John DeBella, WMMR alum, is part of the Radio Hall of Fame’s newly announced Class of 2023.
He joins 2021 inductees Preston and Steve as an honoree of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, home of the Radio Hall. DeBella recently retired after 41 years on the air in this city. The “Morning Zoo” era is remembered fondly by Philadelphians, and his shows produced some of the best cuts in our MMaRchives. His concert coverage, artist interviews, stunts and on air banter will forever be part of WMMR lore.
Upon retiring, DeBella said in an letter posted by our sister station WMGK: “When I came to Philadelphia in 1982, I would never have believed that I could have gone as far as I have here. I’ve been blessed with a magical life and a career beyond my wildest imagination…and I have you, my listeners, to thank for that.”
Other Radio Hall of Fame inductees this year include Deborah Parenti, Gerry House, Bob Rivers, Pat St. John, Shadoe Stevens, Nina Totenberg, and Charles Warfield. Radio Ink notes that the ceremony to honor DeBella and the broadcasters “is slated for Thursday, November 2nd, at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City,” and “part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Museum of Broadcast Communications as a tax-deductible charitable donation.” More information is available at RadioHallOfFame.com.
Locally, DeBella is an inductee of the Philadelphia Walk of Fame and a member of the Philadelphia Music Alliance.
Last month, DeBella joined Pierre Robert on air to remember start in the City of Brotherly Love, epic live broadcasts from London and Atlantic City, the legendary Louie Louie Parade, and how Pierre still hasn’t mastered the art of punctuality. They also dug into the MMaRchives for some special musical pieces from that era. Listen to “The Final Crossover” below.
Let’s tell the MoBC that we want to see Pierre in the Radio Hall of Fame next! Contact them here.