Sid Mark

One night in 1956 a part time DJ at WHAT Philadelphia was urgently asked to fill in for the AWOL jock. It was not the world's most promising opportunity. With no real experience and no time to prepare, the part timer just took a couple of albums he had with him into the studio and began broadcasting. They happened to be Frank Sinatra albums, so that's all he played. He was Sid Mark. He talked about the music.

And the listeners absolutely loved it.

50 years later, Sid brings "a couple" of Sinatra albums into the WPHT Philadelphia studio with him three times a week, for "Friday With Frank", "Saturday With Sinatra" and "Sunday with Sinatra", the nation's longest running radio programs with the same host. Sid has become America's leading Sinatra authority and owns the world's second largest collection of Frank's music (only the singer's estate has more). Sid's "Sounds of Sinatra" syndicated show airs on over 100 radio stations coast to coast, featuring his amazing trove of personal anecdotes and exclusive interviews, and of course the timeless voice of Frank Sinatra.


Sid receives the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from (L to R) Don Tollefson of Fox 29 and Sportsradio 950, Michael Smerconish of WPHT, and Pierre Robert of WMMR
Pierre Robert's remarks
Michael Smerconish's remarks

Sid Mark's authoritative approach to the music, deep respect for his listeners, trademark smooth delivery and gentlemanly manner have all contributed to a long and distinguished career, and the AIR Awards Board of Governors is extremely proud to salute him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition, Sid has given his time and energy to promote the welfare of children by partnering with Philadelphia Phillies players including Larry Bowa, Mike Schmidt and Gary Maddox through the 70's and 80's on behalf of the Child Guidance Clinic of Philadelphia. He also has taken part in fundraising for the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, an organization dedicated to the protection and care of abused children.