Career Timeline of Bob Rivers: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Bob Rivers built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bob Rivers is a retired American rock and roll radio personality and parody songwriter, primarily known for his Christmas song parodies. He gained fame in the Pacific Northwest and achieved gold certification from the RIAA for his album Twisted Christmas. Rivers' work falls under the umbrella of comedy music, utilizing popular songs as a base for his parodic creations.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1985: Hired by WAAF

In 1985, Bob Rivers was hired to work at WAAF by Cynde Slater, a radio talent scout.

1987: Lead Morning Show Personality

In 1987, Bob Rivers became the lead morning show personality at Baltimore radio station "98 Rock" WIYY-FM.

1987: Twisted Christmas Album Release

In 1987, Bob Rivers released "Twisted Christmas", which included the hit "Twelve Pains of Christmas." The album was later certified gold.

1988: Orioles Marathon

In 1988, while at Baltimore radio station WIYY-FM, Bob Rivers gained national attention for his 11-day on-air marathon during a Baltimore Orioles losing streak, vowing to stay on air until they won a game.

1989: Moves to KISW-FM in Seattle

In 1989, Bob Rivers arrived at KISW-FM in Seattle, debuting a morning show with Sean Donahue. He brought Spike O'Neill with him to be sportscaster, writer, and impressionist.

1989: Morning Show Personality

In 1989, Bob Rivers was still the lead morning show personality at Baltimore radio station "98 Rock" WIYY-FM.

1993: I Am Santa Claus Album Release

In 1993, Bob Rivers released his second humorous holiday-themed music album, "I Am Santa Claus", a parody of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man".

1994: Twisted Tunes 1994- The Year In Review

Bob Rivers released the album Twisted Tunes 1994 - The Year In Review.

1994: Twisted Tunes on O.J. Simpson Case

In 1994, Bob Rivers wrote many "Twisted Tunes" about the O. J. Simpson murder case, including "White Ford Bronco," based on "Hot Rod Lincoln".

1995: "What if God Smoked Cannabis?"

In 1995, Bob Rivers created the parody song "What if God Smoked Cannabis?", based on Joan Osborne's hit "One of Us."

1997: More Twisted Christmas Album Release

In 1997, Bob Rivers released "More Twisted Christmas", another album of humorous, holiday-themed music.

1999: "Kosovo" Parody

In 1999, Bob Rivers wrote "Kosovo," a parody of The Beach Boys' "Kokomo," about the Kosovo War. The song gained international attention.

1999: Longest Radio Personality Tenure

In late 1999, after 10 years at the station, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer noted that Bob Rivers had the longest tenure of any radio personality in the local market.

2000: Chipmunks Roasting On an Open Fire Album Release

In 2000, Bob Rivers released the Christmas-themed album "Chipmunks Roasting On an Open Fire".

September 2001: Move to KZOK

In September 2001, The Bob Rivers Show moved to KZOK.

2002: Arik Korman Joins the Show

In 2002, Arik Korman joined The Bob Rivers Show as director.

2002: White Trash Christmas Album Release

In 2002, Bob Rivers released the Christmas-themed album "White Trash Christmas".

March 20, 2006: Simulcast on KVMX

Beginning March 20, 2006, The Bob Rivers Show was simulcast on Portland, Oregon's KVMX "Mix 107.5".

October 5, 2006: End of Simulcast on KVMX

On October 5, 2006, KVMX dropped The Bob Rivers Show and switched to a Rhythmic Adult Contemporary format.

September 30, 2010: Show Ends on KZOK

On September 30, 2010, The Bob Rivers Show ended its run on KZOK.

December 2010: Bangladesh Trip

During December 2010, Bob and his wife Lisa traveled to Bangladesh to help build schools for the poor in Dhaka.

April 1, 2011: The Bob Rivers Show on KJR-FM

On April 1, 2011, The Bob Rivers Show began running on KJR-FM.

July 28, 2014: Retirement Announcement

On July 28, 2014, Bob Rivers announced his retirement from morning radio after 42 years on the air, including 25 years in Seattle.

August 8, 2014: The Bob Rivers Show Ends

On August 8, 2014, The Bob Rivers Show with Bob, Spike and Joe was broadcast for the last time on Seattle station KJR-FM, marking the end of a 25-year run in the Seattle market.

2014: Downtown Joe Hosts "The Warm-Up Show"

In 2014, Downtown Joe was given the role of hosting "The Warm-Up Show" before Bob Rivers arrived, featuring chat among Joe, Spike O'Neill, and Jodi Brothers.