Banana Joe Montione
Official WFIL Publicity Photo
1975

When Banana Joe Montione was 16, he tuned on Philadelphia radio to listen to King George Michael at WFIL. Shortly thereafter, Banana Joe brought a demo tape he made in his basement studio to Jay Cook, WFIL's Program Director. Even though he had no appointment, Cook met with Banana Joe, and listened to his tape. Cook recommended that Joe get on a local, small station to get some experience. As Montione was walking out of the PD's office, he saw George Michael. Joe has now met his hero. He told Michael, "George, when you decide to leave WFIL, I'm going to be the one to replace you!" In 1974, George Michael decided to go to WABC in New York City, Jay Cook hired Banana Joe.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Photo originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Gerry Wilkinson
All Rights Reserved

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com