On May 18, 2024, the City of Philadelphia mourned the death of Former WDAS radio personality Carl Helm, a pioneering disc jockey at WDAS and disciple of the legendary Jocko Henderson. Carl Helm was known for his great voice on air and played a major role in creating the Philadelphia Sound. His vocals can be heard harmonizing on albums by Blue Magic, Denise Williams, and Eddy Kendricks.
During the 70s, our community was forming a unity to address the issues African Americans were experiencing. Black radio and music was a major part of the era of change along with the deejays, who we not just heard on the radio but saw in the community, with deejays like Georgie Woods, Jocko Henderson, Harvey Holiday, and Butterball–WDAS was killing it as the number-one radio station in the city.
And then there was the Carl Carl Carl, Helm Helm Helm Show, Show Show, we all know that show and voice that carried it.
His daughter, Roxi, took to the internet to share her thoughts…”It is with the most broken heart I’ve ever had in my life…that I inform you that Carlton T. Helm, aka Carl, a legend, a singer, a songwriter, a former WDAS radio personality, a husband, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a father figure to my kids, an uncle, a brother, a brother in law, and my one & only…transitioned at 6 am this morning…My life has forever changed,” she stated. “You were the absolute BEST! You are a legend! You will be celebrated! I will play the vinyls with you on them and smile always…Whenever you cracked the microphone on, your voice was like no other…golden.”
His former colleagues at WDAS shared their condolences:
Mimi Brown of WDAS remembered Carl as “a revered WDAS radio personality from the 60s to the mid-90s, who collaborated with legends like Georgie Woods, Jocko Henderson, Jimmy Bishop, and Butterball.” In addition to being on the mic at the station, “Carl was a background vocalist for The Stylistics.
At Philadelphia International Records, he worked with icons such as Tom Bell, Mighty Three, Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Billy Paul, Salsoul Orchestra, The Delfonics, Denise Williams, and Blue Magic and he wrote and produced his own music.”
But most importantly, “Carl was known for his cool, calm, and soothing voice that was one of a kind. He was an activist who embraced the community with music of empowerment and awareness. A great friend to me and a profound influence on my career, he will truly be missed by me and so many others.”
Doug Henderson, formerly of WDAS, said, “I first met Carl Helm when Jocko would take me to the radio station when I was a kid. He was a tall, kind of thin gentleman that was always nice to me. After Jocko passed in 2000, he would always call my mother just to check in, and I really appreciated him for that. Another in the long legacy of WDAS personalities whose memory will endure through time.”
The internet, Facebook, and Instagram were loaded with kind words sent about the once voice of WDAS.
WDAS’ Gary Shepherd remembered, “Carl was a good brother. Softly spoken, not flashy or braggadocious. He was a private person but was very talented on the radio and could really sing. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Roxi, his daughter, and his entire family.
Ron Allen, of State Senator Vincent Hughes, was a friend and colleague at the station. “Carl Helm was a friend indeed, who deserves to have a street in Philadelphia named after him. We met when he came to WDAS on Belmont and Edgely Road. He was just starting to fill in for the more seasoned jocks. He was known for his voice, his shows, and his dances in Philly, Camden, and New Jersey. He was a legend, a devoted husband and father, and a friend who would often reach out to his close friends. He will be missed.”
Dave Barnes, of WURD radio and former photographer for WDAS, said he really enjoyed hearing him sing over some of the songs he played on the radio as a DJ at WDAS. “A few years ago, Yanina and I had Carl as a guest on our show, where he spoke about–what life was like during his time at WDAS. The freedom deejays had in playing music and their strong community involvement by addressing issues affecting the community. He spoke about his singing career and love for music. He was a true legend who will be missed.
Carl Helm is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Rachelle, Roxi Helm, brother Lonnie, and his granddaughter, grandsons, and friends. Funeral details were not available prior to our press deadline.
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