Legendary Rockets broadcaster Gene Peterson dies at 83
Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, being a lifelong Houstonian (like myself) and Houston Rockets fan, specific names resonate even 30 years later. Calvin Murphy, Rudy Tomjonavich, and, of course, Hakeem Olajuwon. Another name that always stands out for me and many other basketball fans is Gene Peterson, the legendary former Houston Rockets broadcaster.
The Houston Rockets announced today that Peterson passed away at 83.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gene Peterson, who spent 33 years as the radio voice of the Houston Rockets from 1975 through 2008.
His career and signature “How sweet it is!” victory call spanned across many franchise moments that will forever live in the… pic.twitter.com/oEylIF44a7
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 24, 2024
Peterson, along with his longtime broadcast partner Jim Foley, was the radio voice of the Rockets from 1975 to 2008. Peterson broadcast the best moments in Rocket history, including all four of the Rocket’s NBA Finals runs, both NBA championships in the ‘90s, and the entirety of Hakeem Olajuwon’s career. If it was one call the embodied Peterson passion for the Rockets, it is this play vs the Utah Jazz in the 1994 playoffs. The Rockets led the series 2-1 and were on the verge of a win. As the Jazz inbounded the ball, the timekeeper “forgot” to”start “the clock. That led to one of the best calls in NBA history.
RIP to Gene Peterson one of the greatest broadcaster in sports history. After every Rockets win he would say “ how sweet it is” and it was nothing better than to hear that back in the day.
This playoff game vs the Utah Jazz where the time keeper “forgot” to start the clock was… pic.twitter.com/vBD4ZVx53V
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) July 24, 2024
Watching this game live, the way Gene and Jim were losing their minds at the clock not starting was precisely how Rockets fans were reacting worldwide. Peterson wasn’t just an inspiration to Rockets fans, but also to colleagues inspired by his great career, like the current voice of the Rockets, Craig Ackerman.
This is a difficult day.
Growing up as a fan Gene and Jim were my soundtrack for the Rockets.
Gene meant so much to me as a friend, colleague and mentor.
My thoughts are with Marsha and the entire Peterson family.
Gene Peterson is and will always be The Voice of the Rockets https://t.co/nzjRr1Z6at
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) July 24, 2024
Many former and current broadcasters feel the same way and were influenced by Peterson.
Another thing I remember about the ‘90s was that games were not broadcast locally after the second round as the national coverage took over. That meant no Bill Worrell or Calvin Murphy. Gene Peterson and Jim Foley were the voices of those back-to-back championships, and hearing the joy in their voices made those championships even better.
As you can see, much of what I am saying is from personal experience watching the Rockets. I normally try to convey my thoughts from a journalist’s point of view and not a fan, but Peterson was the voice of the Rockets and was part of some of the best days of my life, along with many Rockets fans.
He will be missed, but his voice will live on.