Ed Sciaky
Encyclopedia
Edward Leon Sciaky was a disc jockey in Philadelphia.
He was born in New York City
and raised in Philadelphia, where he graduated from Temple University
. Sciaky became known for promoting new talent, helping establish the careers of scores of artists, most notably Bruce Springsteen
, Billy Joel
, David Bowie
, Janis Ian
, and Yes
.
He was one of the first FM disc jockeys who thrived when given the chance to choose their own music and play music other than pop hits. Frequently, he would play lesser known songs that had personal meaning for himself or listeners. He was a good friend to many musicians who enjoyed his intelligent interviews and his knowledge of rock-n-roll.
His shows would not only entertain listeners, but educate them, as well. Ed enjoyed being a disc jockey and he loved music. He would even talk to listeners if they called to ask questions about obscure artists or songs. It was this kind of personal touch that made him one of the most popular and respected FM disc jockeys of his time.
Sciaky was on kidney dialysis, and his right foot had been amputated in December 2002 as a result of complications from diabetes. While preparing to return home from New York after spending a weekend seeing Broadway shows with his wife, he died at Manhattan's Penn Station when he collapsed on the sidewalk from a massive heart attack. He was 55.
He left behind wife, Judy, and daughter, Monica.
He was born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and raised in Philadelphia, where he graduated from Temple University
Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
. Sciaky became known for promoting new talent, helping establish the careers of scores of artists, most notably Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, Billy Joel
Billy Joel
William Martin "Billy" Joel is an American musician and pianist, singer-songwriter, and classical composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man", in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to...
, David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, Janis Ian
Janis Ian
Janis Ian is an American songwriter, singer, musician, columnist, and science fiction author. Ian first entered the folk music scene while still a teenager in the mid-sixties; most active musically in that decade and the 1970s, she has continued recording into the 21st century...
, and Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
.
He was one of the first FM disc jockeys who thrived when given the chance to choose their own music and play music other than pop hits. Frequently, he would play lesser known songs that had personal meaning for himself or listeners. He was a good friend to many musicians who enjoyed his intelligent interviews and his knowledge of rock-n-roll.
His shows would not only entertain listeners, but educate them, as well. Ed enjoyed being a disc jockey and he loved music. He would even talk to listeners if they called to ask questions about obscure artists or songs. It was this kind of personal touch that made him one of the most popular and respected FM disc jockeys of his time.
Sciaky was on kidney dialysis, and his right foot had been amputated in December 2002 as a result of complications from diabetes. While preparing to return home from New York after spending a weekend seeing Broadway shows with his wife, he died at Manhattan's Penn Station when he collapsed on the sidewalk from a massive heart attack. He was 55.
He left behind wife, Judy, and daughter, Monica.