Bob Pantano is the host of the Saturday Night Dance Party on Philadelphia’s 98.1 WOGL; it is the first and longest-running radio dance party in the nation, now celebrating 30 years.
Pantano, a South Philadelphia native, started spinning at the record hops in the late 1960s and then at the nightclubs in the ‘70s. His professional radio career began on WCAM in Camden in 1971, the year he received his Temple bachelor’s degree.
In 1977, Pantano aired the first live radio broadcast of the Saturday Night Dance Party, which continues to entertain hundreds of thousands of Delaware Valley Residents with upbeat dance music. His entertaining and engaging benter have kept the crowds returning year after year, building a captive and loyal audience. Over the years, his Live Radio Dance Party has been broadcast from various hotels, nightclubs, and casinos.
Pantano keeps the concert circuit hopping with his well-known Sounds of Philly Show, which features some of the best local and national recording artists. In addition, he has hosted shows at numerous major concert venues, including the Wachovia Center, the Tweeter Center and Penn’s Landing. He also hosts summer concerts in Philadelphia and South Jersey parks, Resorts Casino Hotel, corporate functions and charitable events.
Pantano is active in community service initiatives, including playing a crucial role in the promotion and success of the Frank Sinatra mural on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia. He is on the board of directors of Variety – The Children’s Charity, which helps children with disabilities. In addition, he serves as the emcee for several charitable events, including the Hero Plaque Program, which commemorates the heroism of Philadelphia Police officers who gave their lives serving in the line of duty, and the annual Hero Thrill Show, which benefits the families of fallen police and firemen.
From his days of spinning records at the hops in the late 1960s, to his move into the nightclubs in the ‘70s, to bringing those nostalgic moments back to packed audiences today, Pantano’s highly acclaimed reputation in radio, television, and are concerts is unsurpassed in the region, making him a celebrated Philly success.