy.  The Nashville market was vastly different than Indianapolis and down there they played it safe.  I was fortunate to get some time filling in as producer for the show which was a pretty big deal for a lowly intern but they mostly rejected my ideas for being too risqué.

I eventually finished the internship, graduated, had a brief stint as a DJ on WMDH in New Castle then moved to Nashville to pursue other opportunities in the music business.  One of the things I missed the most about Indiana was , “The Bob and Tom Show” and was excited when the program became syndicated in 1995 and I could finally show all my Nashville friends and co-workers what I’d been going on about for years.

The program still airs live every weekday from  6AM-10AM on Q-95 and I still listen regularly.  
Bob Kevoian was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and retired in 2015 but Tom Griswold and the other hosts continued on with the show bearing his name and his voice still frequently heard in the 33 year’s worth of comedy bits and songs he created over his years as co-host.

Bob was diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2023 and made a guest appearance on the show to make the announcement.  He went on to host a podcast, “The Bob & Cancer Show” with his wife, Becky Kevoian, and friend, Whit Grayson, chronicling his journey with cancer and highlighting the humorous aspects of the fight.

After his death on Friday, April 17th, the following Monday’s program was dedicated as a tribute to Bob with the announcement, “Today’s show is a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of radio icon Bob Kevoian. We celebrate the man who helped shape morning radio as we know it, sharing stories, laughter, and unforgettable moments from his incredible career.”

Tom Griswold took the listeners back to their early days in Michigan, where he and Bob first teamed up and began building what would become the broadcasting powerhouse which had a chemistry that struck radio gold.

He describes the birth of their show by saying, “We didn’t know what we were even doing in the early years, but Bob always said the same thing. – He always said, ‘Our show is a conversation between two friends that people don’t hear. They overhear.’ It’s just, we’re talking.”  

Tom also shared the story of Bob’s final moments, “His wife, Becky, and three sons were in the room with him, playing his favorite album, The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” Side 2. Then, the song “Golden Slumbers” came on, which was Bob’s favorite.- They were all singing it out loud and Bob literally took his last breath when the song was ending. – It sounds like something out of a movie.”  

I should add to that for those not familiar with the song, the last line is Paul McCartney singing, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”.

During Monday’s tribute show, former Pacers star and current NBC Analyst, Reggie Miller called in to share his fond memories of Bob.  Miller explained that when he first moved to Indianapolis in 1987 he had moved into a home on Geist Reservoir and didn’t know anyone in the city or the first thing about setting up a house, Bob took him under his wing and helped him get acclimated, even taking him to Kittle’s to help him get furniture.  He added a funny story about Bob teaching him to drive a boat and ruining Bob’s dock in the process.  

Miller closed his segment saying, “Bob always extended a helping hand to me and I just thought it was so important and I wanted people to understand the friendship that I had with him and everyone on the show.”  Adding, “I didn’t know anything when I came to Indiana and you guys really opened your arms and just made me feel welcome so thank you guys.”

Comedian, and voice impersonation guru, Frank Caliendo was the in-studio guest, sharing stories of Bob’s infectious laugh and how it helped comedians land jokes on the program.  Caliendoexplained that Bob’s laugh, “gives you energy” and “gets you rolling” and shared a story about talking with another comedian who said his material didn’t go over well on the show saying, “You mean Bob didn’t laugh?” And he said, “No, not at all.” And I go, “I’d get out of comedy.”

Many other comedians, musicians and radio personalities took to social media to share their stories of Bob Kevoian.

Comedian Greg Warren wrote, “I am not sure I would have a career without him.  Before I knew him, I was a fan.  I listened to Bob and Tom on the way to work when I lived in Cincinnati. They let me come on their show in 2004 and have taken care of me in countless ways ever since.  Bob was kind and generous.  He was also razor sharp.  On the show, you wouldn’t hear from him for a few moments and then BOOM, he’d land the perfect line.  His laugh was infectious.  He loved comedy and helping out comedians.  Myself and countless comics owe so much to Bob.”  Adding, “RIP Bob.  You created something special for a lot of people. You are a comedy legend.  I’m lucky to have known you.”

Chris Schaffer, front man of The Why Store said, “Bob asked if he could take this DAT tape from me in 1993 at his club Hard Days Night, and I said sure!  A day or so later he played it on the air, and changed our lives forever.  He was a great soul, and touched so many of us!!  Thank you again Bob for believing in us, and giving us our big break!”

While on-air Bob Kevoian’s raspy voice would spout comedic quips that would make listeners blush, off air, he had a heart of gold. Veteran Indianapolis sports anchor and former “Bob & Tom Show” associate, Mark Patrick remembers Bob’s kindness telling “The Indianapolis Star”, “Through the years, everyone knew Bob from the radio show, but few knew of his incredible generosity. – There were more than a few fundraiser auctions that I would emcee, and there would, inevitably, be an awkward moment when a highly-valued item wasn’t getting close to its true target bid. – Without fail, Bob would jump in with an offer beyond expectation.”

In a social media post, Patrick added, “Bob. One name. One very common name. Yet, there’s only one that anyone in Indiana immediately thinks of. What a legacy. Bob Kevoian lived his life exactly like he wanted to. His own man. He fought a courageous battle against Cancer the last few years. And he did it, as he always did things…with humor, friend engagement, and love for his family. Bob. One name. One singular legend.”

