I had the pleasure last week of spending time in Chicago for the Radio Hall of Fame. It was a spectacular event. Kraig Kitchin and Dennis Green knocked it out of the park, and this year’s class was spectacular and very deserving. Accomplished executives, leaders, agents, advertising professionals and talent could be found everywhere. What stood out most was how many successful people came to support Colin Cowherd, Julie Talbott, Mike McVay, Martha Quinn, Alice Cooper, Tom ‘Mojo’ Carballo, DeDe McGuire and all of the inductees. Stephanie Eads and I sat at the ‘Friends of Mike’ McVay table, and were so thrilled for Mike, Julie, and Colin, three people I’ve known a long time who I hold in high regard. It was a special evening.
On Friday morning, I had some time to think about the one piece of sad news from last week. That was the passing of Pierre Robert. WMMR’s longtime personality was a larger than life figure in radio. He had an unbreakable connection with his audience and artists, and was always kind when we crossed paths during my short stay in Philadelphia in 2006. His warm spirit and decades of success warrant special consideration, and I will get to that shortly.
First, the next time someone in advertising questions radio’s relevance and importance, direct them to how the world grieved over Pierre. Bryan Adams dedicated the song ‘Heaven’ to him on-stage last week. Jon Bon Jovi, Living Colour, The Offspring, Alice Cooper, Billy Corrigan, Collective Soul, Shinedown, Papa Roach and countless other artists flocked to social media or to the airwaves to explain how much he meant. The tributes Preston and Steve delivered to their longtime colleague on Thursday and Friday were very touching. If you didn’t have a chance to listen, make time to do so. They were great.
But that’s just the radio and artist side of things. Scroll through Facebook, X, Instagram, etc. and you’ll find hundreds if not thousands of posts, photos, and special memories shared by radio professionals, record labels, radio stations and Pierre’s ‘citizens’. All saw him as a larger than life friend on the radio, and special human being. They understood how giant of a loss this is. Jacky BamBam’s post was especially moving.
Last Friday, I swapped texts with Chuck Damico and emails with Mike Stern after being reminded that we had just interviewed Pierre for an upcoming feature. Mike spoke with Pierre last Tuesday, the day before he passed. This was likely the final interview Pierre did with an industry outlet.
Given the situation, I knew we had to make sure this piece was handled with care. Today, you can find that conversation on our website. Mike did a GREAT job on it. Their discussion can be heard in the video down below. It allows you to hear just how much love and passion Pierre had for life, music, and radio.
As I thought about last week’s Radio Hall of Fame ceremony in Chicago and Pierre’s unexpected passing, I was surprised to learn that the Philadelphia legend wasn’t in the Radio Hall of Fame. Fred Jacobs wrote an outstanding piece in Pierre last week. In it he mentioned that Pierre was nominated for the hall in 2022, but missed the cut.
Selection processes for any hall of fame are hard. Many are deserving but only a limited number of spots exist. I think I speak for many though when I say that Pierre Robert is without question a hall of famer. His life’s work speaks for itself. I’m sure his induction will come in the future, and when it does, I know it will mean a lot to Pierre’s WMMR teammates, the Beasley Media family, every single Philadelphia listener of his, and countless artists and record industry professionals across the country.
But while I’m confident that Pierre’s work will one day be celebrated with a radio hall of fame induction, I think this conversation needs to be broader. Pierre Robert belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame too.
Non-artists such as Alan Freed, Tom Donahue, and DJ Kool Herc have been inducted in years past. Label execs, producers, and editors have earned inductions as well. It’s time for the hall to make room for one of the most influential voices ever to grace the rock radio airwaves.
The golden period for a band typically lasts seven to ten years. If they last four decades, they’re usually considered an all-time act. That’s what Pierre Robert was in radio. He was 70 years old when he passed, and was as successful and important today as he was in the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and 10’s.
That’s not just tap into the moment speech either.
Just two weeks ago, WMMR made history, winning 3 Marconi awards. That recognition was a reflection of the special work done by Pierre Robert, Preston and Steve, Chuck Damico and the entire WMMR team. Then yesterday, an impromptu meet up in Philadelphia attracted hundreds of fans to Rittenhouse Square (one of Robert’s favorite places) to remember Pierre.
How many people in the entertainment business have helped sell millions of records and concert tickets for over four decades? How many have used their platform to help artists and other organizations raise millions for important causes? Who has introduced millions of people to rock music, and continued that bond from teen life to adulthood? Let’s not forget how that established bond has helped one of America’s top rock stations deliver massive ratings and large revenues, and grown business for local and national advertisers.
Pierre Robert did all of it.
When Rick Springfield, Billy Idol and George Thorogood mourn a loss along with Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder, and Jacoby Shaddix, you know a special connection was made. Cox Media’s Bob DeBlois shared on Saturday, “WMMR – Means More Rock…but to me it ‘Means More Robert’. Pierre Robert was Mr. WMMR.” If being the face of Philadelphia’s highly successful rock radio station for decades, helping launch and support countless artists, and introducing and educating millions of listeners about the history of rock music and the artists behind the songs isn’t hall of fame worthy, then I’m not sure what is.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t need to take my word for it. Just ask the artists, labels, and citizens of Philadelphia. Pierre Robert left an indelible mark on radio, music, and the world. His body of work is worth highlighting so future generations understand how much his influence mattered. It may even rub off on the next Pierre Robert.
My condolences to Pierre’s friends, family, and listeners. He was a special talent. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. I’m sure his new all-access pass in heaven is allowing him to have some amazing conversations. I only wish we all could hear them.
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Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
Absolutely YES on both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as a member of the Radio Hall of Fame. His contributions to both rock and radio has been significant.
Thanks, Mike. I agree, it’s well earned.