Butterball has died
Legendary radio personality Joseph "Butter" Tamburro has died at the age of 70.
Butterball has died
Jenice Armstrong, Daily News Columnist
Legendary radio personality Joseph "Butter" Tamburro has died at the age of 70.
This is what WDAS, his long-time station, said about him in a press release,“We want to sadly inform you that our on air personality, Butter, has passed away this morning at 10am. We are honoring his memory by playing the music and the artists that he broke. RIP to our good friend, legendary broadcaster, civil rights leader, the soul of the station for 50 years and Philly icon, Butter. We'll miss you dearly.”
> See photos of his trailblazing career at WDASFM.com
The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia says Tamburro was “an Italian-American from South Philadelphia, Butter (sometimes called Butterball) was always an avid radio listener and admirer of rhythm and blues.” Early on, he decided on becoming a radio disc jockey, and honed his talents, playing records at various local dances.
“In 1964, Butter was able to get his foot in the door of WDAS as an advertising salesman,” according to Broadcast Pioneers. “He was nicknamed "Butterball" by Jimmy Bishop, the program director at the time. Within a few months, Butter became a part-time DJ and he began doing the first oldies show on black radio. Listeners loved both the oldies show and Butterball, and both have remained a hit on WDAS.”
Can't imagine the local music scene without his presence. And how about his old school dance parties? Maybe as a sendoff someone will organize one in his memory. Rest in peace, Butter.
UPDATE 5:35 pm: This just in from WDAS: “Live Nation will give a donation of $5000.00 in memory of WDAS’s Joseph “Butterball” Tamburro tonight at the Mann Music Center concert with the O’Jays, Frankie Beverly and Maze and Patti Labelle. The donation will be presented to a representative of the Philadelphia American Diabetes Association since Butter was living with diabetes and dedicated to raising awareness of the disease.”
RIP Butterball.— Dolly92748- There's now a great sounding AM station "up there' with Butterball, Georgie Woods, Jocko, Kae Williams, Larry Dailey and Hy Lit, with Jim Clash and Joe Rainey handling the news. That's what I remember growing up and listening to from elementary school right on up til I moved away at 22 in '72. RIP Butta & the Gang. The original 'DAS.— Wayne Sharpe
- He gave the music the respect it deserved. And he had a good time with it, and he gave us a good time with it. R.I.P.— altoonaaslan
- Butterball was truly one of a kind. His oldies on Sunday nights were a staple for years. His famous" You get choice, not chance at a Butterball dance" is money. He will truly be missed on the radio.— Horlet
- Butter will certainly be missed by us BABY BOOMERS.
He was Dave the Rave's main man!
We loved him while we had him.
Deepest goes out to his entire family and all his fans.— msbakery - Butter,I just want you to know that you have given me over 45 yrs of joy & happiness, and had lifted my heart up so many times,playin certain songs that made me feel great! you will be sorely missed and I'm glad I got the chance to hear you in late June, when I came home! RIP Butterball!— quickk
Read more from Jenice Armstrong at Earth to Philly, the Daily News blog on anything and everything "Green."
Reach Jenice at armstrj@phillynews.com.
