R.I.P.: Sid Mark, Iconic Philly Radio Host Of 'The Sounds of Sinatra"

Sid Mark, the Philadelphia-based host of a syndicated radio program featuring the music of Frank Sinarta that lasted more than four decades, died Monday evening, according to The Philadelphia Business Journal citing a reportsfrom his former employer, Audacy. 

He was 88.  

For the past 22 years, Mark’s “Sunday with Sinatra” aired on WPHT 1210  AM from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and he hosted the syndicated “Sounds of Sinatra” for the past 43 years on the Westwood One network, which aired on over 100 stations. Sinatra himself saluted Mark during a 1991 performance at the Spectrum, calling him "one of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life."

“We lost a man who speaks for a living, whose audience has been enraptured by every word — eloquent and articulate,” Audacy Philadelphia Market Manager David Yadgaroff said in a statement. “He presented the music of Frank Sinatra from the standpoint of a friend as well as a fan. As the host of the longest running, single artist, syndicated radio program in America, Sid was the leading authority on Sinatra and his entertainment legacy."

Mark's relationship with Sinatra began in the mid 1960's, Yadgaroff said, allowing him to "offer more than just the remarkable music but insights into Sinatra's career with personal anecdotes and stories behind the timeless music.”

Yadgaroff said when he was breaking into the radio business, he met Mark and instantly built a rapport, with the veteran radio personality serving as a mentor who offered sage advice.

“Decades later, I was honored and thrilled when we had the chance to work together at WPHT," Yadgaroff said. "I would visit him on the weekend at the studio and watch him deliver his legendary show while enjoying the camaraderie and stories. We developed a true friendship and for that I am eternally grateful. I know I speak for everyone when I say this is a profound loss for all of us and Sinatra fans around the world. May his memory be a blessing.”

Born Sidney Mark Fliegelman in Camden, New Jersey, he served as an infantryman for two years during the Korean War. His radio career began 65 years ago in 1956 at 1340 WHAT-AM and 96.5 WHAT-FM Philadelphia, where he first began playing Sinatra music. He would remain at 96.5 in Philadelphia until 2000 missing only one show in 1999 when he underwent open heart surgery. He has also hosted Sinatra-oriented shows for other stations including 610 KFRC San Francisco and 93.1 WPAT-FM New York.

The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia inducted Mark into its Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters named him Broadcaster of the Year in 2018.

The Philly Inquirer reports Pierre Robert, the WMMR 93.3 fm deejay who recently celebrated 40 consecutive years on the air, marveled that Mr. Mark could do it for 65 straight years (save for one show he missed in 1999 when he was recovering from open-heart surgery.).

“There are very few legends like Sid,” said Robert, who called Sinatra “the original rock star.”

“First of all, it’s about the loyalty,” he said. “And it’s beyond being an icon. It’s this brilliant, lovely gentleman, this kind, very understated, not flashy guy who really was brilliant.