Legendary Country Radio Host Bob Kingsley Dies at Age 80

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 17, 2019 | 1:41pm CT

Bob Kingsley

Legendary Country music broadcaster and host Bob Kingsley has died at his home in Weatherford, TX, from bladder cancer. He was 80. Kingsley's 60-year career began in the Air Force, when he got his start in radio working for Armed Forces Radio. His long radio journey also included stints at KFOX, KGBS, KFI and KLAC in Los Angeles. Additionally, Kingsley served as the voice of Drake-Chenault's "Great American Country" format and he hosted the syndicated "American Country Countdown" beginning in 1978.

Kingsley was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall Of Fame in 1998 and The Radio Hall Of Fame in 2016. He was the namesake and the first recipient of the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, presented every year since 2014 at the Grand Ole Opry House, which benefited the OPRY Trust Fund.

"American Country Countdown" was named Network/Syndicated Country Program of the Year by Billboard's Radio Awards for 16 consecutive years. In 2006, Westwood One launched "Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40" which now has more than 320 affiliates.

A celebration of his life will be held in Nashville on Thursday, November 14 at 1pm CT at The CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kingsley's name to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund. He is survived by his wife of 30 years and business partner Nan Kingsley.