Pierre Robert, a prominent figure in the history of Philadelphia rock radio, will be fondly remembered for his unwavering passion for the city.
"One of the remarkable aspects of this city is its warmth," he shared with Inquirer music critic Dan DeLuca last year. "It resembles a small town, despite being a large city. ... If the people of Philadelphia appreciate you and perceive you as genuine, you have a chance. Conversely, if you are not authentic, they will notice quickly, and you will be asked to leave!"
Robert remained with the station where he first interviewed in 1981, and his enthusiasm for the legends of the genre he championed was only rivaled by his commitment to promoting lesser-known artists. For nearly fifty years, Robert was a familiar sight — always sporting shoulder-length hair and a distinct silver stripe in his beard — alongside Elton John, Mick Jagger, and Bon Jovi, while also guiding high school students through the WMMR studios. Each individual had something unique to contribute.
In 2019, Robert was honored with induction into Philadelphia’s Music Walk of Fame for his extensive efforts in enhancing the city’s music landscape. A year prior to his passing, he extended his contract at WMMR for an additional four years.
As the city and the nation, including Jon Bon Jovi, grieve the loss of a legendary figure, we reflect on photographs of Robert featured in The Inquirer.