Legendary Phoenix Suns commentator dies

According to the team, Phoenix Suns legend Al McCoy has passed away.

From the team:

“Al McCoy, member of the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor and legendary live radio commentator, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

“McCoy was the longest-tenured team commentator in NBA history and was widely known as the ‘Dean of NBA Commentators’ due to his long tenure and unique commentary style. He served as ‘The Voice of the Suns’ for 51 seasons, commentating his first game on September 27, 1972, and his last on May 11, 2023.

“McCoy’s unforgettable commentary on the most memorable moments in Suns history, including three NBA Finals appearances, and his trademark phrases from ‘Shazam!’ to ‘Zing Go the Strings’ to ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ have cemented his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA. His distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a trademark for more than five decades. McCoy will forever be known as the voice of the Phoenix Suns.

“His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he was awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first live commentator inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, McCoy received the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017.

“McCoy was born on April 26, 1933, in Williams, Iowa. His interest in broadcasting began at the age of seven. He got his first job in radio in 1951 as a freshman at Drake University in Webster City, Iowa. In 1956, he came to Arizona to do live commentary for the Triple-A Phoenix Giants baseball club, a move that would forever shape his life and career.

“McCoy was preceded in death by his beloved wife (Georgia), a Valley artist who passed away in 2012. He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Mike (Tonya), Jay (Jennis) and Jerry (Teri), as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services are pending.”

Rest in peace, Al.