Jake Query, host of sports radio show “Query and Company” on 107.5 The Fan and longtime friend of Kevoian summed up the type of person Bob was by saying, “Take the best characteristics of your 10 closest friends. Put all 10 of those things into one person,” Query said. “That person was Bob Kevoian.”

Comedian Auggie Smith posted, “When I first heard Bob’s laugh in person, maybe, and I don’t say this lightly, the greatest laugh I’ve ever heard, it was big and loud, it cut through the air and it brought you joy hearing it. Hearing that laugh gave me strength, hearing that laugh gave me confidence, and the rest of the morning went very well. I saw the effect right away when the next week in Fort Wayne I sold out of all of my very cheaply made CDs on the first night of a 4 night gig.”  

He continued, “I’m honestly not sure if I’d still be doing stand-up if it wasn’t for the bump that appearing on Bob and Tom has given me over the years. I remember very clearly one of my first times coming in Bob told me he had watched my DVD. That is so incredibly rare and I was so touched by how complementary he was. – Bob Kevoian‘s life mattered to many, many people , myself included, and he will not be forgotten.”

Henry Phillips, Comedian/You-tuber wrote,
“Bob Kevoian was a genuine legend in his field, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more affable person in real life. I have so many fond memories of hanging out with him, whether in the radio studio or on the road, and it’s very sad to see him go.”

Comedian, Castaki Economopoulos posted his memories as well sharing, “Bob Kevoian always went the extra mile. With kind words on and off the air. Supporting me in every possible way. Bob was an absolute radio legend. Building an empire and pushing the wave of syndication across America. He was always the best listener. Sounds small, but it is the key to the whole thing. When you host a radio show 20+ hours a week it’s easy to lose focus or fade. Riveting attention to the moment brings life to the whole operation. And he was generous with the laughs. Letting the guest shine. And landing haymaker hilarious lines along the way.”

Bob’s son Toby Kevoian shared his appreciation through a Facebook post reading, “Today we lost my dad and I’m not sure I’ll ever have the right words for what he meant to me.  He was the greatest father anyone could ever ask for. I always looked up to him as my superhero. Growing up he was everywhere, on the radio, on TV, on billboards all over 465. He was there. He was a legend and a hero to so many people.

He helped start so many careers in comedy and meant so much to so many, but to me he was just Dad. The most incredible man to ever be in my life. The smartest man I know, full of wisdom and random facts, and always the best stories to tell.

I feel so lucky to be able to call him my dad. I couldn’t have asked for a better father or role model.  Thank you to all of our friends and family who came today and showed so much love. It meant everything to us. He was truly loved by so many people.

Rest in peace Pops. I love you so much. Heaven definitely got a lot funnier today. They gained one incredible man.”

Bob’s appearance was well known for his ever-present Dodger baseball cap which honored his dad, who proudly worked for The Los Angeles Dodgers for 25 years, and for his famous mustache which was born on June 18, 1969, immediately after he graduated from high school. Never again would anyone see him without it and he proudly celebrated his mustache’s birthday every year on the air.  

Through the show, Bob had multiple opportunities to interview one of his longstanding idols, Paul McCartney and he ranked Dolly Parton as one of his favorite interviews of all time. 

Bob and Tom were awarded five Marconi Awards, which is the highest honor in radio. They were both awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, twice over, Indiana’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of their broadcasting work and community outreach. 

They were committed philanthropists, donating millions of dollars to charity over the years through the sales of their records, tapes, and CDs. Among other causes, they channeled resources to the Peyton Manning Foundation and Riley Hospital for Children. The two were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2015, where Bob announced his retirement in his acceptance speech.

Bob’s obituary reads that “He is survived by the woman he often described as ‘exceptional,’ his wife Becky; his three sons, Toby Kevoian (Tatiana Leyva), Wade Baertschi (McKenzie Dobson), and Joey Baertschi (Jennifer); three perfectly perfect grandsons: Andrew Baertschi, and Jude and Finneas Kevoian.

The obituary also describes him as, “A man of many talents and interests; he was a constant whistler, avid golfer, committed Dodgers fanatic, prolific photographer, skilled bartender, accomplished drummer, excellent bowler, unrepentant prankster, supper table comedian, devoted bird watcher, talented family documentarian and movie maker, joyful dog lover, and much more. He expressed one lingering regret: he never learned to tap dance.”

The famous morning radio show that Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold founded dubs itself a blend of comedy, talk, news and sports with a nod to some off color topics. Today it is heard nationally in more than 100 cities and on WFBQ-FM (94.7) locally.

In addition to the live radio broadcast, “The Bob & Tom Show” can also be heard online through their app and official website at bobandtom.com as well as on various streaming services like Apple, Spotify and iHeartRadio.

For those like me that have been lifelong fans of “The Bob & Tom Show”, I would invite you to not shed a tear for a comedy genius, who has passed. Rather find your favorite comedy bit of their’s and listen to it again.  Let them make you laugh one more time. I think there’s no more appropriate way to honor a man whose last words were, “I’m really enjoying myself”.