R.I.P.: Carl Helm, Philly-Based Soul Singer and former WDAS APD

Carl Helm (1941-2024)

Carl Helm, 83, longtime rhythm and blues singer and songwriter, retired disc jockey, operations manager, and assistant program director at WDAS radio, avid fisherman, and mentor, died Saturday, May 18, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at Vitas hospice in South Philadelphia.

The Philly Inquirer reports Helm grew up singing and cut his first record, “Even Strangers Say Hello,” when he was 20 with President Records in 1961. His singing voice resembled Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole, and he signed with Canadian American Records in 1962, and recorded “Have You Ever Been Lonely,” ”Sweet Lovin,” “I’m Not That Way,” “Ring Around My Rosie,” and other songs.

He was invited to be part of the groundbreaking singing staff at Philadelphia International Records and helped create the famous Sound of Philadelphia in the 1970s. For years, he played gigs in the area and provided distinctive backup vocals for the Stylistics, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Grace Jones, and other artists.

He joined WDAS as assistant merchandizing director in 1963 and became a socially conscious DJ in 1965, operations manager in 1975, and assistant program director in 1978. He produced the Georgie Woods Dance Show on TV as well as his own radio show, and left WDAS in 1995 when it changed ownership and dropped all its DJs.