Beloved Philadelphia DJ Pierre Robert of WMMR Dies at 70
Philadelphia radio legend Pierre Robert, one of the most recognizable voices in the city for more than four decades, has passed away at the age of 70.
He was found dead at his home Wednesday morning before his usual midday broadcast. Authorities reported no signs of foul play.
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Robert had been a cornerstone of 93.3 WMMR for 44 years, making him one of the longest-serving and most beloved DJs in Philadelphia radio history. In 2019, he received a star on the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame to honor his lasting impact on the city’s music culture. The station’s parent company described him as “the heart and soul of WMMR.”
Originally from San Francisco, Robert arrived in Philadelphia in 1981 — driving cross-country in his old Volkswagen van, unsure if he’d even find work. He started humbly, helping organize the station’s music library before eventually earning his own slot on the air.
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Throughout his career, Robert built strong relationships with local musicians, including The Hooters, who said they’d “never met a DJ quite like Pierre.” One band member recalled, “He became a genuine friend — our friendship lasted more than 40 years.”
Listeners knew Pierre for his warmth, boundless enthusiasm for rock music, and his openness on the air. Whether celebrating or grieving, he shared his real emotions with his audience. One colleague said, “That’s why people loved him — he was always real.”
Beyond the microphone, Robert was deeply involved in community causes, frequently supporting charities such as AIDS Walk Philly and MANNA’s Pie in the Sky campaign to fight hunger.
After news of his death broke, WMMR devoted the day’s programming to his memory — playing his favorite songs and sharing tributes from fellow hosts and fans.
As one colleague put it: “Pierre taught us the gospel of rock ’n’ roll and gave us common ground to dance on. In good times his optimism was contagious, and in hard times his words brought comfort.”
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