E. Steven Collins R.I.P.

Philadelphia radio icon E. Steven Collins died early this week after suffering a fatal heart attack. Collins spent the past 10 years with Radio One Philadelphia as Director of Urban Marketing and External Relations and host of his weekly show, Philly Speaks on WRNB (Old School 100.3). Prior to that he worked at Clear Channel’s WDAS for some 30 years. Radio One Chairperson & Founder Catherine Hughes remarked of Collins, “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.”

Radio One Philadelphia OM Elroy Smith called Collins “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 am proud to have called him friend.”

Radio One/Philadelphia and the city of Philadelphia have proclaimed Saturday September 21 as “E. Steven Collins Day.” The air personality, well known for his work not only as a broadcaster, but also as a community leader in Philadelphia, passed away at 58 on September 9 of a heart attack. Known to his friends and family as simply “E.,” Radio One described Collins as an incredible father, mentor, friend and radio legend.

Update:

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 on Saturday, September 21. The Radio One family welcomes itsr listening community, family and friends to join them in a celebration of the life of 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. 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 Marvin Sapp and Tye Tribbett.

E. will also leave behind his Clear Channel family at WDAS where he worked almost 30 years prior to coming to Radio One. 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 and will be sadly missed.”