Legendary Radio DJ Found Dead Inside Home at 70

Radio disc jockey and on-air personality Pierre Robert, who established himself as a Philadelphia fixture during his four-plus decades on the air, died on Wednesday. He was 70.

Robert (pronounced "Ro-Bear") was found dead at his home, said Beasley Media Group, the parent company of 93.3 WMMR, where the legendary entertainer worked since 1981. Full circumstances of his passing are unknown, but no foul play is suspected, per multiple reports.

“We all have heavy hearts today,” Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley said in a statement. “Pierre’s unwavering 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.”

Robert began his radio career on San Francisco’s KSAN in his home state of California before moving east to the City of Brotherly Love. His program, "The Pierre Robert Show," aired from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays."

"Famous for his signature “Greetings Citizens” salutation, Pierre’s warm voice and genuine passion for music captured the hearts of listeners across Philadelphia," WMMR wrote. "His midday show was celebrated for its blend of rock, alternative, punk, and singer-songwriter genres, reflecting the rich diversity and spirit of the city’s music scene."

Robert's loss is most acutely felt in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, but judging by various social media reactions, he touched the hearts of many all over the music business.

Tributes pour in, including one from a rock legend

Shortly after Robert's death became public knowledge, rock and roll icon Jon Bon Jovi honored the long-haired host with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

"Today we lost a great friend. Someone who truly LOVED music. All types of music. Someone who loved musicians. Not just famous ones, or chart toppers. He admired local artists and tomorrows rising stars," Bon Jovi wrote.

"This man was as curious as he was clever, he was a real musicologist. He knew your influence and your influences. He was a loyal friend. He didn’t care if you were the fad or the fashion of the moment. He just cared. And that mattered."

Bon Jovi went on to praise Robert for his work with the "hungry and the homeless," adding that "his memory will live with us as it will with all of the people he touched."

"The station was lucky to have him on the air. We were all lucky to have him as a guide to his musical galaxy. And I was lucky to have him as a friend...Thank you Pierre," Bon Jovi said.

A man devoted to good works

Throughout his career, Robert made sure his impact was felt not only on the radio but in the real world through various charitable endeavors.

Among the organizations and causes he championed were the AIDS Walk, Camp Out For Hunger, Manna’s Pie in the Sky fundraiser and the Red Cross.