NORFOLK
Rollie Bristol, who worked 32 years in Hampton Roads radio, was found dead today. He was 67.
Bristol, host of “Rollie Radio” on WHRV-FM until he retired in 2004, appears to have died in his sleep, said his friend, Barry Graham, folk music producer at WHRV-FM.
He had been with PBS stations for 21 years and before that worked for WOWI and WGH-FM.
Bristol's music collection was expansive, Graham said. His collection of vinyl albums numbered in the thousands and his music interests varied from classical to alternative.
“It was surprising for a man with grandchildren to be a guru of alternative music,” Graham said.
Though Graham and Bristol met while working together, Graham said he had listened to Bristol on the radio years before when he was in junior high school.
“He was just a legend in radio,” Graham said. “He was everything I wanted to be as a DJ.”
Bristol is survived by his mother and brother, who live in Michigan, his two daughters, son and five grandchildren.
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I worked at WHRO-TV 89-91
I worked at WHRO-TV 89-91 and realized right away that ART and ROLLIE were special. I had earned my progressive music chops from these guys in the 70's, tweeking my FM antenna to pick up the signal for WOWI in rural Va. Beach- I would take my dinner break and sit on the studio floor while they created "real" radio, not the homogenized stuff. I miss you and love ya, man.
Peace
Rollie Bristol
I knew Rollie for 10 years through his radio voice on "The Jazz Express" and his work for WOWI FM and WGH FM. In 1983 I was working at WHRO TV, and heard a familiar voice in the hallway. I turned around and it was Rollie. He had just gotten hired from his layoff at WGH. We became good friends instantly, and drinking buddies. Since we both worked crazy hours, we would get together at my place for beers, and music and current affairs conversation. I saw him last less than a month ago. He was frail then. I told him to trim his beard, hugged him and told him I love you, bro. He was my brother for 25 years. I love you, bro, and I will miss you, always. Till we meet again, my friend.
George J. C. III
R.I.P. Rollie
I worked with Rollie at WGH. Quite a character, with a thorough knowledge of music (and Firesign Theater!) He was great on the late WOWI and equally so on 'GH-FM. I had left the area before I heard him on WHRO but I am sure he was just as good there.
He was from an era when being on the radio required both an FCC license and some knowledge of the music one was playing. Especially at a progressive rock WOWI or a classical WGH-FM.
You will be missed
Rollie was all we had in the 70's , a sad day for broadcasting .
Sail on my friend , sail on.
A Good Guy
I always enjoyed his shows because he played what he wanted to and to hell with formats!
I remember pulling up to a grocery store listening to his show. I get some food and walk up to the cash register and standing in line in front of me is Rollie. I joked him how good he was - able to broadcast and be at the store at the same time. He laughed and said he was thankful for recording the show! He was a good guy.
He will be missed
Rollie was the best I ever listened to. His insight into music will never be matched. He will surely be missed.
A legend has passed
A legend is right! Rollie was a master when it came to music. His on-air talent was well respected in this area. He will be missed . . .
Many good memories from 'Rollie Radio"
First class programing by a master. Condolences to his family and friends.
Wow...
it takes my breath away to think of him as gone. He was "geek-cool" way ahead of its time. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Rollie for over 10 years. He was the guy who told me Jerry Garcia had died and then let me help pick songs for the live memorial show he and Art did that night. They sure don't make 'em like Rollie anymore.
condolences
Rollie has been missed on the airwaves for some time. His youngest daughter is on of my oldest friends. I am so sad for my friend. Nothing can be said to make this easier. I love you Jenny.
Such a huge positive influence for great music
ROllie was one of the reaons I stayed in the area after living in a larger city beofore coming back to the area. He had taste which is hard to come by in HR in broadcasting. His show remains a testament to his accumin. ROCK ON ROLLIE..... In heavan all the greats play in the best band imaginable.
Thanks Rollie (and Art)
I don't if many of you remember listening to the Art and Rollie show on WOFM - this was the radio station that the other stations said would never make it - what with their unscripted play list among other things. Located in this tiny little studio space "on the border" in Hickory, NC -
That's what the station billed themselves as - "On the border radio."
Anyway - thanks Rollie for bringing us the format that continues in the commercial market - with Bob FM and thanks for giving us some great music over the years. And thanks to WHRV - PUBLIC RADIO, FOLKS - that plays the music we would never hear on commercial radio through the hard work of Paul Shugrue and his "Out of the Box" show and his Friday night "A Shot of the Blues." Love 'dem blues! And thanks to Jae Sinnet for his Friday series "The R&B Chronicles" - check him out at 7pm on Friday's before Paul.
Rollie - we love you! Thanks for everything.
Farewell Rollie
I do welcome "Out of the Box" but I truly miss the music format that "Rollie Radio" brought to the local area. His style, his voice, and his format have been truly missed from public radio. Farewell Rollie!