25th ANNIVERSARY Congratulations to Detroit Radio’s Afternoon Anchor FRANKIE DARCELL
(l-r) singer K'Jon, Detroit City Council member JoAnn Watson, Frankie Darcell, and legendary performer Ron Banks--Photo by Brian Thompson
The year 2009 marked veteran air personality Frankie Darcell’s 25th anniversary in broadcasting. More than 250 guests joined the popular Detroit afternoon drive host of WMXD-FM (Mix 92.3) at the Roostertail Restaurant for a star-studded celebration that included performances from Ruben Studdard, Kem and K’Jon. U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick presented Darcell the Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council and Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell presented a proclamation from the State of Michigan. Frankie used her special milestone to honor Black Family Development, AugMe Foundation Breast Cancer for Women, and Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Tom Joyner Back In Chicago
The immediate fallout over the replacement of “The Tom Joyner Show” with the “Steve Harvey Show” on Clear Channel urban AC WVAZ-FM (V103) radio has been less that positive. Listeners have been e-mailing the station in great numbers voicing their disappointment. Most see Steve Harvey as not having an adult show, saying that his show appeals more to young people. Some have even called for protests.
That’s been the Windy City mood since “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” disappeared from Chicago airwaves). Fans can now rejoice. According to radio consultant Tony Gray, the show is expected to return to its morning timeslot on Crawford urban AC WSRB-FM (Soul 106.3). A deal is in the works to return Joyner to this market where his ratings were higher than those of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” which was moved over from WGCI to replace him at WVAZ.
As Clear Channel VP Doc Wynter explained, “It was strictly a business decision. We are trying to appeal to a younger demographic at WGCI and we have a vested interest in “The Steve Harvey Show.” The WGCI replacement team we have put together is extremely witty and funny.”
WVAZ PD Derrick Brown commented, “I feel like V103 just won the lottery! Steve Harvey is an entertainment and marketing juggernaut. There are very few entertainers who have successfully tackled radio, TV, film, stage, online and publishing. His unique life perspective and riveting content fit V103 like a glove. Being a ‘King of Comedy,’ nobody can beat Steve being funny and I’m absolutely elated that he’s joining our team.”
On a sadder note though, Brown added, “Tom Joyner has been a great partner with V103 for the past 13 years, making it difficult to part ways. We appreciate all Tom’s hard work and wish him continued success.”
Obviously disappointed, Tom Joyner responded, “After 16 years, ‘The Tom Joyner Morning Show’ won’t be broadcast on a local Chicago radio station at this time. For Sybil and me, our relationship with the Chicago radio listeners goes back more than 20 years, and believe me it has not ended by any stretch of the imagination.”
And sure enough, Joyner’s back in Chicago.
Nice Threads?
President Barack Obama seems to have taken a liking to the threads worn by Clear Channel urban AC WVAZ-FM (V103)’s Ramonski Luv. The suit will definitely go with the President’s walk.—Photo by Jerome Simmons
Goes to Chicago’s Black History
Coca Cola kicks off Black History Month in Chicago with recording artist Musiq Soulchild, who wrote poems to accompany this art display.
KMJM Adds Smooth Jazz Countdown
Clear Channel urban KMJM-FM (Majic 104.9) in St. Louis adds the Broadcast Architecture syndicated two-hour “Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown” with Allen Kepler to its weekend line-up effective February 2.
What Do These People Have In Common?
An Old School luncheon brings veterans of the radio and music industry together, including Carter Russell, Frank Chaplin, John Hall Jr., Maurice White, Kirkland Burke, Wayne Lewis, Dwayne Holmes, Eddie Carter, Clarence Waldron, Jerome Simmons, Richard Steele, Eddie Thomas, Carl Davis, Abe Thompson and John Colletti, managing partner of Gibsons.—Photo by Jerome Simmons
WBBM Launches New Morning Team
CBS Radio rhythmic WBBM-FM (B96) in Chicago has a new morning team drawn from within the station. Midday personality J Niice and night show host Julian Nieh have teamed up for “The J Niice & Julian on the Radio” show, replacing the long-running morning team of Eddie & JoBo, who departed last year. Weekender Rebecca Ortiz moves to middays and swing jock Jerzy fills the open nights temporarily
Missing James Cochrane
Chicago began the year mourning the passing of Motown/Arista Records executive James Cochran, who died on December 29, 2008; ironically, the same date of the passing of Ronnie Johnson of Atlantic Records one year earlier. Cochran died after battling a long illness. His wife Rochelle, two sons–Sean and Cory–and two grandchildren, survive him.
Chicago’s Black History Month
Chicago is at the top of the heap in celebrating Black History Month with its very own President of the United States. The city has been home and temporary home to some of the most famous people in the world during their heyday and celebrations will be honoring some like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Michael Jordan, Walter Peyton, Ernie Banks, George Johnson of Johnson Products, Ed Gardner of Soft Sheen Products, John Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, Soul Train founder Don Cornelius, Johnson Publishing, Jesse Jackson, Minister Farrakhan, Elijah Muhammad and dozens of recording industry celebrities.
Goes to Chicago Music Awards
Chicago 4th Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle presents an Aldermanic Resolution honoring Kingdom Records for having only the second Chicago Gospel artist in the last 25 years with back to back Gold records for its powerhouse praise & worship choir Shekinah Glory Ministry (SGM).
