In 1995, Sid Mark and Frank Sinatra agreed that the former's radio show consisting of the latter's material should strive for 50 years.
PHILADELPHIA -- In 1995, Sid Mark and Frank Sinatra agreed that the former's radio show consisting of the latter's material should strive for 50 years. Now at 59 years old, a contract extension announced Friday means the sounds of Sinatra will continue to fill Philadelphia airwaves.
Philadelphia-based radio DJ Sid Mark According to WPHT 1210 AM, Mark recently signed a contract extension which means the 16-year-long relationship with the Philadelphia radio station will continue.
"My thanks to the management of WPHT, our sponsors and, of course, my listeners for making this possible. Look forward to a big bash for the 60th," Mark said in a statement.
"It's very gratifying for me," Mark, a Camden City native, told NJ Advance Media in an October interview ahead of the milestone 59th year.
Sinatra, arguably Hoboken's favorite son, would have turned 100 on Saturday. Mark's program, which is nationally syndicated on more than 100 radio stations, can be heard locally on 1210 AM on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A special program to celebrate The Voice's birthday -- which will feature dedications, birthday wishes and content that Mark has never aired before -- can be heard Saturday on WPHT from 8 to 11 p.m.
Mark's foray into strictly Sinatra began by chance when in 1956 a caller requested an hour of Ol' Blue Eyes. Recently out of the U.S. Army and with two Sinatra albums in tow, Mark obliged and the slot transformed over decades into today's "Sounds of Sinatra" show.
The future of the program was briefly in limbo when it turned 45 and the station Mark had been at switched formats. As luck would have it, 1210 AM rang him up immediately after and there he's stayed.
"This area has always been a hot bed for Sinatra," Mark said.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
