It’s a comfort to know that you can turn on the radio six days a week and still hear Patty Jackson on WDAS 105.3 FM – “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks.” Hip, smooth and always engaging, she has been a beloved presence at the station for 33 of her 44 years in broadcasting.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Jackson lived in the same house at 23rd and Ellsworth (designated “Patty Jackson Way” by the city in 2021) for 42 years. “If my house hadn’t collapsed in 2004,” she says, “I would still be there.”
Those who can’t get enough of Patty on the radio can check out her social media pages as well as her YouTube channel, in which Patty – the self-proclaimed “Auntie of Pop Culture” – dishes up the latest entertainment news and answers questions on a variety of topics from her loyal fans. “It’s not cute not knowing,” she always reminds her viewers. In addition to her YouTube channel, Jackson said that she’s preparing to embark on a brand-new podcast.
Ever the multitasker, Jackson kept up a lively conversation on the phone while attending to some station-related business.
Patty, let me start off by asking you what your fondest memories are of growing up in South Philly?
Growing up in South Philly was all about the neighborhoods: you went outside to play and you knew all of your neighbors. There was a strong sense of community – everybody knew each other. I liked going to the Italian Market – that was always fun, it was always a Saturday thing to do. There were all these great places for hoagies, for all kinds of food. Growing up here, you were just proud to be from South Philly. We were unique.
As a kid, I imagine there was a lot of music in your home.
There was!
What kind of music were you listening to?
I listened to all types of music. I watched Soul Train, I watched American Bandstand, I watched The Steel Pier Show. My parents loved music – my mom loved Sam Cooke. We listened to Jerry Butler, Marvin Gaye. They loved music, and that naturally came on to me.
As a teenager, you were there when hip hop was really beginning to take off. Did you realize that you were experiencing the dawn of a cultural phenomenon?
Well, it was an exciting form of music that my parents certainly didn’t understand. We gravitated towards it, but we never knew it would still be doing something 53 years later. It was new, and it was exciting. It just felt like, “Wow, this our own,” never realizing the impact that it would have on the culture years later.
But it wasn’t just hip hop. As you said, you listened to all types of music, and all the legendary radio personalities at WDAS.
Yes. Georgie Woods was doing mornings when Jimmy Carter was elected president, and he would talk about politics, what was happening, along with playing music. You would hear Dr. Perri Johnson, Butterball … and every Sunday morning you listened to Louise Williams Bishop.
You’re a 1981 graduate of Southwark Motivation, a part of South Philadelphia High School. It was here that you had your first taste of broadcasting.
Yes, I did the P.A. announcements. I’d play one song, and then I’d go into the big school stories of the day
You, your WDAS colleague Mimi Brown and Lady B (on Classix 107.9 WPPZ-FM) are among the longest-running radio personalities currently working. With 44 years in radio broadcasting, how do you feel about having that kind of longevity?
You know, it’s unbelievable, because this business has changed so much, and I pinch myself because I can’t believe that I’m doing it.
It certainly doesn’t feel like 44 years – it seems like only yesterday, because I remember trudging through the snow to get to work (at WSSJ 1310-AM Camden, her first radio job), and I’m still doing it. It’s a blessing.
What has been the highlight of your career in radio so far?
I would say getting inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Hall of Fame (2023). I have a plaque at Broad & Pine.
If someone asked you what are your top-three Philly old-school songs, what would they be?
“Wake Up Everybody,” Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and “I Don’t Love You Anymore,” Teddy Pendergrass – the majority of it is Gamble & Huff – “The Sound of Philadelphia” – because they wrote such great music and it was a part of the soundtrack of my life. And DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s “Brand New Funk.”
Speaking of old-school, for years the highlight of my week has been listening to “The Wide, Wonderful World of Butter” Sunday night broadcast, which you’ve hosted since (WDAS program director and DJ) Joseph “Butterball” Tamburro’s death in 2012. How did you receive the honor of getting to host the show?
I was very close to Butter – he taught me for 25 years – and before he died, he said, “You are the one who will take over this show.” There were many people who felt that I shouldn’t have gotten it because I was a woman, and I was too young. But even when I thought I wasn’t ready, I was ready. If you remember, I was backup quarterback for Butter for many years when he wasn’t able to do the show. It’s a Sunday night tradition.
What do you like best about being a radio personality?
Radio is the theater of the mind. People can’t see me, so I have to make them happy with a song or a story. I like touching people. If I can put a smile on your face with a song, that’s a big deal, because there’s nothing like it. I love good music, and I love sharing good music with people.
Last question. What are your thoughts on the future of radio?
I hope that it continues to grow, and that young people will fall in love with it and understand what us older people love about radio, because radio is still very good, very helpful and radio still matters. ••
Listen to Patty Jackson on WDAS 105.3 FM every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon and 7 p.m. to midnight.
