Gene Shay, a Lower Merion resident and folk DJ who helped promote the careers of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and many others, has died of the coronavirus aged 85 at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, according to a staff report from the Billboard.
Shay’s weekly “Folk Show” ran on various stations in Philadelphia from 1968 to 2015.
“He was a giant in terms of his impact on artists and the music,” said WXPN-FM station manager Roger LaMay. “And to do it for close to 60 years is extraordinary.”
When he was being introduced into Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame seven years ago, Shay said he put unknown talent on air hoping they would find an audience and a record deal.
He also helped start the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the organization that runs it, the Philadelphia Folksong Society.
He famously brought Dylan to Philadelphia in 1963, just before the famous musician released his second album, for a show at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. Around 45 people showed up to see Dylan perform, and he made $150, Shay would often recall.
Read more about Gene Shay at the Billboard by clicking here.
