Philly DJ who helped establish Springsteen’s career honored in Asbury Park

Late WMMR, WMGK radio personality Ed Sciaky has been honored for his career on the airwaves.

The DJ and Temple University grad is credited with elevating the careers of Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Billy Joel, Genesis, Sting and others.

Sciaky was responsible for introducing The Boss to Bowie back in 1974 at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The WMMR DJ even let him sleep on his couch. Bruce shared the story of the meeting at a recent Pittsburgh show. "He rang me up and I visited him in Philly while he was making the Young Americans record*. He covered my music, 'Hard to be a Saint in the City' ... I took the Greyhound bus to Philadelphia, that's how early it was," Springsteen told the crowd.

Sciaky, originally from New York, was inducted into the Asbury Angels class of 2016 as a "Guardian Angel" during this weekend's Light of Day Winterfest. The award goes to non-natives who have made an impact on the Asbury Park music scene. Previous inductees include John Hammond and Walter Reade Sr.

"Ed Sciaky's strong support of Bruce Springsteen helped establish him in the Philadelphia market and gave a huge boost to his career." said Jean Mikle, Asbury Angels Board member and Light of Day Foundation Board president. Former WXPN Folk Show host Gene Shay has said Ed was,"one of the most influential radio people Philly ever had." The Broadcast Pioneers' Hall of Famer passed away in January 2004.

Others inducted include sound engineer Jules Aerts, Big Band leader Tommy Tucker, Asbury Park Convention Hall's first organist G. Howard Scott, owner of Chez Elle nightclub Margaret Hogan, and West Side R&B singer Herbert "Tony" Maples.

*Young Americans was recorded in 1974 and early 1975 at Sigma Sound Studios on North 12th Street. Springsteen was off by a year.