Boston Radio: Matty Makes It To 40-Years

WXKS 107.9 FM Kiss 108 launched a 40-hour celebration of longtime radio host Matt Siegel Tuesday, in honor of Siegel’s 40th year on the air, reports The Boston Globe.

Siegel, 70, hosts the station’s morning show, “Matty in the Morning,” on WXKS-FM alongside cohosts Billy Costa and Linda Donovan. Tuesday morning’s show featured tributes from artists like Billie Eilish and Gwen Stefani, former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, and fellow radio host Ryan Seacrest as part of the 40-hour tribute to Siegel.

The show opened with the Justin Bieber song “Lonely”, which was quickly cut off by a voice pronouncing “not today,” in reference to Siegel’s distaste for the song

Siegel said he never imagined being on the air for 40 years when the show launched in 1981.

“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would see this day,” Siegel said in a statement. “I am forever grateful to my wonderful radio team, the great company I work for and the terrific people of Boston.”

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh declared Tuesday “Matty in the Morning Day” while Governor Charlie Baker issued a citation honoring Siegel, according to a press release from the radio station.

Siegel earned several accolades throughout his long career, including two Marconi award wins for “Personality of the Year - Major Market” and a Massachusetts Broadcast Hall of Fame induction in 2012.

'Matty in the Morning' host Matt Siegel celebrates 40-year milestone on Boston radio https://t.co/BXYWb37Xm8

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) January 12, 2021

iHeartMedia Boston Senior Vice President of Programming Dylan Sprague praised Siegel for his storytelling ability and comic timing.

“He’s the ultimate storyteller with impeccable comic timing and an authentic, unfiltered view of the world,” Sprague said in a statement. “He’s perfectly in tune with Boston and has found a way to continually evolve the show and capture the next generation of listeners year after year – all without changing who he is. That’s why he’s number one. Congratulations Matty on 40 years at Kiss 108!”