Bob Lang was a man who followed his passion, found his voice, and spent much of his life sharing it with others. Born in San Francisco, Bob moved with his family to Sacramento at a young age. He attended McClatchy High School, Sacramento City College, and San Francisco State College. While many college graduates were busy planning conventional careers, Bob knew what he really wanted.
As Bob once put it: “All I ever wanted was to become a radio disc jockey; not much of an ambition for a college grad. I also didn’t have much of a plan on how to get there.” But Bob had something more important than a perfect plan, he had a dream, a love for radio, and the determination to pursue it.
His journey into broadcasting began at Ogden’s Radio Operational Engineering School (ROES) in Huntington Beach in 1969. He obtained his First Class Radiotelephone license from ROES and then headed out to chase his dream. One month later Bob received a phone call that would change the course of his career. Cal Purviance, Program Director at KTRB in Modesto, reached out to him, opening the door to his goal of a career in broadcasting.
For more than 20 years, Bob’s voice and personality became part of the radio/TV landscape in Modesto and Sacramento. He worked at KTRB in Modesto, 98.5 Fresh Country, COOL 101.1 FM, KGMS, KZAP, KTXL TV40 and KXTV, Channel 10 in Sacramento where he was a writer/producer of commercials and special events including two critically acclaimed documentaries. Many may remember him as the host for Jackpot Movie (Dialing for Dollars) each weekday afternoon.
He built friendships and memories along the way.
Becoming part of a broadcasting community that he loved and of which he was proud to be a member Bob nurtured these relationships through the years with his involvement in the Valley Broadcast Legends, Modesto Radio Museum, and Central Valley Broadcasters.
There was no doubt that the career Bob loved was broadcasting. At the end of this tribute you’ll find links to radio airchecks and TV productions highlighting his many talents.
The passion for broadcasting didn’t end when Bob left the microphone. He continued to share his knowledge by teaching college media classes and later worked as an equipment trainer for Pacific Bell.
Bob’s creative achievements were many and varied. He produced an audio program covering the history of KTRB and the station’s impact on Modesto and the surrounding communities. The program entitled KTRB, The Friendly Voice is available here in our online museum (link is provided at the bottom of this page). He produced a video documentary about Our Gang, featuring Spanky McFarland that was aired on KTXL TV40, and a full length audio program featuring, his love, big bands and the talented musicians and personalities that highlighted that era. All of these creations adding yet additional chapters to a life filled with broadcasting, entertainment, and storytelling. And in addition to all of this, Bob was an accomplished actor and was seen in numerous stage plays in Modesto and Sacramento.
And books, he wrote books! In 2012 Bob published his keystone work, Now You’re Talkin’, a reference book for media professionals. A collection of commonly misused words and phrases presented in dictionary form, the book reflected Bob’s dedication to the craft of communication. His goal was to help current and aspiring broadcasters, writers, speakers, and presenters maintain the professionalism, integrity, and credibility that he believed were so important. He also authored The Delta Breeze and Other Distractions, and Family Matters, You Can Choose Your Friends But Not Your Relatives. All of his works are available on Amazon.
And, of course, there was music.
As a co-founder of On Air, Sacramento’s premier classic horn band, through music, Bob found another way to connect with people, create memories, and bring joy to audiences. His love of radio, classic rock, and big band music became woven together in a way that was uniquely Bob Lang.
But beyond the career, the radio stations, the TV stations, the classroom, the books, and the music was a man who was loved by those who knew him:
Heartbroken to hear Bob has left this world, a place he made so much happier with his music and his smile. Every time I hear Neil Sedaka’s Calendar Girl which he used to play at dinner and birthday parties long ago, I think of him. Bob, you will be deeply and dearly missed!
– Cindy Laubacher, Friend
We worked together for many years at channel 40. There was a building-wide paging system. When Bob was looking for someone he would do his spot-on imitation of Lawrence Welk. He and I were founding members of the TV40 Studio Orchestra. He was the leader and front man. We played for station events and in the community and he continued the band later as On Air. We recorded many of our performances; I have the CDs. I will listen again and remember the good times. Rest Well, Bob. All the songs now are in your key.
Bob was a gentleman and a scholar. I met him in junior high, but later attended classes with him at Sacramento City College. We would see each other at high school reunions. He was a caring, intelligent and engaging man. If there’s a heaven I hope he’s reunited with those he loved so dearly! We’ve lost a good one.
– Christine Carey, Friend
Bob and I met in 1970. He lived about 4 blocks from my parent’s house. We immediately bonded with the likes of Big Band Music, Laurel and Hardy, and the Beatles. We would get together on Saturday Nights. It was Bob who influenced me to get into Radio. To say I was shocked when I learned of his “passing” is an understatement. He will be sorely missed as he was a part of my life.
– Rick Nancett, Friend
In a perfect kind of way Bob Lang’s career came full circle in 2025 when he was asked to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to radio station KTRB at the annual MAMA Awards. He returned to give recognition and to praise a radio station that he loved, a station where it all began for Bob.
Bob lived life surrounded by people who cared deeply for him. He leaves behind memories that will continue to live on in the stories shared by those who knew him, in the music he loved, in the words he wrote, and in the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.
For those who knew him, his voice may always be remembered. For those who worked alongside him, his friendship and camaraderie will never be forgotten. And for those who loved him, his memory will remain forever in their hearts.
His earliest dream was to become a radio disc jockey, but in the end, Bob Lang became so much more… a broadcaster, teacher, author, musician, mentor, friend, and a cherished part of the lives of many. On May 31, 2026 Bob passed away peacefully at his home with big band music softly playing in the background, he was surrounded by loved ones.
His voice may be gone, but his memory will never fade.
(Please add your memories of Bob Lang in the comments section below.)
– Listen to Bob Lang Airchecks
Bob Lang and I were best of friends . We met in 1969 at radio school in Huntington Beach, before we really got into radio.
When I came home from Huntington Beach I was thrilled to learn that Bob had landed a job in Modesto! We eventually ended up working together at KTRB. Bob was loved not only by me, but by my family. He became part of our family and that closeness never faded throughout the years.
Writing this tribute for Bob has been difficult and at the same time therapeutic. Writing it has, painfully, brought home that my friend is gone. At the same time writing it has allowed me the opportunity to share with others the type of person that Bob was.
Bob knew a lot of people; He was loved by many of them. I’m certain that there are stories similar to mine that emphasize the friendships that they had with him. I hope his friends will feel comfortable sharing their stories here, and that this tribute to Bob will help all of us find peace with his passing.
– Derek R Waring