John DeBella Retires After 41 Years In Philadelphia Radio
John DeBella retires after an incredible 41 years in Philadelphia radio. The Philadelphia radio legend hosted his final morning radio show on Friday, June 30, 2023.
John has been synonymous with Philadelphia radio entertainment for 4 decades. John has served as the Morning Host of WMGK-FM for the past 21 years. He was also a major force, doing mornings from 1982 to 1993 on sister station, 93.3 WMMR-FM.
John DeBella is one of the originators of The Morning Zoo format. His morning show became an unprecedented number-one-rated show in Philadelphia. It achieved the highest ratings in local radio history at that time.
In addition to DeBella’s nationally honored radio career, he is a local EMMY award-winning host & producer. Also, he has co-anchored the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and has won numerous local service and humanitarian awards. In June of 2023, DeBella was named among the finalists for the National Radio Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame this past April.
“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. “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, I leave grateful to them all.”
Watch As John DeBella Signs Off The Air For The Last Time
To commemorate his final month on the air, WMGK-FM ran a special tribute segment to celebrate DeBella’s legendary career. It was entitled “41 & Done!” DeBella recounted some of his favorite radio stories. He played old live performances from the Morning Zoo broadcasts in Atlantic City and London. He also read a few tear-jerking emails from longtime listeners.
Good luck with everything, John.
6 Fun Facts About The New Philadelphia-Born Superman: David Corenswet
2. He's Smart And Followed HIs Dreams
After the Shipley School, Corenswet was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania. During his freshman year, he decided to follow his dream and went to New York to study and eventually get his bachelor’s degree from the esteemed Juilliard School. Other notable alumni include Robin Williams, Jessica Chastain, Adam Driver, and fellow superhero Anthony Mackie.
First poster in a series to go with first weekend of @MarvelStudios #FalconAndWinterSoldier @SzarkaArt pic.twitter.com/iU5HOdBQwF
— Anthony Mackie (@AnthonyMackie) March 20, 2021
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4. He Comes From A Family Of Lawyers
Although David’s father dabbled in theater when he was younger, he eventually became a lawyer like David’s mother and sister.
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5. His Grandfather Is Also Famous
Corenswet’s maternal grandfather is Edward Packard, creator of the “choose your own adventure” book concept and author of more than 50 titles. The concept allows readers to choose what happens and is now called “interactive fiction.”
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