“I think it is important to archive and save a lot of music that would be lost otherwise."

Bob Abrahamian

Bob Abrahamian (1978-2014) was a Chicago-based music historian and radio host known for championing ‘sweet soul’ music. He amassed over 35,000 rare recordings, interviews, and memorabilia, focusing on Chicago artists from the 1960s-70s. His collection was donated to the Stax Museum in 2021, preserving his legacy.

Sitting in the Park

“Sitting in the Park” was a radio show hosted by Bob Abrahamian on WHPK-FM. The show became a respected platform for showcasing lesser-known ‘sweet soul’ artists and their stories. Abrahamian used this show to highlight often-overlooked soul artists from Chicago’s South Side, contributing significantly to the preservation of Chicago’s rich soul music heritage.

Interviews

Bob Abrahamian’s interviews are a cornerstone of this collection, offering unique insights into the lives and careers of Chicago’s soul music artists. These conversations, conducted with warmth and deep knowledge, bring to life the stories behind the music and the era that shaped it.
Home TP02
2011-07-31
Host: Bob Abrahamian
Bob Abrahamian interviews Timothy Burton, a member of the Chicago group “Tomorrow’s People,” about their...
Home dougshorts
2011-05-1
Host: Bob Abrahamian
Doug Shorts’ story isn’t just about one rare 45. It’s a lifetime lived in harmony...

Music Showcase

Discover the soulful sounds that defined an era through our curated playlist featuring some of Bob’s favorite tracks. From smooth ballads to upbeat grooves, experience the rich diversity of Chicago’s ‘sweet soul’ scene.

Home billyguy
Music Showcase
2010-05-23
Host: Bob Abrahamian
This installment of Sitting in the Park sees Bob Abrahamian spin an eclectic all-vinyl set...
Home UNF
Music Showcase
2014-04-20
Host: Bob Abrahamian
On his 12th anniversary of Sitting in the Park, Bob Abrahamian crafts a soulful journey...

Explore the Galleries

Dive into the rich tapestry of Chicago’s ‘sweet soul’ scene through Bob’s curated galleries. Each image tells a story, capturing the essence of an era that shaped American music history.

Supporting the Collection

The Bob Abrahamian Music Collection is a vital piece of soul music history, preserving the legacy of Chicago’s vibrant ‘sweet soul’ scene. Your support helps us maintain and expand this invaluable archive, ensuring that these important cultural contributions are not forgotten.