Bob Heiss
Bob Heiss started his announcing career at WTMJ in 1934 after being selected from over 800 applicants in a public audition. He did just about any type of on-air radio and television work and was a station manager for the last 10 years of his 32 year career at WTMJ.
Heiss’ interview programs included the 1930s Around The Town radio remote broadcasts, sports programs, and the early 1950s Man Next Door daily TV program. A notable interview was when wrestler Vern Gagne demonstrated a sleeper hold and Heiss passed out on live TV. For many years Heiss was the play-by-play radio announcer for Wisconsin football and basketball and he was the Green Bay Packers radio broadcaster in the late 1940s. Early TV announcing duties included live wrestling broadcasts. In the 1940s, Heiss was the host of The Grenadiers, a daily program featuring the Grenadiers band, all sorts of radio hijinks, and a live audience in WTMJ’s Radio City auditorium studio.
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CLIPPINGS GALLERY
RELATED
- The Grenadiers
- Grenadiers vs Housewives
- Around the Town
- Man Next Door
- Jean Krug/Bob Heiss Pilot
- Charlie Grimm & Casey Stengel Interview
- Wisconsin vs Minnesota Basketball Broadcast
- Red Grange Radio Interview
Content courtesy Bob Lazar, grandson of Bob Heiss.
WBA Hall of Famer Bob Barry ruled Milwaukee’s airwaves in the ’60s and ’70s. He interviewed the Rolling Stones, Chubby Checker, Bing Crosby, and many others. Bob is sharing his remarkable recordings in 
It Brings back many memories of my childhood reading about Bob Heiss. When I was five years old I was on the show and sang a song. It was Zippidy Doo Da. I would give anything to share that moment with my children.
Bob Heiss had the most beautiful Eyes and the warmest smile. As a child I was in love with him. I wish I could hear his amazing voice again I loved listening to the radio and waiting for Bob Heiss and the Grenadier’s to come on. It was on WTMJ. Is there a chance of hearing any of those on a recording, since I was on there as a five-year-old and saying a song. I’m 76 years old now and it would be so grand to be able to share that with my kids. Thank you for having this website available to bring back Many happy memories.
The Packer Games were a real treat when Bob called the game: “It’s Hudson on the flank” became a popular line that excited us with the details and color commentary. I met him briefly as a youngster and told him I wanted to be a radio announcer. He smiled and said, “Get a good education first.” Good advice. I got to lead the band when the Grenadiers asked who wanted to lead a band. It was a great radio gag. Those memories are wonderful to recall and at 85 I can hear Bob’s voice even today. I miss everyone from WWTMJ on those days, Bill Carlson, Paul Skinner, Gordon Thomas, George Compte and many others.