I heard this morning that longtime TV personality and Wisconsin native Tom Snyder died after an illness. I always liked Snyder, who had an affable character, gave the appearance of fairness and open mindedness and, darn it, had the kind of style that was funny and charming at the same time.
The first time I ever attended the taping of a TV show, was in 1981. I skipped out of high school early to see The Jam in the NBC studios for the taping of "Tomorrow," Snyder's show which also hosted The Clash, Johnny Lydon and others. Watching Snyder attempt to connect with The Jam, and especially to get the mumbly Paul Weller talking, was engaging. The fact that he wouldn't give up was a testiment to his patience, stubborness and curiosity. Those were instructive qualities to any journalism-minded youth.
His show in the '90s was equally interesting and you felt like you were having a conversation over a drink (and a cigarette for Tom!). His absence from the airwaves was always a low period for television talk and now, without any chance of a return to the airwaves, I hope he's up there one last time firing up the simultini as the pictures fly through the air.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
