Butterball has died
Legendary radio personality Joseph "Butter" Tamburro has died at the age of 70.
Butterball has died
Jenice Armstrong
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.”
Party On Soul Brother— samgimmo- Wow! I'm old! Butter was the man! You weren't in the know until you listened to a Butterball show (or something like that). I wasn't a big Butterball fan, but ALL of my friends were. And he survived the times. Music changed dramatically through the years.
When I was coming up, WDAS FM played everything from jazz to soul to rock to classical to pop, and everything in between. Those were the days. That's why I haven listened to the radio in more than 30 years, too much repetition. Making matters worse, I'm a drummer and everything is in 4/4. So, I have my own radio station at home, WDON FM. Matter of fact, listening to it right now and it's slammin! This glass of wine is for you Butter. RIP! "Kill the poison." - Butterball is the man. r.i.p.— Tyrone Biggums
- My daughter posted on Facebook yesterday how she appreciated artists "who actually had talent." She named a few. So, I downloaded the music. There wasn't a musician playing in any of the songs. It was all canned music. Talent? I should never have allowed her to live with her mother. I really screwed up.
- Sad day for philly radio.Rest in peace BUTTER.— tobyjoe
- The Fat Cat who knows where it's at.
I listened to him growing up in the 60s, still did on Sunday nights in 2012.
RIP Butter.— tudorcity - RIP "Butter" You will be greatly missed, especially on Saturday nights at the Brandywine River Ballroom. We lost one of the best!!!! Condolences to the family..— katinamami
- AW! BUTTER YOU WILL BE MISSED. BEST RADIO HOST IN ALL THE LAND, BUTTERBALL,LOVE YOU..— mookie4295
- Butter allowed me to do radio commentary at WDAS on the Carter and Snborn show. He opened doors for many people and he will be missed - Solomon Jones— kingsolomonsmind
- Gonna miss you and your Sunday night oldies, Butter.— pres
- WOW! Part of me will left with him. R.I.P. You will be missed.— tysmith411
- Was he ever a "Boss Jock?"— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- Shame! He was a legend; I will miss his calming, soothing voice.— The Baron
- A true Philly icon/legend. Was transcendent in so many ways. A good part of Philly is lost.— Unicorn7
