http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-bobslade-radio-legend-obit-harlem-open-line-20190324-h3hxjfry3fejphmbq6zprczqua-story.html
New York
Radio legend Bob Slade, host of WBLS’ `Open Line,’ dies after longtime kidney ailment
By Leonard Greene | New York Daily News |
Mar 24, 2019 | 5:31 PM
Velvet-voiced Bob Slade, the longtime host of WBLS’ “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, 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.
Tributes poured in from the radio world and across social media.
“RIP, to my brother, friend, and partner, Bob Slade,” tweeted the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose own radio program airs on the same station . “For a quarter of a century we struggled together, you are irreplaceable. Thanks for everything.”
“My Heart is “HEAVY” on this day,” tweeted WBLS’ “Quiet Storm” show host Lenny Green. “May he R.I.P & Comfort. My dear Brother will be missed tremendously.”