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Bob Labbe, a legendary radio personality at WLRH-FM in Huntsville, has just won the prestigious Large-Market Radio Personality of the Year Award in Alabama. After five decades in broadcasting, the 72-year-old icon’s career achievements continue to captivate audiences and industry peers.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Career Span: 53 years in broadcasting as of April 2026
- Current Show: “Reelin’ In The Years” airs Fridays 9pm-1am on WLRH 89.3 FM
- Record Collection: Over 20,000 original 45 rpm records from 1950s-1990s
- Show History: 35 years hosting his acclaimed oldies program
Broadcasting Legend Earns Recognition After Five Decades
On April 13, 2026, the Alabama Broadcasters Association honored Bob Labbe at the 20th annual ABBY Awards ceremony at The Club in Birmingham. This recognition caps a remarkable journey that began 53 years ago, making Labbe one of the longest-serving radio professionals in Alabama’s broadcasting history. The award highlights his dedication to classic music and his unique ability to connect generations of listeners.
Labbe’s achievement reflects not just longevity, but consistent excellence and community impact. WLRH-FM itself brought home six awards total at the 2026 ABBY Awards, underscoring the station’s commitment to quality programming and broadcasting service.
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Inside “Reelin’ In The Years” and His Unique Format
Every Friday evening from 9pm to 1am, Labbe takes the microphone for his signature four-hour live program. His show celebrates oldies music through an entirely personal collection of vinyl, featuring rare interviews with music industry legends. Listeners get exclusive access to artist stories, fascinating historical facts, and competitive prizes.
The program’s format remains authentically old-school, using actual 45 rpm records instead of digital files. This approach resonates with audiences nostalgic for classic pop, R&B, rock, and country from the golden era. For 35 consecutive years, this show has become a Friday night tradition for thousands of devoted fans across North Alabama and beyond.
A Multifaceted Broadcasting and Media Career
| Career Component | Details |
| Radio Broadcasting | 53 years spanning multiple stations and formats |
| Television Work | Award-winning journalist on Channel 31 with multiple accolades |
| Print Journalism | Long-standing sports reporter for The Madison Record |
| Public Speaking | Master of ceremonies and broadcast personality |
Labbe’s versatility across radio, television, and print journalism demonstrates rare adaptability in media. His career has earned him numerous professional awards for television work and writing, yet he emphasizes this latest award carries special meaning for his personal passion.
“I am totally shocked for winning this award as I’ve been in the business a long time where I’ve won awards for my work in television on Channel 31 and the numerous awards for my writing over three decades as a newspaper writer, but this award means the most.”
— Bob Labbe, Large-Market Radio Personality of the Year
The Dream Realized: From Childhood Passion to Professional Legacy
During his acceptance speech, Labbe revealed the personal motivation driving his career. As a child, he played radio in his bedroom, romanticizing the idea of becoming a disc jockey. WLRH-FM has made that childhood dream a permanent reality. For over three decades, the station provided the platform where Labbe could merge his passion for classic music with his natural broadcasting talent and authentic personality.
The 72-year-old broadcaster demonstrates that radio’s golden age traditions remain vital. By maintaining live, in-person programming and celebrating analog vinyl culture, Labbe proves that authenticity and dedication never go out of style in media.
What Sets Bob Labbe Apart from Modern Radio Broadcasters?
Longevity alone doesn’t guarantee recognition, but Labbe’s consistency, passion, and community engagement have made him a fixture in Huntsville broadcasting. His personal record collection of over 20,000 vinyl 45s represents decades of curation and rare music knowledge. This tangible commitment to his craft distinguishes him from streamlined, digital-only programming approaches. The Friday night audience loyalty suggests people value the human touch, expert storytelling, and nostalgia that Labbe delivers. Today’s award validates what listeners already knew: radio artistry still thrives with the right personality behind the microphone.
