Ad Blocker Detected
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.
Mary Turner Pattiz was a beloved rock DJ during the heyday of FM radio stations. Her passion for music, her charismatic personality, and her distinctive voice made her a household name to many listeners across the United States. Pattiz recently passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that has influenced countless rock fans and DJs.
Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Pattiz developed an early love for music. Her parents were both musicians, and she was raised on a steady diet of classical music. However, it was rock and roll that captured her heart as a teenager. She became an avid listener of FM radio stations, which were just starting to become popular in the late 1960s.
Pattiz’s love for FM radio led her to start volunteering at a local station. She worked her way up from answering phones to becoming a DJ, and soon found herself on the airwaves hosting her own show. Her deep knowledge of rock music, coupled with her engaging on-air persona, quickly made her a favorite among listeners.
In the early 1970s, Pattiz moved to Philadelphia and began working for WMMR, one of the most influential FM stations of the era. She quickly became a fixture of the station’s lineup, hosting several shows throughout the week. Her most popular show was “The Sunday Night Concert,” in which she played live recordings of classic rock bands.
Pattiz’s popularity continued to grow, and she eventually became one of the most recognizable voices on FM radio. She was known for her distinctive voice, which had a slightly raspy quality that added a unique edge to her on-air personality. She also had a deep knowledge of rock music that was unmatched by most of her peers.
One of the things that set Pattiz apart from other DJs was her willingness to take risks. She was always on the lookout for new and interesting music, and she wasn’t afraid to play songs that other DJs wouldn’t touch. This led her to become an early supporter of many bands that went on to become major stars, including Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.
Pattiz’s influence on the world of FM radio was substantial. She helped to shape the format, which was still in its infancy at the time, and she inspired countless others to become DJs. Her impact was particularly felt among female DJs, who were still rare in the male-dominated world of rock radio.
After a long and successful career in radio, Pattiz retired in the early 2000s. However, her impact continued to be felt long after she left the airwaves. Many of the DJs who followed in her footsteps cited her as an inspiration, and her legacy helped to shape the way that rock music was presented on FM radio.
In her personal life, Pattiz was known for her warmth and generosity. She was deeply involved in the Philadelphia community, and she often used her platform as a DJ to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes. She was also a dedicated wife and mother, and her family was always the most important thing in her life.
Mary Turner Pattiz will be deeply missed by the many fans and colleagues who knew and loved her. Her legacy as a rock DJ and pioneer of FM radio will continue to inspire future generations of music lovers and DJs. Her influence can still be heard in the countless voices that fill the airwaves today, and her memory will always be cherished by those who knew her best.
