Philadelphia's radio landscape has lost two giants with the passing of Pierre Robert and Harry Donahue, two broadcasting legends who left an indelible mark on the city's airwaves. The news of their deaths has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who fondly remember their decades-long careers.
Pierre Robert, a beloved disc jockey who hosted WMMR's midday show for 44 years, was known for his diverse and eclectic musical tastes, generous nature, and radio segments like "On This Day" and "Pierre's Vinyl Cut," which paid homage to the history of rock n' roll. The cause of Robert's death has not been determined, but no foul play is suspected. He was 70.
Robert's impact on the city's music scene cannot be overstated. He had hosted AIDS Walk Philly and supported Manna's Pie in the Sky fundraiser, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy. Singer Bryan Adams dedicated his song "Heaven" to Robert during a performance at Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia, paying testament to their friendship.
Jon Bon Jovi took to social media to pay tribute to Robert, describing him as a "great friend." He remembered Robert's love for music and its ability to bring people together. "His voice helped the hungry and the homeless," Bon Jovi wrote. "He did it because he cared."
Harry Donahue, a longtime voice of Temple University basketball and football, spent 35 years as a morning news anchor for KYW Newsradio, providing updates on everything from sports to traffic to snow day announcements until his retirement in 2014. He was 77.
Donahue's broadcasting career spanned five decades, during which he became an institution at Temple Athletics, calling games and bringing the passion of the team to fans across the city and beyond. Kevin Copp, the current play-by-play announcer for Temple sports, called Donahue "one of the voices of my childhood." Inside Golf reflected on Donahue's legacy, describing him as "a passionate voice" who brought warmth and professionalism to the show.
The Philadelphia radio community is mourning the loss of two broadcasting legends who left an indelible mark on the city's airwaves. Robert and Donahue will be deeply missed by their colleagues, fans, and the countless lives they touched through their work.
Pierre Robert, a beloved disc jockey who hosted WMMR's midday show for 44 years, was known for his diverse and eclectic musical tastes, generous nature, and radio segments like "On This Day" and "Pierre's Vinyl Cut," which paid homage to the history of rock n' roll. The cause of Robert's death has not been determined, but no foul play is suspected. He was 70.
Robert's impact on the city's music scene cannot be overstated. He had hosted AIDS Walk Philly and supported Manna's Pie in the Sky fundraiser, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy. Singer Bryan Adams dedicated his song "Heaven" to Robert during a performance at Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia, paying testament to their friendship.
Jon Bon Jovi took to social media to pay tribute to Robert, describing him as a "great friend." He remembered Robert's love for music and its ability to bring people together. "His voice helped the hungry and the homeless," Bon Jovi wrote. "He did it because he cared."
Harry Donahue, a longtime voice of Temple University basketball and football, spent 35 years as a morning news anchor for KYW Newsradio, providing updates on everything from sports to traffic to snow day announcements until his retirement in 2014. He was 77.
Donahue's broadcasting career spanned five decades, during which he became an institution at Temple Athletics, calling games and bringing the passion of the team to fans across the city and beyond. Kevin Copp, the current play-by-play announcer for Temple sports, called Donahue "one of the voices of my childhood." Inside Golf reflected on Donahue's legacy, describing him as "a passionate voice" who brought warmth and professionalism to the show.
The Philadelphia radio community is mourning the loss of two broadcasting legends who left an indelible mark on the city's airwaves. Robert and Donahue will be deeply missed by their colleagues, fans, and the countless lives they touched through their work.
two giants lost to Philly radio scene... can't help but think about how much music matters in our lives 
Pierre Robert's eclectic playlists would still get me pumped up to this day 
Harry Donahue's smooth voice was like a warm hug on mornings 
both were more than just broadcasters - they made us feel seen & heard 
what's your favorite memory of listening to them on the radio?
Pierre Robert was literally my spirit animal!! 
I mean, who else could rock a radio show for 44 yrs and still sound so fresh? His playlists were always on point and he had this energy that just made you wanna get up and dance 
. And can we talk about his charity work? He was literally the coolest cat in town supporting AIDS Walk Philly and Manna's Pie in the Sky fundraiser 
. I'm still in shock, what a legend! 
just another sad day for Philly's radio scene lost 2 huge figures Pierre & Harry both legends in their own right 
spent their careers making us laugh cry & dance to their tunes can never replace that 
think about all the concerts Bryan Adams did at South Philly arenas & how it was a tribute to Pierre 
it's crazy to think about philly losing these two broadcasting giants - pierre robert and harry donahue 
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. five decades of calling temple athletics games? that's just incredible! his voice was synonymous with the university, and even now, he's still remembered fondly by fans everywhere 
in Philly radio scene... been listening to WMMR since I was a kid 
, Pierre Robert's energy & taste in music were infectious 
. Remembering him calling games with such passion & excitement... now that's something special