Live stream will be available after this brief ad from our sponsors
Contests

LISTEN LIVE

John DeBella Signs Off: 12 Memorable Photos

Philly radio legend John DeBella retired today, June 30, after 41 wonderful years in radio. As John DeBella signs off, we celebrate his illustrious career. John has meant the world…

John DeBella Signs off

Photo by Bill Weston

Photo by Bill Weston

Philly radio legend John DeBella retired today, June 30, after 41 wonderful years in radio. As John DeBella signs off, we celebrate his illustrious career.

John has meant the world to this city. The love he has shown Philadelphia has been paramount. Today, Philadelphia showed him that love right back. Beasley Philadelphia employees showed up in droves to see John just seconds after he stepped out of the studio after his final broadcast. People were tailgating in the parking lot outside the studio. News outlets came to cover the historic moment. The appreciation for this radio legend was through the roof.

John leaves behind a lasting impact. His mentorship and expertise have helped cultivate many successful radio careers. He's quick as a whip, tongue-in-cheek, and overall, funny as all hell. We will forever be singing Nikki Hoi and wearing our Hawaiian shirts on Fridays. Philly will "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." We will play "Louie Louie" on our kazoos as we march into the sunset. All thanks to the one and only John DeBella.

So, as John DeBella signs off, we wish him nothing but the best in his retirement. Don't be a stranger, John. The city of Philadelphia loves you!

Lora and John

MicrosoftTeams-image-13.jpgPhoto by Rachel Pitts

Lora Lewis (wearing her John-inspired mustache) hugs John after he signed off for the final time.


John and Rob

MicrosoftTeams-image-12.jpgPhoto by Rachel Pitts

Rob Keegan and John DeBella share a hug after John's last show.


John and Cyndy

MicrosoftTeams-image-11.jpgPhoto by Rachel Pitts

Cyndy Drue and John DeBella chat after John's final broadcast.


John, Tony, and Bill

MicrosoftTeams-image-10.jpgPhoto by Rachel Pitts

A true meeting of the minds. Bill Weston, Tony Harris, and John DeBella chat after John's final broadcast.


John and 6ABC

MicrosoftTeams-image-9.jpgPhoto by Rachel Pitts

6ABC stopped by to ask John a few things after his last show.


Dave Magrogan Shows Up For His Friend

Dave-Magrogan-Shows-Up-For-His-Friend.jpgPhoto by Gina Cosenza

Dave Magrogan, CEO at Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar, ad John's close friend tailgated with a whole crew of John's friends this morning during the broadcast.


41 & We All Won

41-We-All-Won.jpgPhoto by Gina Cosenza

JDB fan, Robert Johnson, also got in on the tailgating. He created insanely amazing boards honoring John.


Thank You John

Thank-You-John.jpgPhoto by Gina Cosenza

Robert's boards in their glory. He made two large tributes to John's career.


Tailgating

Tailgating.jpg

Dave Magrogan's crew came prepared with signs in support of John DeBella.


Honoring John

Honoring-John.jpg

Robert's second sign featured not only a Morning Zoo record, but also an authentic vintage WMMR hat.


John Signing Off

John-Signing-Off.jpg

John's final sign-off. It was an historic moment in Philadelphia radio.


Pancake, Colin, and Lora

Pancake-Colin-and-Lora.jpgPhoto by Gina Cosenza

Pancake, Colin Newby, and Lora Lewis all sport JDB-inspired mustaches.

Steve Vassalotti is co-host of “The Matt Cord Show with Steve Vassalotti” weekday mornings 6a-10a on 102.9 WMGK. He has been with the station since 2015. For WMGK he writes about inane nonsense that surrounds our daily lives, sports, food and other various topics. Steve writes about Philadelphia lifestyle content, the Philadelphia Eagles culture and trending topics.