Bob Kevoian, a name synonymous with American morning radio, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 75 after a courageous three-year battle with gastric cancer. His death, confirmed by The Bob & Tom Show on social media and reported by outlets like WTHR News and WXIN, marks the end of a broadcasting era that stretched from the dawn of syndicated radio comedy to the podcast age. For more than three decades, Kevoian’s raspy voice, sharp wit, and genuine warmth made him a household name across the country, especially in Indianapolis where his show first took root.
Kevoian’s journey began in the unlikeliest of places—a Michigan bar called Bar Harbor. As he once recalled, “In small town radio, you needed to supplement your income by doing anything. Tom came in after a J. Geils concert at Castle Farms and ordered a drink. At the end of the bar was another guy who worked in Country radio. Tom overheard us and asked if we worked in radio.” That chance meeting with Tom Griswold in 1981 would spark a partnership that changed the face of morning radio.
By 1983, Kevoian and Griswold had moved to WFBQ-FM in Indianapolis, launching The Bob & Tom Show on March 7. The chemistry between the two was, by all accounts, instant and electric. Griswold once described their early years with a smile: “We didn’t know what we were even doing in the early years. But he always said the same thing. He always said, ‘Our show is a conversation between two friends that people don’t hear. They overhear.’ It’s just, we’re talking.” That authenticity resonated with listeners, and the show quickly became Indianapolis’s top-rated morning program.
The show’s success exploded in 1995 when it went national, eventually being syndicated across more than 150 radio stations and reaching millions of listeners. According to Wikipedia and the Indiana Broadcasters Association, Kevoian produced over 15,000 comedy bits during his career, many of which became cultural touchstones. Characters like Donnie Baker and recurring satirical sketches made The Bob & Tom Show a staple for commuters and comedy fans alike. Kevoian’s creative output wasn’t limited to the airwaves—he was the producer, director, and writer for The Bob and Tom Show Home Movie in 2004, further cementing his reputation as a comedic force.
Kevoian’s impact was formally recognized when he and Griswold were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on November 5, 2015, and the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame the following year. That same year, Kevoian announced his retirement as a full-time co-host, marking the end of a remarkable 32-year run. He planned to spend his retirement traveling and relaxing with his wife, Becky Martin, whom he married on April 2, 2005, and with his son Toby and stepsons Wade and Joey.
But life had other plans. In June 2023, Kevoian publicly revealed his gastric cancer diagnosis during a guest appearance on The Bob & Tom Show. True to form, he met the news with humor, telling fans, “My biggest fear was losing the mustache because we are about to celebrate its 54th birthday on June 18. Good news: The mustache stayed put!” He immediately began chemotherapy and radiation, but rather than retreat from public life, Kevoian launched a new podcast, “The Bob & Cancer Show,” co-hosted by Becky and his best friend, Whit Grayson. The podcast chronicled his journey through treatment, offering both laughter and solace to listeners facing similar battles. According to WTHR News, the show was recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters as an exemplar in American radio.
Kevoian’s final days were marked by the same warmth and humor that defined his career. As reported by IndyStar, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, listening to his favorite Beatles album, “Abbey Road,” Side 2. Tom Griswold, his longtime partner, shared a poignant detail: “They were all singing it out loud. And Bob literally took his last breath when the song (was ending). It sounds like something out of a movie.”
Off the air, Kevoian was known for his generosity and kindness. Mark Patrick, a longtime television sports anchor in Indianapolis and frequent guest on The Bob & Tom Show, recounted Kevoian’s unassuming philanthropy at fundraisers. “There were more than a few fundraiser auctions that I would emcee. And there would, inevitably, be an awkward moment when a highly-valued item wasn’t getting close to its true target bid. Without fail, Kevoian would jump in with an offer beyond expectation.” On one occasion, Patrick recalled, Kevoian bid against himself to ensure a children’s charity received maximum support, quipping, “Well, somebody’s got to do it.”
Kevoian’s legacy extends beyond radio and comedy. He was an avid guitar player, often contributing lyrics and music to the show’s parodies. A devoted Cincinnati Reds fan, he famously wore a Los Angeles Dodgers cap as a tribute to his father, who worked for the team. In retirement, he and Becky traveled the country in their Airstream, exploring new places and enjoying the simple pleasures of life—movies, TV shows, and the open road.
Tributes poured in across social media following news of his passing. Jake Query, host of “Query and Company” on 107.5 The Fan and longtime friend, summed up Kevoian’s character: “Take the best characteristics of your 10 closest friends. Put all 10 of those things into one person. That person was Bob Kevoian.”
Memorial service details are expected to be announced soon, according to show representatives. For now, fans and colleagues alike are left to reflect on the indelible mark Kevoian left on American radio—a legacy built on laughter, authenticity, and a deep love for his craft and community. His influence on generations of radio personalities and listeners will continue to echo through the airwaves for years to come.
Kevoian’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and kindness—a life lived on his own terms, with humor in the face of adversity and a generosity that touched countless lives. As his favorite Beatles song played him out, it’s clear that Bob Kevoian’s curtain call was as genuine and memorable as the man himself.