Pierre Robert
Michelle Colwell of Oaklyn won a coffee hour with WMMR's Pierre Robert at the Girl Scouts Camden County office in Cherry Hill in 2002.
WMMR DJ Pierre Robert and his Golden Retriever Lucy walk through Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in 1999.

Radio host Pierre Robert, an iconic disc jockey in the South Jersey-Philadelphia area, has died, according to his employer.

Robert, (pronounced Ro-BARE) was a familiar voice for decades on 93.3 FM WMMR and a distinctive figure on the local music scene, said a statement from Beasley Media Group.

The 70-year-old was found dead at his home on Oct. 29, according to a police report cited by Beasley's statement.

"No foul play is suspected," but the circumstances surrounding his death were not yet known, it said.

Robert, known for his "Greetings, Citizens!" salutation, joined the rock station in 1981 and built an ardent following "with his unabashed love for music, his listeners, and the city," the statement said.

Robert presented artist interviews and live in-studio performances, as well as daily features that included his Noontime Workforce Blocks and Pierre’s Vinyl Cut.

Besides his longevity, Robert stood out for his shoulder-length hair and black-and-grey beard — an image regularly portrayed on area billboards.

But Robert also was unique with a mellow approach to broadcasting.

"I can’t stand this constant going for the lowest common denominator that a lot of announcers feel is particularly cool," he told a Courier-Post reporter at the time of his 20th anniversary at 'MMR in 2001.

"I believe (radio) has such power to be an elevating force," Robert told interviewer Chuck Darrow.

The Truckee, Calif., native started his career after attending a broadcasting school in San Francisco and working at two radio stations there.

Unhappy when his station switched from rock to a country music format in 1981, he followed friends to a new home in Philadelphia, bringing along his love for the Grateful Dead.

"He had no luck finding radio work, so he took a job at Essene, a health food store on South Street," Darrow's story recounted.

Robert then interrupted a restaurant conversation to pitch his services to patrons discussing the radio business, the story noted. That led to an assistant's position in 'MMR's music department.

He filled a DJ spot on the overnight shift a few weeks later, then moved to morning drive-time in 1982 and the mid-day slot in 1996.

Robert said in 2001 that he did not want to be remembered as a radio giant, but "as somebody who made a positive difference in some small way."

“He was truly a gentle soul,” Darrow recalled of Robert in an Oct. 29 interview. “I would imagine over the course of his lifetime, Pierre had less hurtful thoughts than any other person.”

Ben Vaughn, a well-known composer, record producer and band leader, is also a fellow DJ who hosts "The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn,'' a syndicated music show from Philly's WXPN 88.5 FM. The South Jersey native called Robert's death a tragedy.

"Losing Pierre is a huge hit for Philly,'' Vaughn said. "Not only was he a great DJ and on-air personality but he was out in the clubs almost every night catching local bands. It was always great to see him in the crowd. And he was very loyal to the city. Until the end he refused to play Guns ’n Roses because they cancelled a show in Philly and never apologized for it.

"On a personal level, I loved him even more because of his affection for the Geator,'' Vaughn said, referring to the late and legendary DJ Jerry Blavat. "Going to dinner with the two of them will forever remain one of my fondest memories. The mutual respect they had for each other was beautiful to witness. Pierre was the best. I hope Philly can survive this loss.''

Many who had built close ties with Robert, whether professional or personal, expressed love and admiration in a deluge of social media posts.

Robert “was an instrumental part” of a blood drive held annually for two decades, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania said on its Facebook page.

"His dedication helped save lives, and his presence always lifted our team’s spirit," said the post. "Pierre’s legacy is one of generosity, joy and unwavering support for his community. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten."

The Beasley statement also noted the disc jockey's "active and genuine support" for the company's charitable initiatives. "He truly cared about his listeners and the people of Philadelphia," it said.

Robert was honored with a star on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.

“We all have heavy hearts today,” said Caroline Beasley, the firm's CEO.

She said Robert's love for music "and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed.”

Smith echoed the sentiments of many of Robert's fans across the region, calling him "the heartbeat of WMMR.''

"So hard to believe he’s gone,'' he said. "Rest in peace, dear friend. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.''

Contributing: Tammy Paolino, The News Journal/Delaware Online

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iconic radio personality Pierre Robert found dead at his home

Reporting by Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post / USA TODAY

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