JDB Celebrates 40 Years in the Philadelphia Market
Yesterday, November 15th, was a humongous day for a great friend of mine and fellow WMGK disc jockey, the great John DeBella.
Exactly 40 years ago to the day yesterday, JDB stumbled into a radio studio in the amazing city of Philadelphia for the very first time.
A couple of detours later and a station switch or two, the one-of-a-kind DJ is still going strong in this market four decades later!
John has seen the landscape of the radio industry change many times, but that still has yet to deter him from his path. His morning show on our station is just as fun as ever to listen to while heading to work!
One of my favorite parts of doing my midday show for the station is getting to relieve DeBella each day. I love our little ten-minute crossover between shows and it really helps to get the momentum going for my show by starting it off with a fun conversation.
I have had the pleasure of knowing JDB for many, many years dating all the way back to our days at our sister station, WWMR. We have had many laughs in our days and many fantastic memories I will remember for the rest of my life.
Check out the throwback photo of us from those days when Living Colour came to visit the WMMR studio back in 1994!
All that said, John has done a lot more than just being a legendary on-air radio personality during his 40 years in this city.
JDB goes the extra mile to try and give back to the community in the greater Philly area whenever he gets the chance.
Whether that be his Radiothon where he broadcasts all day long from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. collecting donations to Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Center, bringing light to non-profit animal rescue groups and shelters with his yearly JDB Dog Walk, or even his annual Turkey Drop, DeBella uses his platform for great causes!
Speaking of the annual JDB Turkey Drop, catch me at the ACME in South Philly on November 22nd from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m., or consider donating online here!
John, congratulations on an incredible run!
What a ride it has been so far!
If there is one thing I have learned from your run, it is to always look on the bright side of life!
MATT CORD
Join me weekdays 9am to 2pm right after The John DeBella Show and before André Gardner from 2pm-7pm. CONNECT 3 at 10am for FABULOUS prizes, Noontime Nuggets at 12noon, and you can win concert tickets throughout the show for many of the upcoming MGK Concerts. Text in your requests at MGKMGK or call 215-263-WMGK. I end every show with a voicemail from my late father Jack Cord because he always left the coolest voicemails on my machine and phone.
Also the PA Voice for the Philadelphia 76ers for the past 26 years, and the Voice of NBA2K22 and NBA2K23.