Mary Mason, a legendary Philadelphia talk radio veteran, has passed away at 94 after years of living with Alzheimer’s, writes the 6abc digital staff and Caroline Goggin.

Mason started her career in 1958 as a gospel music radio host on the radio station, WHAT.

A dozen years later in 1970, she began her talk program, “Mornings with Mary.”

Before long, she became a Philadelphia radio star who helped pave the way for women and minorities to follow in her footsteps.

“People used to hang onto her every word, every morning, with her very popular radio show, 7 to 10 AM Mornings with Mary,” said Thera Martin, Mason’s former program director.

The show helped catapult Mason’s career as she interviewed high-profile individuals like Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Oprah Winfrey.

Beyond being a talk radio star, Mason was also a big influence within her community.

“This is a woman who fought for civil rights in the 60s,” said Philly-based radio host Wendy Clark, better known as Lady B. “This is a woman … who could get a president on the telephone and ask them about any issues that was affecting Black folks.”

Mason was also known for her charitable work, helping bring people together.

Read more about Mary Mason and her long-lasting legacy in 6abc.

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