 |
| Carol Coleman and Bob Raiford Hosts of Morning TV show on WBT 1954 |
I first met
radio personality Bob Raiford at Central High in 1954 when he spoke to Mr.
Balance’s radio class. As a matter of
fact, I was the one who suggested we invite him. I really didn’t think he would accept, since
he was hosting a TV show as well as his night show, RAIFORD AT RANDOM five days
a week.
 |
| CHS Radio Club 1954 |
But he did and that was the beginning of a life long friendship. I feel very blessed that over the years, Bob and a number of my broadcast “heroes” that I highly respected and looked up to, actually became my friends. Bob and I worked together here in Washington for a number of years. We’ve stayed in touch since then and usually talk on the phone every couple of months.
The last
time we spoke, he mentioned that he had suffered a strange happening when
suddenly…his words became garbled… It only lasted a few seconds, but it worried
him. I knew exactly what he was talking
about, because I had experienced the same thing a few months earlier……
My Doc said
that it was a “TIA” (small stroke that is not unusual in old people…and not to
worry.)
That’s what
I told Bob.
I wish now
that I had recommended that he go to the emergency room……
However
Kelia, Bob’s wife told me that Bob’s Doc said that wouldn’t have helped.
So, I’ve
stopped feeling guilty.
 |
| Bob and Ed 1996 |
I’m looking
forward to his complete recovery and the return of perhaps the finest radio voice in its
history.
I still
remember his talk that day in Mr. Balance’s radio class. Among other things, he quoted
Alfred Lord
Tennyson:
“I am a part of all that
I have met…”
The rest of
Tennyson’s poem, Ulysses, is:
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
|
Raiford will
be back on the air before long.
You can take
that to the bank.
-Ed
