Bob Harris to celebrate 25 years presenting Radio 2’s Country Show

Bob Harris will host a special edition of The Country Show on BBC Radio 2 to mark 25 years of presenting it.

He took up the reigns of the programme on 8 April 1999, so there’s a special 25th anniversary show on Thursday 11 April, which also happens to be Bob’s birthday! We’re promised some surprises and delights throughout the show.

As a broadcaster, Bob has contributed much to help make country music one of the fastest growing genres in the UK today.

He’s been at the forefront of the genre and ahead of the curve for a quarter of a century now, bringing people such as Taylor Swift, who performed for Radio 2 in Concert at Abbey Road Studios in 2011, Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, Morgan Wallen and Ashley McBryde to UK airwaves for the first time.

Bob says: “It’s been a huge delight to see Country music grow so much in popularity in the UK across the last 25 years. Being able to sit in the heart of that, and the outpouring of love for the genre, has been truly wonderful to see.

“We love to share the very best artists with our listeners and I’m always so honoured when they take the time to come and perform for us on The Country Show. Thank you to all the listeners for joining us every week, and here’s to the next 25 years!”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “For the past 25 years, Bob Harris on Radio 2 has been a tireless champion of country music. He’s highlighted the best US country music to UK audiences and proudly flown the flag for UK country acts across the world.

“I’d like to thank Bob for the passion and positive energy that he brings to each and every show and wish him a very happy 25th anniversary – as well as a happy birthday!”

You can hear the special 25th anniversary edition of The Country Show with Bob Harris as he celebrates this amazing legacy – and his birthday, on Thursday 11 April, 9pm – 10pm.