40 Years Later: Rest in Peace, Bob Crane

Forty years ago today. 
June 29, 1978 — Scottsdale, Arizona.

Rest in Peace, Bob Crane. You are missed by many.

Rare Photographs of Bob Crane at KNX-CBS Radio

Not too long ago, I came across a series of photographs of Bob Crane at work behind the mic at KNX-CBS Radio. While these photos aren't dated, I estimate they were taken in the early 1960s, circa 1963/64. 

I'll always love Bob's portrayal of Colonel Hogan on Hogan's Heroes, the role some people say he was born to play. However, I'll always love his radio work more. Bob Crane has been referred to as a radio genius by his colleagues in the broadcasting industry, and very few can compare to his style and technique. From sound effects to celebrity interviews to playing drums to improvising on the spot to preparing skits—without question, he was a force to be reckoned with in radio.

You can hear clips of Bob's radio shows on our YouTube channel, and I encourage you to listen, if you haven't already. And we're always looking for more! So if you have any of his airchecks from WLEA (Hornell, NY); WBIS (Bristol, CT); WLIZ/WICC (Bridgeport, CT); KNX (Hollywood, CA); KMPC (Los Angeles, CA); or any station where he was a guest, please let us know. We want to preserve these recordings and make them available for people to listen. You can reach us through any of our social media sites or via the Contact Us form.

Moving forward, we're going to be ramping up the volume on raising public awareness about his work in radio. So stay tuned!

PS: It's good to be back!

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There's No Place Like...Stalag 13

Last year, we stepped away from advocating for Bob Crane. It was, by far, one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. I have been working on Bob's behalf for most of my life. Yet as difficult as it was, moving away was necessary at the time. There was a lot going on in my own personal life and in the lives of all affiliated with Bob Crane's biography and our campaign for his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Plus, the ceaseless negativity that surrounds Bob had reached a boiling point. It had taken a toll on all of us.

Breaks are necessary to refuel, recharge, and reset. But where Bob Crane is concerned, I can't stay away for long. Little by little, I started wanting to dive back in, to let the world know Bob's true story and to start bugging the heck out of the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee. It's about time Bob is recognized for all of his unprecedented work in radio.

I've got some exciting things happening in 2018. First, I'll be at the Liberty Aviation Museum for the third year in a row on July 28-29, 2018. As you may know, the Liberty Aviation Museum is the home of the official Hogan's Heroes prop and uniform display, and I'm always happy (okay, thrilled!) to go to Port Clinton, Ohio, each year to sign copies of Bob Crane: The Definitive Biography and give presentations. Then in September, I'll be back at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention in Hunt Valley, Maryland. This will be my fourth year attending the convention, and I'll be honest—I love the people who plan the con and those who attend. I've made some wonderful friends there, and the thought of not seeing these folks every year makes me sad—so, of course, I have to go!

Finally, we have a big, collaborative project in the early planning stages. I won't divulge any more than that now, but it's a pretty big deal! I'm super excited for this opportunity, as are Dee Young and Linda Groundwater, who will also be participating. All three of us can't wait to get this project rolling. 

We're back. And we're stronger than ever.

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like...Stalag 13."