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.”
anyone notice how cute jenice is?— Shemp Howard- His voice along with Doug Henderson's practically raised me as a child when it came to music. His easygoing voice will forever be missed. Especially on Sunday nights. RIP Butter.— Deric Adger
- RIP Butterball— gskeyser
- Sunday nights with Butter was one of my favorite programs. Great memories.— 1972bline
- "The day that music died"......RIP "Butterball", may it be a soul revival, where ever you go!!!!— Dadair1
- "The day that music died"......RIP "Butterball", may it be a soul revival, where ever you go!!!!— Dadair1
- RIP, White Soul Brother.— F. Harry Stowe
- I echo the sentiments of all who commented before me.
Darn, Butterball is gone. RIP and many prayers.
Now I know for sure I'm getting old— jjcguitar - OMG Butter......I grew up listening to you! You will be soooo missed....especially on Sunday's at 7pm. "tears"— pauljax
- RIP Butter. Get Joe "Too Cool" Callari to DJ a tribute dance party in his honor. Invite Harvey Holiday and Bob Pantano to join. With Miss Patty hosting the whole thing.— esterrick
- gonna miss you Buttrball, was raised up on your music , from south philly in the late 60s until..... RIP— james bond
- He was the best of the best.— J5player
- I first met Butter in the '60s through our family record shop on 52nd street. Luckily, "DAS quickly recognized his ability to pick hits and have a great rapport with his diversified audience so the rest is history. Butter's legacy is evident by the number of today's on-air personalities along with all those musical artists whose discs he would spin so that their talent could be heard. He will be sorely missed because to put quite simply, you can't replace a legend.— prrbill
- Rest in peace Butter. I must admit that at 54 years old I have no idea who this man was.— big geoff
- I went to his club gig for my 50th a year ago. It was great shaking his hand and hearing him wish me a happy birthday over the air. He was a true giant on the music scene in Philly. Hopefully his Sunday Oldies show will continue ..— Byron
