Radio And Music Industry Veteran Bobby Bennett Has Passed

Bobby Bennett

ALL ACCESS is sad to report that BOBBY BENNETT, "THE MIGHTY BURNER," has passed away.  The72-year-old PITTSBURGH native (born MARSHALL STANLEY PAYNE III) died TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th at his home in PUNTA GORDA, FL. His widow CONNIE told The WASHINGTON POST that he  died of respiratory failure.

He began his career at WAMO-A &  later WZUM-A, both in his home town of PITTSBURGH, PA.

Originally, his air name was STAN PAYNE, THE MAN WITH THE MUSTANG. However, a female station employee came up with a new air name BOUNCING BOBBY BENNETT.

While he began his career in "The BURGH," BENNETT became a legend at WOL-A in his adopted hometown WASHINGTON D.C.

In 1968, he replaced overnight DJ FRED 'SOUL FINGER' COURY, who had been was one of the original ‘WOL SOUL BROTHERS.’

However, BENNETT’s energy and excitement was not suited for all-nights.  WOL moved him to midday and later PM drive.

His long resume includes work as Sports Talk Show Host at WTOP/WASHINGTON, D.C., PD of WHUR/WASHINGTON. D.C.,  EMI Records Exec,  XM Radio PD, SOUL STREET Channel (later SIRIUS XM) & co-author (with SARAH SMITH) of  “THE ULTIMATE SOUL TRIVIA BOOK."

He is survived by his wife CONNIE, his son ERIC, daughter AMY, and his Grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Here are 10 Questions BENNETT answered for All ACCESS in 2007.

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