Bob Rivers, legendary Seattle radio Host, dies at 68

Bob Rivers, a Seattle radio legend renowned for his irreverent humor, musical parodies, and decades-long presence in morning radio, passed away at 68 due to complications from esophageal cancer. Rivers’ death marks the end of an era for Seattle's radio community, where he became a household name, captivating listeners with his unique brand of comedy and music.

Born on July 7, 1956, in Honolulu, Bob Rivers had an early passion for radio. His journey in broadcasting began at age 5, when he won a call-in contest, and by 14, he had already launched a high school radio station from a janitor’s closet. Rivers' professional career took off at 16, and he went on to work in cities like Boston and Baltimore before making a name for himself in Seattle in 1989.

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The Bob Rivers Show: A Seattle radio staple

Rivers’ first show in Seattle, Bob Rivers Twisted Radio, quickly gained popularity with its unique mix of comedy, rock music, and cultural interviews. This show later evolved into The Bob Rivers Show, which became an anchor on KZOK 102.5 FM and KJR 95.7 FM. His program was a major influence on Seattle’s morning radio scene, staying at the top of the ratings for 25 years. Rivers’ signature "Twisted Tunes" parodies, humorous rewrites of popular songs, became staples of rock radio stations across the country.

In 2023, Rivers was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of his enduring impact on the radio industry. His ability to entertain, engage, and make listeners laugh set him apart from other hosts. “Bob was one of those people who put fun into radio,” said Kraig Kitchin, Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame.

Bob Rivers: A deep connection with his audience

Rivers’ show was more than just a source of entertainment; it became a daily ritual for many Seattleites. Along with his co-hosts Joe Bryant, Spike O’Neill, and Jodi Brothers, Rivers fostered a connection with listeners that was both personal and local. Despite the rise of syndicated radio, Rivers’ show remained deeply tied to Seattle, offering content that resonated with the region’s distinct culture.

After retiring from daily radio in 2014, Rivers moved to Vermont with his wife, Lisa, where he embraced maple syrup farming and continued his podcasting work. Despite stepping away from daily broadcasting, his passion for creative work remained undiminished. Rivers’ health took a turn for the worse after he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer three years ago. Though given a 50-50 chance of surviving for a year, Rivers refused to slow down. He attended concerts, moved to Las Vegas, and continued his work in music and podcasting.

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River's impact on family and fans

Even in his final months, Rivers was actively working. He collaborated with his son, Keith Rivers, on a video project based on one of his Twisted Tune parodies, "Decorations." "He literally went full speed all the way to the very end,” Keith shared. Despite the physical toll of cancer treatments, Bob Rivers remained determined to finish the projects he loved, expressing his desire to continue creating until the very end.

In his final years, Rivers grew closer to his son Andrew, a comedian. Their relationship deepened, and Andrew reflected on how they had become closer than ever before. “It’s easily been the best couple of years of our relationship,” he said. Rivers spent his last days in Vermont, where he and Lisa had been married 42 years earlier. The couple returned to their roots, sharing one last season of making small-batch maple syrup.