Bobby Rich: A 50-Year Legacy in Radio Broadcasting
Bobby Rich, a legendary figure in the radio industry, has crafted an extraordinary career spanning over 50 years. It all started when, at just 15 years old, Rich took his first steps into radio at a small 1000-watt daytime AM station in Washington state. From those humble beginnings, he quickly rose through the ranks, securing radio gigs in Spokane before moving on to key roles in Lansing, MI; Toledo, OH; and Davenport, IA, where he became Program Director at KSTT.
The next 25 years saw Rich excel in a variety of on-air, programming, and management positions across the country’s top markets. His career highlights include significant roles in Miami, New Haven, Los Angeles (at KHJ & KFI), New York (WXLO/99X), Philadelphia, and Seattle. Among his many accomplishments, Rich’s leadership at San Diego’s KFMB-AM and B-100FM stands out. Under his guidance, B-100FM became the first Contemporary major market FM station to reach #1 in the 12+ ratings (ARB Fall 1977). He returned to the station seven years later to pioneer the first "Hot AC" format in 1985, further cementing his legacy as a radio trailblazer.
In 1992, Rich made Tucson, AZ, his permanent home, becoming the city’s longest-running morning radio personality during a 24-year tenure at KMXZ (94.9 MIX-FM). After leaving MIX-FM, Rich, together with local partners Fletcher McCusker and Jim Arnold, launched KDRI/The Drive Tucson in 2019. The station, catering to the often-overlooked Baby Boomer generation, quickly rose to prominence under Rich’s leadership, becoming one of the top-rated stations in the market.
Rich remained a beloved on-air presence as the host of The Morning Drive on 101.7FM and AM 830, co-hosted by Hill Bailey, until his retirement in May 2023. Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered numerous accolades, including being named Tucson's "Best Radio Personality," "Best in City," and "Best Morning Radio Show." His contributions were further recognized with his induction into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Greater Tucson Leadership’s Community Leadership Award, and the Tucson Advertising Federation’s prestigious “Golden Mic Award.”
Reflecting on his retirement, Rich told KOLD TV, NEWS 13, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to entertain, inform, and make listeners happy for over 50 years. I’ve been blessed to work with so many talented individuals and create lasting memories. I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my life and see what the future holds.”
When Bobby Rich stepped away from the mic, he left behind a towering legacy that will resonate in the radio industry for generations. His pioneering spirit, dedication to his craft, and unwavering commitment to his listeners have not only shaped the airwaves but also touched countless lives. Bobby Rich isn’t just a radio legend—he’s a true icon, whose impact will be felt long after the final broadcast fades to silence.
Even beyond the studio, Bobby Rich has been a tireless advocate for Tucson’s community, hosting countless charitable events and championing local causes with unwavering passion. In his retirement, he has turned his legendary expertise into a lasting gift for the industry he helped shape, launching Bobby-Rich-Radio.com. This pro-bono service is more than just a resource—it’s a legacy, offering broadcasters the wisdom and insight gained over a half-century of success. For those who dare to dream of greatness, Rich's blueprint is their secret weapon, a roadmap not just to success, but to achieving the extraordinary. This is Bobby Rich’s ultimate tribute to the craft he loves, ensuring that the next generation of radio professionals can rise to the heights that legends are made of.
On behalf of The Drive Tucson crew, we extend our deepest thank you to Bobby Rich. It was an honor cruising alongside such a legendary driver in radio! Your vision and leadership steered us to new heights. We're proud to keep the engine running on the road you've paved.
Tucson loves you Bobby and so do we!
Thank you for paving the way, for those here today.
The limited radio series, "Summer of Legends" was made exclusively possible by
