Dr. Bobby Jones Donates $6M to TSU

Renowned gospel singer and host and executive producer of two popular BET gospel shows—“Bobby Jones Gospel” and “Video Gospel”—has donated approximately 30 years of recordings as well as exclusive rights of his performances and television programs to his alma mater, Tennessee State University. Professionally appraised at $6 million, Jones’ archives constitute the largest in-kind gift the university has ever received.

Midday Diva In Main Line Cuts

Louisville’s midday diva, Leesa Mitchell, on Main Line Broadcasting urban AC WMJM-FM (Magic 101.3) was one of Main Line’s recent Louisville budget cuts casualties. The Tim Gerard Radio Network now fills the 2-7pm timeslot and “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” continues in mornings. Production director Marc Beasley and assistant engineer/IT Steve Johnson were also affected as well as promotion assistant/morning show producer and swing jock Ibrahim Dix on sister station, urban WGZB-FM (B96.5).

Radio’s Darryl Huckaby Joins WB

Ken Wilson, WB senior VP of urban promotion, has appointed Darryl Huckaby to fill the open position as Warner Bros. Records mid-Atlantic urban promotion director. The former PD of Radio One urban WKYS-FM (93.9 Kiss) in Washington, D.C. was most recently in radio as producer of the syndicated “Russ Parr Morning Show,” a position he resigned from two years ago.

BET Honors

Actress Gabrielle Union hosts the 2^nd Annual BET Honors that were taped during Inaugural week on January 17 in Washington, D.C. at the Warner Theater. This year’s event, that will air on BET on February 9, honors Mary J. Blige (Entertainment), Tyler Perry (Media), Judith Jamison (Education), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (Corporate Citizen), B. Smith (Entrepreneur), and Congressman James E. Clyburn (Public Service). Ne-Yo, Anita Baker, Anthony Hamilton, Keyshia Cole, Joss Stone, Monica and Queen Latifah are among the performers. 

Radio One All-Star Celebrity Salute to Tom Joyner

Radio One founder/chairperson Cathy Hughes threw a Hometown All-star Celebrity Salute to Tom Joyner during inaugural week on January 17 at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C. Hennessy hosted the event, presenting a commemorative Hennessy 44 Bottle signed by numerous celebrities up for auction to create four four-year scholarships via the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.  

An Eye on Numbers 2010 Census Count Critical

Rev. Bernie Miller, host of Brewer Broadcasting urban AC WJTT-FM (Power 94)’s gospel show “Power Praise” and pastor of New Covenant Fellowship Church, was among the members of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Race, Ethnic, Advisory Committee (REAC) that met in Washington, D.C. to address concerns of the 2010 census. As chairman of the African American REAC and spokesperson for the REAC chairs, Miller stated, “We feel the funding levels for 2010 are too inadequate to address the diverse communities when compared with Census 2000 funding. An accurate count is critical. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds is awarded to states and communities based on census data. That’s more than $3 trillion over a 10-year period. However, without adequate funding, there’s a danger of undercounts in the hard-to-count communities. An incomplete count could mean your community does not receive its fair share of funding.”

Central South Distributor Honors Williams Brothers

The nation’s leading independent gospel distributor, Central South Distribution, celebrated its 5^th Annual Distribution Showcase and R.E.A.C.H. Awards (Radio Everywhere Announcing Christ Is Here) with a special presentation of its Lifetime Achievement Award to its latest signee, the Williams Brothers. Young gospel artists Lowell Pye, Jerard Woods and Jason Nelson paid homage to the Williams Brothers who are celebrating 45 years in the industry, most recently with the release of their CSD CD The Journey Continues, performing their classics like “God Will Deliver” and “Sweep Around.”

Among the radio awards, Sheila Lee, Elizabeth City State University gospel WRVS-FM (89.9) in North Carolina, was presented with a R.E.A.C.H. award by radio announcer Ace Alexander of the Light Network and Terry Woods, Director of Distribution for Central South. Central South-distributed artists Monique Walker, LeJuene Thompson, Bill Moss Jr., Carnell Murrell, Bernard Harris, Blessed, The Nevel Sisters, Scott Savol & NSRC were among the performers. 

Fisk’s WFSK A Training Ground For Industry—Ask Mathew Knowles

Mathew Knowles, president/CEO of Music World Entertainment, Inc., taught a class last semester at his alma mater Fisk University in Nashville. While on campus he stopped by Fisk’s college radio station, WFSK-FM (88.1) to reminisce about his time as a student on the campus.  Knowles, who was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters at the university’s 2008 commencement, said he got his first taste of the radio industry while hanging out in the WFSK studios. Shown (front l-r) Sharon Kay, WFSK General Manager; Mathew Knowles; Priscilla Charles, Fisk University student intern; and (rear) Harry Clay, Fisk University student intern in WFSK Studios.     

Classic Hip-Hop Alive in D.C.

CBS Top 40/rhythmic WPGC-FM legend Donnie Simpson donated his personal jacket worn in the movie “Krush Groove” to the recent kick off of the Classic Hip-Hop Concert Series, which featured rappers Slick Rick and Whodini. Founded in 2005 by Adrian “Easy AD” Harris and his business partner, Anthony “A-tone the Hip-Hop Historian” Hovington, a graduate of Duke University with a degree in African-American Studies, Classic Hip-Hop L.L.C. announced the Classic Hip-Hop Series as well as art exhibit that aspires to present and preserve positive aspects of Hip-Hop Culture. Joined by Haywood Donerson, III, CEO of the Donerson Research Group, Inc., the group is intent on also raising money for an exhibit that will feature artifacts from the early days of the hip-hop movement.

“We want people to come out, bring their sons and daughters to experience innovative hip-hop music from classic hip-hop artists such as current VH1 Honors recipient Slick Rick (The Ruler), past recipients Whodini and Kool Mo Dee, as well as Dr. Roxanne Shante, PhD and DJ Tony Tone of the Legendary Cold Crush Brothers, to name a few,” explains Harris. “Hip-Hop has come a long way and with this concert series and exhibit opening, we will help bring the culture full circle.  We are not just putting on a concert but, raising the funds and awareness to bring this exhibit to life for generations to come,” adds Harris.

“You Need It” The Return of D. King

Putting Baltimore on the map, underground rapper D. King is all about “adding some hope to your playlists,” he exclaims with his Kanye West-produced “If Not Me, Then Who.” “You Need It,” the first single from his upcoming 730 Commission/Babygrande album Wordz of Art: the Life of a Don, supplies that new hip-hop infusion. Most recently featured on the Jim Jones Presents: Purple City, Road to Riches, DK, a Howard University student who was signed to Jay’Z’s Carter Faculty when he was 17, is already an established underground presence in what he calls “the middle east coast” with the impressive Kay Slay-hosted mixtape King Me.

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