Vassalotti ’05 Says Fond Farewell to DeBella; Becomes Co-Host of New Morning Show

On June 30, the Philadelphia radio world said goodbye to the legendary John DeBella, who retired after 48 years, 41 of them in Philadelphia. By his side for the last eight has been Steve Vassalotti ’05, his executive producer and co-host. Now, Vassalotti takes over DeBella’s coveted time slot, first as the solo host of the new “Classic Rock Morning Show” on WMGK (102.9 FM) for a few months before launching a new show with a co-host this fall. 

Alumni Prep Update caught up with Steve last week after the final days of celebrating DeBella, and before his new show began airing. 

 

SV: Growing up I was a fan of “The Preston and Steve Show,” then on Y100 (now WMMR 93.3 FM). I think around sophomore year at the Prep I knew I wanted to do something like them. When I was in college at Arcadia University, I had my first chance to do my own radio show at the school's station. It wasn't a terrestrial station, had no call letters, and was strictly web-based. It was a disaster. The old Mac desktop we used to play music had a virus and the music would stop at any random moment in a song that the virus decided was good. It was a nightmare. Then, in August of 2007, I landed myself an internship at WMMR working for the show I grew up loving, and I've been lucky enough to work my way up the ladder in Philadelphia radio for the last 15+ years.

 

SV: To learn from a guy who has been in radio for 48 years, 41 straight in Philadelphia, was an incredible experience. Spending 41 years in the same market is almost unheard of in radio. The last eight years at WMGK, I've learned so much from JDB about what works with an audience and what doesn't. I do think we both helped each other over the course of our time together when it came to listener phoners or interviews we would put on the air. Some days a show fell easily into place, other days we'd be sitting in the office and one of us had to push the other into a segment they may have had doubts about. Was the doubter wrong about each segment? Not even close, but that's live radio. Some topics are home runs and others are big whiffs. One of the biggest things I learned from John was the ability to adjust on the fly when those whiffs happened.

 

SV: The month of June was a hell of a ride. The station named the farewell "41 & Done!" and it was a really great way to encompass all of the incredible things John did over his career. It was cool to hear the old bits people loved, and to get their calls and texts about how much they still love those bits.

 

The stories about the broadcasts and audio of the performances from the Morning Zoo broadcasts in Atlantic City and London were eye-opening. At the time, the station had a deal with TWA to fly artists to Atlantic City to perform on the Zoo, then fly them to wherever their next tour stop was. If you asked an airline to make a deal like that now, they'd laugh in your face.

 

SV: Arriving at the Prep was the first time I met people from all over the area. I was a Northeast Philly kid who knew other Northeast Philly people. I didn't know anyone from, or anything about, neighborhoods that I'd never even stepped foot in. Meeting guys from outside of my area, hanging out with them, and learning that we all have shared experiences has been a great reminder that the best radio is relatable for the listener. If something funny, touching, or weird has happened in your life, you can be sure that a decent chunk of the area has a story to match or top that (especially the weird stuff.)

 

SV: My dad, Dan Vassalotti (Class of '78) has always been there for me: a sounding board for advice or a kick in the butt when needed. He's always been proud of what I have done and what I am doing on this journey. He's never shy about telling me how proud he is, and that always makes you feel good! I'm really lucky to have him as a dad and a friend. Mom, you're awesome too. When they ask about Nazareth Academy alums I'll say this about you. I'm lucky to have two great parents!

 

SV: Being told I was on Double Secret Probation by the Dean of Students one afternoon. I laugh every time it comes up when I think of the Prep. I was riding on the back bumper of (I believe) Pat McKeever's SUV in the front parking lot next to the Gesu Church. We were obviously brought to the Dean's office and that's when we were told we were on Double Secret Probation. Good thing I didn't have a 0.0 GPA. All guys do dumb stuff, especially teenagers. I've just managed to start a career that telling those stories works best in.

 

SV: I enjoy being part of this network. I feel pride in the reaction from people when they find out I am a Prep alum. A classmate of mine, Andrew Linton, who used to work in the Mayor's office was able to get the mayor out for a few of our larger fundraiser broadcasts that we do. It helps that the last two mayors were also part of the Prep alumni network!

It's been some time since I walked through those front doors in September 2001, but I continue to appreciate the friendships I made during my time at the Prep. Now married with three kids (6yr/3yr/8mo), I look forward to the possibility of my two boys joining the Prep alumni network in the future.