The Bob Brandy Show

Bob Brandy, a legendary television figure in Chattanooga, passed away Friday, February 28, 2003.

Bob Brandy (1930 - 2003) Bob Brandy was most well-known for his time on the Bob Brandy Show, a favorite childrens' program featuring his former wife Ingrid, and their horse Rebel. For 20 years, beginning in 1958, children throughout the Chattanooga viewing area couldn't wait to get home from school to watch Bob and his young guests play a variety of games. The most popular always included a chance to sit on Rebel. Boy scouts, girls scouts and school groups from far and wide will always remember their visit to the old WTVC studios on Signal Mountain. In 1978 Mr. Brandy gave up the show to become one of WTVC's top sales managers. He formally retired two years ago after 43 years of dedicated service. However he continued as a Consultant to the General Manager and Special Projects Director. He will be sorely missed by his co-workers at NewsChannel 9, and no doubt, by the entire community. More About the Bob Brandy Show Before there were superstar dunks and action hero hunks, cowboys were king. Bob Brandy, along with his faithful horse Rebel, proudly wore that crown in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Bob Brandy show was actually born in Columbus, Georgia in 1956. "There were three of us hired who could sing and be staff announcers," Brandy recalled. "But because I played the guitar, I'm the guy who got the kids' show."

It took some big business deals, and some persuasion, to rope Bob Brandy into coming to WTVC-TV in 1958. And the rest is, as they say, history. It would be Bob Brandy's last career move. The Bob Brandy show was on the air for 20 years, signing off in 1978... but the Cowboy Crooner stayed with WTVC-TV eventually becoming local Sales Manager. He continued as sales consulted until his death in 2003.

Nearly every baby-boomer from the Chattanooga area was on, or at least watched the Bob Brandy show. He aired in the 5 pm time-slot, right after the Mickey Mouse Club.... the time-slot now owned by Oprah. Cub Scouts, Brownies, school baseball teams, kids from everywhere longed to appear, take a ride on Rebel, and play the games to win a Moon Pie or Golden Flake potato chips.

Brandy was often asked by admirers what happened to children's programs such as the Bob Brandy Show. "I respond by telling them that most of the audience in the afternoon time period is adults," said Brandy. "I honestly feel network affiliates have given kids over to cable, what have you. And I think that's unfortunate."