DeBella Signs Off From WMGK/Philly
• On Friday, June 30, 2023, legendary radio personality John DeBella stepped into the air studio at Beasley Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK/Philadelphia to host his final morning radio show before heading into retirement, closing out a nearly half-century career, 41 of those years in Philly, and the last 21 on WMGK.
DeBella’s farewell broadcast featured members of his family, along with Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley, who congratulated him on his incredible career. Legendary WMMR midday personality Pierre Robert spent the entire 8am hour of DeBella’s last show recounting some classic stories from their time together on the air across the hall at WMMR, where DeBella reigned in mornings from 1982 until 1993.
To commemorate DeBella’s final month on the air, WMGK produced a special tribute segment in honor of his four-decade career, dubbed “41 & Done!” where DeBella recounted some of his favorite stories on the air. The station also featured clips from some classic Morning Zoo live broadcasts from Atlantic City and excerpts from his annual shows in London. DeBella also read a few emotional emails from longtime listeners.
The “41 & Done!” segment also contained heartfelt farewell messages from Pete Townshend, Steven Van Zandt, Joan Jett, Graham Nash, former Eagle Don Felder, James “JY” Young of Styx, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake and Palmer, to name a few.
“Being on air 48 years in a business where someone else usually decides your retirement date, I was happy to decide this on my own,” said DeBella, who in April was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, and in June was named as a finalist for induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. “I have been blessed over the years with so many talented coworkers and managers — all of whom helped me be my best and had my back when I needed it. Combine that with a very supportive audience, and I leave grateful to them all.”
“John’s desire to win and his efforts in prepping each and every show have never diminished,” said Bill Weston, Beasley VP of Talent Development and PD of WMGK & WMMR. He added, “DeBella is just one of a kind and I’ve been fortunate to be his PD.”
Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase commented, “In typical John DeBella style, he’s leaving on a high. He spent his last few shows raising hundreds of thousands for Veterans, gets a nomination for the Radio Hall of Fame and maintains top ratings in the Philadelphia market. Congratulations John — you will be missed by everyone here at Beasley!”
