With sadness and fond memories, we say so long to beloved New York radio personality, DJ Harry Harrison. He has passed away at 89-years-old after battling health issues.
In March 1980, Harrison became the morning show personality at WCBS-FM, playing the "oldies."
On April 25th, 1997, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani issued a proclamation, naming April 25th "Harry Harrison Day" in honor of the city's "second Mayor" as he became known
After 44-years in New York radio, Harrison left WCBS-FM in March 2003 saying, "I am not retiring." Harrison returned with a Saturday morning show on the station in 2004.
On June 3rd, 2005, WCBS-FM ended the "oldies" format, replacing it with the new "Jack" format, and ending Harrison's time on the station. Although the "oldies" were brought back in 2007 in a modernized form, since then the station has gradually phased out '50s and '60s music for a Classic Hits format.
Here is just a sampling of the reactions we received online...
"And sometime soon, may you be waved to by a celebrity,
— Tom Kaminski (@TomKaminskiWCBS) January 28, 2020
Wagged at by a puppy,
Run to by a happy child,
And counted on by someone you love...
More than this, no one can wish you." ~ Harry Harrison#RIPMorningMayor; @WCBSFM pic.twitter.com/pKW1YKFdsK
Spoke to my dad today & he immediately brought up Harry Harrison. Always knew dad played in a band in the 60s but never knew Harry liked them or that he was a key part of them being booked as a support act for some big shows. RIP to a radio - & NYC - legend https://t.co/mCogC7lC8V
— Matt Bosso (@MattBosso) January 29, 2020
i owe them so much. when i got to meet Dandy Dan Daniel a while back i totally stanned him. so grateful for my childhood musical education
— Ira Robbins (@IARobbins) January 28, 2020
Listen to Harry's famous "May You Always" holiday tribute below.
