Don Cannon, 74, 'legend among legends' of Phila. radio

Don Cannon, 74, a longtime fixture on Philadelphia morning radio, died Friday, Aug. 22, at Lankenau Medical Center after a brief illness.

Around the world, fans of the original Rocky movie may remember Mr. Cannon's voice as he played himself talking on WIBG-AM (990) while Sylvester Stallone gulped raw eggs before training.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell called Mr. Cannon "an incredible citizen" who volunteered to emcee events benefiting the city when Rendell was mayor.

"He was a dynamic personality. His voice was incredible, and he would light up a room," Rendell said.

Born Dominic Canzano, Mr. Cannon enjoyed a radio career from 1969, when he started at WIBG, to 2004, when he retired after 14 years at WOGL-FM (98.1).

"He was the happiest retired man I know," said his wife, Terri, who met him 41 years ago at a Variety Club telethon.

"Don was a legend among legends," Gerry Wilkinson of Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia wrote on the group's website. "When you thought of morning drive, you had to think of Don Cannon. He was one of the good people in this industry. I can't remember a time when someone asked Don to do something and he couldn't or didn't do it."

Mr. Cannon received a lifetime achievement award from the March of Dimes.

On WOGL's website, a statement mentioned the Rocky scene: "Don often joked that people missed his cameo because they were so grossed out by the drinking of the eggs that they were yelling during the scene and missed some of his announcing."

During his career, he also worked on-air at WIP-AM (610), WFIL-AM (560), WIFI-FM (92.5), and WSNI-FM (104.5). On the management side, he was a program director at WIFI, WSNI, and WPGR-AM (1540).

He also appeared on television as the host of Inside Golf on Comcast SportsNet.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Cannon is survived by sons Russell and Christopher, and three granddaughters.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, 4737 Street Rd., Trevose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Pavilion at Lankenau Medical Center via www.mainlinehealth.org/lmcgiving.

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@RobertMoran215

Inquirer staff writer Tirdad Derakhshani contributed to this article.