ABOVE PHOTO: E. Steven Collins
On Monday, September 9, 2013 shortly after midnight, legendary Radio One-Philadelphia personality E. Steven Collins suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at Chestnut Hill Hospital. He was surrounded by family and close friends. E. Steven Collins was a fixture in the Philadelphia community and was no stranger to the national spotlight.
Saturday, September 21, 2013 has officially been declared “E. Steven Collins Day”. Radio One-Philadelphia will honor his life with a public memorial at Sharon Baptist Church, located at 3955 Conshohocken Avenue in Philadelphia. The memorial will run from Noon-3pm. The Radio One-Philadelphia family welcomes the listening community, family and friends to join them in a celebration of the life of the late great E. Steven Collins. The entire community has galvanized to honor Radio One’s own broadcast legend and host of “Philly Speaks” on Old School 100.3.
Collins was a contributor on a variety of local and national media broadcasts including CN8, Comcast Newsmakers and Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia. During the 2008 Presidential election, Collins appeared numerous times on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews as well as MSNBC Weekends. He also appeared on CNN Midday, CNN’s American Morning with John Roberts, CNN Weekend and PBS News Hour.
Collins worked more than 30 years at Clear Channel Broadcasting (WDAS-FM) prior to joining the Radio One-Philadelphia family as the host of “Philly Speaks” heard on Sunday Mornings on Old School 100.3 in Philadelphia.
“He was the instrumental force 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 is a true institution in the City of Philadelphia,” said Radio One Philadelphia Operations Manager Elroy Smith. “He was the heartbeat of the city and Radio One-Philadelphia and he will be sadly missed”.
There will be tributes by Mayor Michael Nutter, Kenny Gamble, Congressman Chaka Fattah, Radio One’s Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, Senator Vincent Hughes and music tributes from National Recording Gospel artists Marvin Sapp and Tye Tribbett.
As Radio One’s Director of Urban Marketing and External Relations, E. was known as a consummate professional and loyal friend. He had a unique way of making everyone feel special while strongly embracing the concerns of the community. Radio One Chairwoman and Founder Cathy Hughes fondly recalled, “I personally recruited E. Steven Collins to join Radio One, where he remained a valued member of the Radio One family for over a decade. E. Steven Collins was able to bring all facets of our community to the table, corporate, civic, clergy and community for positive good and became a major catalyst for change.
My heartfelt and profound condolences go to his wife, Lisa and sons, Rashid and Langston and his legions of listeners.” 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-workers.”
A scholarship fund has been set up for the children of E. Steven Collins and contributions can be made at giving.temple.edu/esteven<http://www.giving.temple.edu/esteven>
About E. Steven Collins: Affectionately known as E., he devoted over 30 years to broadcasting and spent the last 10 years of his career with Radio One-Philadelphia. Countless lives were impacted by his compassion and concern for the common man in our community. His positive influence was widespread, garnering respect from state and city officials, clergy and local citizens for whom he became a voice. E. Steven Collins was often called the “Unofficial Mayor of Philadelphia” as his influence and friends included U.S. Congressmen, governors, senators, city council, and more.
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