Honoring and recognizing Patty Jackson for 35 years as one of Philadelphia's premier radio hosts

WHEREAS, Patty Jackson was born Patricia Nolan on November 4, 1963, and grew up in South Philadelphia, in a tight-knit family living at 23rd and Ellsworth. Patty still remembers fondly the South Philadelphia of her childhood and recalls that her father, who worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, taught her the value of hard work from an early age; and

WHEREAS, Patty graduated from Southwark Motivation, then a part of South Philadelphia High School, and embarked on her career in broadcasting only 6 months after earning her diploma; and

WHEREAS, Patty Jackson began her storied radio career just across the Delaware River, in Camden, New Jersey, where she interned for station WSSJ. Earning her big break filling in on the stations’ news coverage, Patty described her first broadcast with her trademark humility, saying “I was terrible, but they liked me, and the rest was history”; and

WHEREAS, Patty has hosted shows on Power 99 FM and Q102, among other staples on the local radio dial. But of course, it is in her current chair at 105.3 WDAS that Patty has grown into the local radio legend known across the City and region; and

WHEREAS, Recognized across Philadelphia as the “Queen of Midday”, Patty’s 11am-3pm show has become appointment listening for Oldies and R&B enthusiasts. In addition to her gifted musical ear, Patty has also earned a reputation as one of the best interviewers in the radio industry. Listeners have long appreciated her warm, conversational style and are drawn to their radios by her insightful and probing questions; and

WHEREAS, Several cultural luminaries and political leaders have enjoyed conversations with Patty on WDAS. These include Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones, Denzel Washington, and Smokey Robinson, among countless others; and

WHEREAS, Patty has also lent her talents to several charitable events over the course of her career. In addition to hosting fundraisers for the American Diabetes Association and United Negro College Fund, Patty was also asked to co-host Mayor Jim Kenney’s Inaugural Block Party at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in January, 2016; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her hosting duties, Patty Jackson has also embarked on campaigns to raise awareness and funds for issues that are close to her heart. Patty has donated her time and energy to the Philadelphia AIDS and Diabetes Walks, to the Susan G. Kommen Race for the Cure, and to the National Women’s Heart Day; and

WHEREAS, Patty Jackson has established herself over the past four decades as a living legend in radio and entertainment. The City of Philadelphia is proud to join with Ms. Jackson in celebrating her remarkable 35-year career, and this Body wishes her continued success over the next 35; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Does hereby honor and recognize Patty Jackson for 35 years as one of Philadelphia’s premier radio hosts.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Patty Jackson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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