Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Carsen Holaday

Pierre Robert death: Legendary radio personality dies aged 70

Legendary radio host Pierre Robert has died at 70 - (Pierre Robert)

Legendary radio personality Pierre Robert has died at age 70 after a career spanning over four decades.

Known for his optimistic attitude, the beloved DJ was a fixture at 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia, a rock station, since 1981. He hosted the station’s midday radio show up until his death.

Robert was found dead in his Pennsylvania home Wednesday, according to Beasley Media Group, the parent company of WMMR.

His cause of death is unknown at this time, but Beasley Media Group said police don’t suspect foul play.

“We all have heavy hearts today,” Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley said in the company’s press release.

“Pierre’s unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed.”

Robert was known for addressing listeners as “citizens” on his broadcast and saying “great day in the morning!”

Because of his encyclopedic knowledge of music and passion for all things rock and roll, he was considered a rock legend and a hippie by locals. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Walk of Fame in 2019, along with The Hooters and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Just a week before his death, Robert posted on social media about recently going with his co-worker to see David Byrne perform with his 12-piece band, writing, “Wow!”

“He is the true definition of an artist… Just magnificent, I'm still thinking about it and utterly blown away by how cool it was!” Robert wrote in his last post on X.

In his last post on Instagram, Robert shared a peaceful moment to himself days before his death.

“Sunday afternoon in Philly in my beloved Rittenhouse Square, with a great book, a cup of La Colombe, watching the world lazily drift by… pretty close to perfection!” he wrote Monday.

Two days before his death, Pierre Robert posted a peaceful picture of himself reading and drinking coffee in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square (Instagram/@pierrerobert933)

Tributes to the DJ are pouring in from heartbroken listeners after the tragic news.

“We’re heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and legendary voice, Pierre Robert. You will be missed beyond words,” WMMR said in a statement.

He is and always will be the definition of Philly radio,” one listener wrote in an emotional message. “His voice was the sound of my childhood. He was my inspiration to work in radio over 3 decades ago. Thank you, Pierre. The airwaves will never be the same.”

“This hurts - the legendary voice of Philly rock,” one wrote, with another adding, “Big hole in Philly’s heart. Pierre was truly one-of-a-kind and authentic as anything. His voice, energy and rock insights and stories will be sorely missed. RIP to a GREAT Citizen!”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.