We are sad to share the news that WZUM program host Tony Mowod died, today. He was a friend, leader, colleague and one of the best jazz radio broadcasters, ever.

Born, July 8, 1935.

Died, January 6, 2021

Funeral arrangements are being handled by DeBor Funeral Home in Brookline.

Tony was a fixture on the radio airwaves in Pittsburgh and across the nation for decades, but much of his career was in formats other than jazz. He was also an actor and a restaurateur.

His early start in radio came at WDUQ as a student in the 1950’s, when jazz wasn’t allowed to be programmed. Years later, in 1987, he returned to WDUQ with his “Nightside” program, drawing large, appreciative and supportive audiences.

Hundreds of local and national artists came to find Tony, WDUQ and Pittsburgh as “must go” destinations. Combined with his volunteer work with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a remarkable synergy was born.

After the sale of WDUQ in 2011, Tony joined the team of the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel, to keep those sounds and that community going. First online, then through 88.1 FM, AM 1550, and, finally, 101.1 FM in Pittsburgh.

We will have more on Tony Mowod’s career and legacy at www.wzum.org and on the air in the days ahead. The rich tradition of jazz he shepherded for Pittsburgh will continue for years and years to come. Tony had recorded programs in advance for WZUM, and we will continue airing them for the near future.

Our deep condolences to Tony’s family and legion of friends. His wife, Liz, proceeded Tony in death on December 10, 2020.