Behind the Yoi: The Life of Myron Cope, Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers Broadcaster

by Dan Joseph, Elizabeth Cope

The biography of Myron Cope, creator of the Terrible Towel and the color commentator for Pittsburgh Steelers radio broadcasts from 1970 to 2005, the second-longest-serving team broadcaster in NFL history.

Genres: Biography

360 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

Dan Joseph is a Washington-based journalist and author. A proud alumnus of the Indiana University School of Journalism, Dan has been an editor in the central newsroom at the Voice of America in Washington for nearly 20 years.

He is the author or co-author of four books, including "Behind the Yoi," a biography of legendary Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope published in September 2024.

Dan is also a baseball historian and discovered the radio clip of Lou Gehrig saying that yes, Babe Ruth DID hit a "called shot" home run in the 1932 World Series. Look for the clip on YouTube.

Reviews

[Benjamin K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done biography of one of the great American sports broadcasters and beloved Pittsburgh man Myron Cope. From the midst of his childhood growing up in the throes of the Great Depression to his early career as a successful journalist, to his entry into the world of sports radio and broadcasting professional football, Cope's journey towards becoming a legend in the Steel City is one that every self-respecting Pittsburgher should be familiar with.

[Paul Marzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I moved to Pittsburgh in December 1979, and the first time I heard Myron Cope’s evening radio broadcast, I thought I was listening to a kids' cartoon show. Cope’s (the father of the Terrible Towel) voice was not the standard melodious, resonant, mature male voice one expects to hear analyzing a sports event. I was not, and still am not, a football fan, but the nasally, high-pitched voice and its Pittsburgh-accented words jumped out of the radio and caught my attention. From then on, when I heard Cope’s voice on the radio or on TV, I stopped to listen.

“Behind The Yoi” should be required reading for any Pittsburgh sports fan who grew up with him throughout his career, and for their children as well.

[Paleoanthro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more than a biography; but a wonderful, insightful, and engaging look at a Pittsburgh icon! Cope was uniquely Pittsburgh and his distinct voice and personality jumped through the radio for all who listened to Steeler games! I well remember listening to him and was captivated by his unique history and the insight provided through this book.

[Jack Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a big fan of Myron! I loved the book as it brought back so many memories. The authors shared many behind the scenes insights that I was not aware .

Elizabeth Cope's parts were a rare look at how a daughter perceived her celebrity father. She really shares a lot of personal moments.

Steeler Fans should read this book.

[Lynn Ferber · Rating 5 out of 5]

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