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Bob Trow
Year of induction: 1998
Bio:
To please people with his work. That’s all my dad ever really wanted – the assurance that his work was worthwhile. This honor does just that.
For those who knew Bob Trow, there is no need for explanation. For those who never met him, I can barely begin. His raw talent, his uncanny comedic timing, his off-beat way of doing, well everything, all added up to one of the most unique and truly gifted creative talents this industry has ever known.
Who was Bob Trow? Willi of Willi’s Ski Shop, the Busy Beaver, the Treasure Island Pirate and the Pirate’s Parrot, Brunhilda (aka “300 pahnds of love”). In character voices alone, he was dozens of popular personalities, most based on real Pittsburgh people. He was an on-camera talent, stunt man, and live entertainer.
His myriad characters, mostly performing material that he had written, contributed greatly to the creative genius of Pittsburgh’s own Cordic & Company of KDKA radio, the most popular morning show in Pittsburgh radio history.
Even in those early years, he contributed to Pittsburgh advertising by writing and arranging dozens of national-caliber jingles, performed by his own vocal groups.
Beyond his incredibly versatile voice and acting talents he was an award-winning copywriter, producer/director, cinematographer, and photographer. He was an art director, illustrator, sculptor, prop-maker, portrait artist…the list goes on and on. How so much talent could be wrapped in one 5-foot 7-inch package I’ll never know.
Surprisingly, he was self-taught in virtually all that he did. With no formal education, he developed an amazing career. Against the odds, his first full-time agency job came when he was in his forties and, as it would turn out, his contributions to Pittsburgh advertising were just beginning.
Yet, with all this talent, he remained as humble as they come (perhaps the vast collection of outtakes that each studio kept on hand did the trick). He was a regular guy who was nothing short of a delight to be around. He knew he wasn’t perfect, but he was always able to poke fun at himself and he taught me to do the same.
Dad, you are honored here by your peers for a lifelong contribution to the Pittsburgh advertising community. It’s confirmation of what I’ve know for years but you were too modest to realize; you have always been held dear for everything that is uniquely Bob Trow. You done good, Pop. I couldn’t be more proud.
Rest. Assured.
Eric Trow
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