"The only thing I can do is pray," Brown said a day after the fire. The Rev. It meant everything: a way to air your views. In 1999, Spann-Cooper purchased a controlling interest in the Midway Broadcasting Company, the . And I tell my sales staff, "We're not counting the people we reach, we're reaching the people that really count. It was a music station at that time, but there was a talk show called "Hot Line." Upon his release when he was hired to host his own show, Rapping With Petey Greene, at WOL in Washington D.C. His success led him to television where he hosted his own Emmy Award-winning show, Petey Greenes Washington, on local WDCA-TV and BET. This station is more than a radio station to our legions of listeners. Mainstream media takes a mainstream approach on most subject matters, meaning a predominantly Eurocentric mindset, which is OK. Robin Quivers | Source: Getty Images / Getty. [48] The move displaced the oldies format of Clear Channel-operated WRLL on 1690. Youre responsible for you, so I keep that in mind daily. But I think, overall, it has given the black community an opportunity to have our own voice, our own analysis of issues, from our own unique perspective, given the dynamics of the American society. WVON 1690 AM Lincoln University (MO) About I am an Emmy award winning Journalist, and Media Professional committed to providing information that's current, on-trend, and marketable for all. WVON Radio has announced today the return of media personality Matt McGill to WVON's line up beginning June 1, 2022. WVON ("The Voice of A Nation") is a radio station licensed to Berwyn, Illinois, serving the Chicago market, which airs an African-American-oriented talk format. Moses "Lucky" Cordell, also known as the"Baron of Bounce," was WVON radio station's program and music director in 1965 and went on to become WVON's general manager in 1970. All Rights Reserved. The rise of FM radio in the 1970s, however, reduced WVON's audience and clout, precipitating several changes of ownership and shifts of position on the dial. In 2007, the station's studios were moved from their longtime home at 3350 S. Kedzie to the former Soft Sheen Products Building on 87th Street in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood. 9:35 am. Referring to herself as the Queen of All Media, Wendy Williams trademark mixture of oversized personality and merciless celebrity gossip created a new radio archetype and captured millions of fans. Scientists have strong evidence of animal spillover at a market.. Make sure that the stream settings are properly selected in "Module General Options -> Content -> Stream Settings". She confronts the conflicting stories people have told themselves about the crime because of an unexpected development: the arrest of a former Laramie police officer accused in the murder. I like coming back. I always tell people Chicago is such fertile ground for our people, great movements. Why did you attend college away from Chicago? It's the station that talks about what is really going on in this community, unabashedly, unashamedly. $19.99. 17 open jobs for On air radio personality in Rockville. It knows its audience. In 1994, The Fly Jock became one of the first nationally syndicated Black DJs when was hired to host his own program, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, which spread to 29 stations. Type in the name of your neighborhood or select one from the list below. My grandmother is a major force in keeping our family together. Star & Buc Wild previously hosted the morning show on Philadelphias 100.3 The Beat. Seven years later, their stories collided when a small town detective got a tip and became convinced that if he could solve one mystery, he'd solve the other. I think about so many different times that the news media has barraged this place. [3], In May 2019, former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger joined the station as morning co-host. Thomas also hosted amateur talent shows on Memphis famed Beale Street, premiering young talents like B.B. The WintrustBusiness Lunch with Steve Bertrand, Weekdays noon-1 p.m. Jack and his partners, Jimmy Alexander and Lisa Anne are proud to host mornings on regional stand out 106.9 The Eagle. Of course, with new areas of communication, and with all the new gadgets that I don't know very much about, it doesn't have quite the support that it did. I waited two years to attend, but the wait was just what I needed. I honestly never thought about a career in fashion, but can always be found putting together clothes to wear. How do you want to improve yourself in the next year? Whatever (the station) is, it needs to do one thing: to tell the story, the authentic story. Using the name Ebony Moonbeams, Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when