Dave Rogers, longtime volunteer WTJU host, dies at 79
Dave Rogers, aka Professor Bebop, died July 6 in Charlottesville, Va. He was 79.
From 1973–2022, Dave hosted a weekly radio show as a volunteer on WTJU 91.1 FM, the University of Virginia’s community radio station. As Professor Bebop, he shared a unique mix of rhythm & blues, jazz and soul, with occasional forays into all kinds of other genres, while delighting listeners with his inimitable jive announcing style.
Dave thought deeply about how to tell a story, elucidate an idea, express an emotion and convey his understanding of human nature — its strengths as well as its foibles. Fellow DJs talked about his influence on their own musical education. Listeners cherished the opportunity to enter the rich musical world that he created. All remembered his generosity, creativity, smile and booming laugh.
Outside of radio, Dave devoted his professional life to public education. He taught at Buford Middle School in Charlottesville before becoming an administrator there, ultimately serving as assistant principal and then principal for 30 years. Over the course of his career, he also served students at five other area schools.
Dave had Alzheimer’s disease, and even in his final years he was loved and appreciated by so many who recognized his unquenchable spirit.
Whether in a school hallway, a community meeting or behind a microphone at WTJU, Dave had a gift for making people feel seen, valued and welcome. His warmth, humor, generosity and belief in others live on in the many students, listeners, friends, family members and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
A celebration of Dave will be held at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St. NW, Charlottesville, Virginia, at 3 p.m. Aug. 8. Contributions in his name may be made to WTJU, Hospice of the Piedmont, Blue Ridge Respite or Virginia Organizing.
