Photo via Bob Boilen Official Facebook
Bob Boilen, the creator of NPR’s widely regarded Tiny Desk Concert series and All Things Considered, has announced his official retirement from the nonprofit media organization. The decision comes after a three-decade stint, resulting in many memorable moments for viewers and listeners on the programs.
“After 35 years, I am leaving NPR,” Boilen shared via Tweet. “I’ve had the thrill of creating Tiny Desk Concerts, All Songs Considered, directing All Things Considered for 18 years and so much more. I love the people I’ve worked with, but it’s time to find new challenges. thank you for listening/watching.”
Fellow NPR journalist Lars Gotrich also took to the social media platform, adding his thoughts on the change and mentioning that Boilen’s last day will be October 2. Boilen’s decision comes after the long-established success of the Tiny Desk Concert series, which began in 2008 and was named after its creators former Washington, D.C. band.
Since its inception, the program has given viewers intimate exposure to their favorite musical groups. From playful dialogue during song changes to the raw tenderness of the formulated performance, the footage has connected the artist to the spectator.
Notably, Boilen served as the director of NPR’s news program, All Things Considered, from 1989 to 2007. In conjunction with the role, Boilen also introduced All Songs Considered, an online look at music in 2000. During the run, the host delved into choice music between the segments during the news broadcast.
In the past, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series has welcomed the likes of Dr. Dog, Margo Price Tank & the Bangas, Allison Russell, The Avett Brothers, Los Lobos, Yo La Tengo, Lucinda Williams and many more. Watch here.
After 35 years, I am leaving NPR. I’ve had the thrill of creating Tiny Desk Concerts, All Songs Considered, directing All Things Considered for 18 years and so much more. I love the people I’ve worked with, but it’s time to find new challenges. thank you for listening/watching.
— Bob Boilen (@BobBoilen) September 13, 2023
Bob Boilen, after 35 years, will retire from NPR on Oct. 2.
I will have more to say soon — probably even on the All Songs Considered podcast, which I’m taping with Bob on Friday if I can get through it without 😭 — but without Bob, there’s no Tiny Desk, no NPR Music.
— Lars Gotrich 🍷🌊 (@totalvibration) September 13, 2023
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