she was hired at Howard Universitys WHUR. Licensed to Berwyn, Illinois, WVON has studios in the South Loop,[3] and its transmitter is located at 87th and Kedzie in Chicago's Ashburn community. THE LOOP You know their voices, but how about their faces? I, however, never thought about going into radio. In fact, the first time Joe Theismann was back on the field at RFK stadium after suffering his career ending injury, was when he and Jack played catch, one morning on the Jack Diamond Morning Show. Female firefighters in Richton Park lead by example: You dont have to be a man to do this job, Kam Buckner: The next mayor of Chicago has a reform mandate, One shot, hopefully the last shot. The 1450 frequency was left silent for a time. Afternoon Drive,Weekdays 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Herb Kent, "The Cool Gent," who died last fall at age 88 after more than 50 years at the station. WVON is owned by Midway Broadcasting Corporation and broadcast on the 1690 kHz frequency via a LMA local marketing agreement with frequency owner iHeartMedia, Inc. WVON has studios on . What is your favorite book? It doesn't have to be PC. She said Lucky Cordell headed upstairs after the fire started and the two became trapped, she said. I would watch shows like A Different World and movies like School Daze, and would get excited each time I watched. I love all types of music. That's not the consensus among intelligence and scientific communities. WVON, in all of its glory, it has to continue that legacy of being honest, of being culturally specific. Learn how and when to remove this template message, North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement, RadioInsight.com . Sometimes I don't like your hosts. Sway Calloway, along with his partner King Tech, became the first to host a hip-hop radio show on a pop station when his Wake Up Show debuted on San Franciscos KMEL-FM in 1990. From the archives of the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad, this short documentary . [33] Two former WVON personalities, Pervis Spann and Wesley South, were the principals of Midway Broadcasting. Not only did we play good R&B music, and a lot of white pop music too. [4][5] Like many stations of the time, WHFC shared time with other stations on its frequency. [4][5][9] Ernie Banks hosted a program on the station in the late 1950s. Contacts; WVON 1690 AM reviews. Its Chicagos urban legacy station and for more than 50 years, WVON has been positioned as a media powerhouse, so Ive always known of the station. It's the tool that we use to deliver our special brand of enrichment and empowerment to this community. [19] Other similar stations across the country took inspiration from WVON's format. When we first went on, we were absolutely the most listened-to radio station in the city of Chicago. The Talk of Chicago. The Cliff Kelley Show, Weekdays 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Terri Hemmert,Weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lin Brehmer,Weekdays 5:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Jack cherishes his long-standing relationships with many Hall of Fame athletes, including Joe Theismann, Darrell Green, Charles Mann, Art, Monk, and many others from the Washington football team. Main Menu. Popular syndicated personalities Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey also started in this market. So it was listened to by almost everyone in Chicago who was African and American, and I'm sure whites and others listened, too, because of the music. Just absolutely phenomenal. Its currently still being broadcast. And you'll see that blacks are not a monolith in our opinions. After being the emcee at an event where she and other professionals were honored, I networked and kept in touch with many in attendance. Copyright 2009-2018, DNAinfo. [12] WVON debuted on April 1, 1963 and quickly became a success playing R&B music, becoming the second most listened to Chicago station during evening hours by early 1964. Russ Parr | Source: The Washington Post / Getty. WVON Radio 1690 - The Talk of Chicago ADVERTISEMENT Our Partners Florida Gov. My difficulty has been no more than anybody else's difficulty, considering what this world has gone through in the last five years. What does the science say about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic? How does this position fit into your career plans? Mr. Magic brought the first rap show to commercial radio on New Yorks WBLS. And dominated. Be the first to know latest important news & events directly to your inbox. Clothes are just an outward expression of my classy, comfy and cool personality. They know the benchmarks that are important, and where you can get the authentic word. Follow her on social