Philadelphia Talk Radio Veteran Mary Mason Dies at 94

Source: Mary Mason / 6abc philadelphia

Philadelphia has lost another legend in its community in talk radio veteran Mary Mason.

Mason, whose real name was Beatrice Turner, started her career as a gospel music radio host in 1958, on the radio station WHAT.

She then began her talk program “Mornings with Mary.” in 1970.

Mason has had plenty of historical interviews during her illustrious career in radio. During Bill Clinton’s visit to Philadelphia in 1993, Mason interviewed him live on the air.

Classix 107.9’s own Lady B, is remembering Mary Mason. Lady B has a deep connection and strong history to Mary Mason, Serving as a mentor and motherly figure for the Hip-Hop pioneer.

“There is no Lady B without Mary Mason. I was a young girl fresh out of high school, and she gave me a shot” Lady B told Action News .

Lady B was an intern and worked for Mason. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that Mason had made one of the most pivotal decisions that would change the way radio was programmed for years to come.

“Many people may not know this but, she was the first person to allow Hip-Hop on the radio” Lady B proclaimed. “It wasn’t an easy task, I had to beg and plead with her. She didn’t have much faith in it, but she gave me a shot, and here we are 44 years later… I’m still on the radio and it’s all because of Mary Mason, the icon.”

It was undeniable the impact that decision had as the rest of the country eventually followed suit and now Hip-Hop is one of the most played/requested genres in radio today.

But Mary Mason was not only a industry influencer, she was also a leader in her in city for civil rights and equality among all people. Lady B spoke to Action News about Mason’s influence on her and the community.

“This is a woman who fought for civil rights in the 60s. This is a woman, like you said, who could get a president on the telephone and ask them about any issues that was affecting Black folks,” Lady B told 6abc.

Watch the full interview below!