R.I.P.: Iconic Talk Host Bob Grant Passes At 84

Bob Grant

Bob Grant, legendary conservative talk radio host who entertained and informed legions of fans during an on-air career that spanned more than 50 years, died peacefully, in Hillsborough, NJ, on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 after a short illness.

He was 84.

Born Robert Ciro Gigante in Chicago in 1929, he began his  broadcasting career in the late 1940's at WBBM 780 AM in Chicago.

He moved to Los Angeles where he hosted radio and television talk shows on KNX 1070 AM . In the mid 1960s he first developed his confrontational talk radio style at KABC 790 AM with a focus on politics and conservative issues.



He relocated to New York City in 1970 and joined the talk radio team at WMCA 570 AM. From there, his career took off, and included successful stops at WOR 710 AM and WWDB 96.5 FM (now WRDW) in Philadelphia.

In 1984 he was selected to anchor WABC radio's new all talk format as its afternoon drive show host.

Grant's radio shows were always entertaining and passionate. Along the way he interviewed countless political leaders and celebrities and inspired a generation of political talk radio hosts now working around the country. Bob lived his life in accordance with one of his radio mantras: "Straight ahead.  He published his memoirs "Let's be Heard" in 1996. That same year he was the recipient of the "Freedom of Speech Award" of the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts.

Memorial contributions may be made in Grant's memory to the Young America's Foundation, 110 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170 or the New York Police and Fire Widows' & Childrens' Benefit Fund, Inc., 767 Fifth Ave., 2614C, New York, NY.