Listen Live
Praise Featured Video
CLOSE

Philadelphia, PA. – Philly Icon. Radio Legend. Incredible Father, Mentor, and Friend. Often times these words are thrown around all too loosely. Not Today, and not when describing the life and legacy of Radio Legend, and Civic Leader E. Steven Collins.

It is with great sorrow that Radio One inform the many listeners of E. Steven Collins fans, mentees, and friends around the country of his passing early this morning just after midnight at Chestnut Hill hospital from a fatal heart attack. E. Steven was surrounded by his family and close friends at the time of his passing.

E. Steven Collins’ legacy transcends anything written in a biography or press clipping, and his name is by far one of the most well-known and respected names in Philadelphia broadcasting with a distinguished thirty-year history headlined by his passionate devotion to the community. Influence, power, esteem, loyalty, and respect all rolled up into one capital letter, “E.” as the world knew him best.

Radio One Chairperson and Founder, Catherine Hughes, says “E. Steven Collins was a valued member of the Radio One Family for over a decade, and brought together the corporate, civic, clergy and overall community for a positive good. I personally recruited E. and firmly believe that it was one of the wisest hires of an exemplary executive and broadcaster. My heartfelt and profound condolences to his wife- Lisa, sons- Rashid and Langston as well as all of his relatives, friends, legions of listeners, and his Radio One family. ”

E. Steven Collins devoted the past decade of his as Radio One’s Director of Urban Marketing and External Relations and the host of his weekly show, Philly Speaks on Old School 100.3 which regularly featured a distinguished panel of local & national guests each Sunday.

Regional Vice President of Radio One, Christopher J. Wegmann says, “A tremendous loss for the Radio One Family; a true leader who cared immensely about his family, his community and his co-worker.”

E. was no stranger to the national spotlight, his unique insight and perspective has been featured on a variety of local and national media including CN8, Comcast Newsmakers and Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia. During ‘08 Presidential election period E. appeared numerous times on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews; Mid days and MSNBC Weekends. He also appeared on CNN Midday, CNN’s American Morning with John Roberts, CNN Weekend and PBS News Hour. E. will also leave behind his Clear Channel family at WDAS where he worked almost 30 years prior to coming to Radio One.

E. Steven Collins was often called the “Unofficial Mayor of Philadelphia” as his influence and friends included U.S. Congressman, Governors, Senators, City Council, and more. But his name not only resounded in City Hall, it also resonated in the community. It did not matter a person’s status or class, E. made everyone feel as though they were just as important and he will truly be missed.

According to Radio One Operations Manager, Elroy Smith, “E. is a true institution in the City of Philadelphia. He spent a number of years at WDAS where he helped spearhead the success of “Unity Day.” He could have literally run for Mayor of this city and would have become a strong contender. He was the heartbeat of this city and Radio One, Philadelphia. For those that knew E, he was joyful, supportive, genuine and a pleasure to know. There is only one E. Steven Collins and I had am proud to have called him friend.”

Old School 100.3 has preempted the regularly scheduled “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” to celebrate the life of E. Steven Collins and allow his listeners to express their condolences. Listeners can call into station at 215-263-1003 and listen at Old School 100.3.

We Will Miss You E!

Leave a Reply