Philly Rock Radio Icon Ed Sciaky Dies

[Sinn Fein]

Philly Rock Radio Icon Ed Sciaky Dies

January 29, 2004

FMQB is deeply saddened to report the passing of Rock Radio pioneer Ed Sciaky. A constant on the Philadelphia airwaves, heard on five different Rock stations since 1966, Sciaky passed away today at New York's Penn Station, while enroute back to Philadelphia with his wife Judy. He was 55. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Sciaky's on-air career began in '66 at Temple University's WRTI-FM, where he developed the style of free-form progressive radio that he would debut professionally at WDAS-FM in '68. But 'DAS's Rock days were short-lived, and in 1970, Sciaky joined WMMR. It was during that seven-year hitch at 'MMR that Sciaky is credited with becoming the first to play Bruce Springsteen on the radio. With a bulky Ampex recorder in tow, Sciaky showed up at Philly's fabled Main Point club, got up close to the stage and recorded one of the Boss' first area appearances, which he played back on the air numerous times. Over the ensuing years, it wasn't unusual for Springsteen to give Sciaky shout-outs from the stage. When Sciaky was sick last year, Springsteen rang him up in the hospital.

Known for recognizing and promoting new talent with early airplay and insightful interviews, Sciaky befriended other musicians early in their careers, including Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, and the members of Yes and Renaissance. From '77 to its Rock demise in the mid-'80s, Ed's deep pipes and smooth delivery were heard on WIOQ. He joined then-Classic Rock WYSP in '86. More recently he was heard on Sunday nights on Classic Rock WMGK, hosting Sundays with Springsteen.

Gene Shay, close friend and mentor to Sciaky (and Philly Folk music radio host for 43 years), told FMQB: "Ed was one of the most influential radio people Philly ever had. He focused tightly on the music and the artists, developing great friendships with a lot of musicians and people in the industry. Ed brought a lot of people together."

Ed is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Monica, and his 20,000-title record collection. Services will be held on Sunday morning 2/1 at 10:30 at Goldstein's Funeral Home, 6410 N. Broad St., Philadelphia.

[Ballbuster1]

Bummer! He's been around almost as long as I have
been listening to radio. R.I.P. Ed

[Sinn Fein]

Ed was cool. I listened to him for many years.

I expect that when I tune into Little Steven's show Sunday night he'll make mention of his passing.