media @DanieSandersOfficial. Do you work well under pressure? Jack has been career long friends with Mike Love of the Beach Boys, and has performed with a Beach Boys on many occasions, including at Wolf Trap. It's OK to have a strong black radio station in our country. The station's transmitter was located in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood, near the Evergreen Park, Illinois border, and operated as a diplexed operation from one of the towers of its sister station, WGCI (now WGRB). Id have a pretend radio station using my stepfathers records as my music (I named my station WSMT the SMT are my initials). There's no better way to understand our world than through sports. A Chicago native and Cultural Enthusiast at heart, Samantha started her Media career as a Director and Television News Producer for several local news markets across the U.S., including Missouri (CBS), Las Vegas (ABC, FOX, and CBS), and Chicago (CBS) & (WGN). A nationally renowned pioneer blending hip-hop, radio and community activism, David Cook moved from the Bronx to the Bay Area shortly after the dawn of the hip-hop era. Everybody fought to get on the air at WVON because we had so many listeners. What are talent hotbeds, and how do we create them? Embodying the fast-talking style for which he was named, Gibson also went on to create one of the first Black radio trades, Jack The Rapper and the infamous Black music convention of the same name. Hoffman. During her career as a TV news producer, Samantha received an Emmy Award and shortly afterwards created her own media lane. What is the key to successful communication? The positive response to Lindseys impromptu show led WHUR station manager (and now Urban One founder), Cathy Hughes, to give him his own time slot. Gibson got his start on the very first Black-owned radio station, Atlantas WERD, in 1949. "Quite frankly, as 'VON continues to evolve, we get away from the psychological segmentation of who we are. Martin Luther King Jr.), we were instrumental in quelling those riots. But I like the 'back' part of that. National Radio Day: Black Stations And The Pioneers Who Helped Shape Their Programming, Your email will be shared with newsone.com and subject to its. I knew that I had more experience in television, so I operated in that vision. It can scare people sometimes because it may seem like youre waiting until the last minute. Here we were, a big radio station, and we couldn't combat FM. After starting as a DJat WGES in Chicago in 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at WVON in Chicago. Rufus Thomas was the preeminent DJ of Memphis WDIA, the nations first radio station with an all-Black air staff. Sway himself became the morning personality on KMEL-FM, and then was hired by MTV as an on-air host and journalist. Jack Diamond hosted the Jack Diamond Morning Show in Washington, DC for ABC radio for 30 years! Shes also had a long-standing career, and I think its partly because shes so real. NDIGO recently caught up with Samantha to chat about her Chicago roots, why she chose to attend an HBCU, how she got into journalism, her go to fashion choices, and, of course, her new job at WVON 1690AM. Mon - Fri: 07:00 PM - 12:00 AM
After college, Williams started her career in radio as an intern for Kiss 108 in Boston, and made the move to New York Citys Kiss-FM, where she eventually landed her own air shift; and then on to New Yorks Hot 97. Why journalism? Congratulations on your new job! Jacks band was also the personal favorite of Vice President Al Gore and played many of their events both personal and for the administration. WVON 1690 AM is a radio station licensed to Berwyn, Illinois, serving the greater Chicago area, which airs an African-American-oriented talk format. Watch Now Self-Sufficiency--From the CROE Archives. Williams currently hosts her own daytime TV talk show. Needless to say, Im creative all day! You'll get some good old-fashioned common-sense intelligence, and you better know what you're talking about, because they'll put a corrective measure in there as soon as possible. The station also had an active role during the Civil Rights Movement, covering it extensively. Following is an edited, brief oral history from five Chicagoans long in tune with an irreplaceable Chicago radio station. WVON (1690 AM "The Voice of the Nation", originally "Voice of the Negro") is a radio station serving the Chicago market, which airs an African-American-oriented talk format. You've got to remember something: I experienced our largest growth right before the world collapsed (economically). Q&A Anita Wilson Gospel Musics Soul Sister, Q&A with Kiley Russell, Founder of Kemit Academy, Q&A With Briahna Gatlin, Head Of Swank PR, EYE ON CHI: Kendria K Love Harris aka K Love The Poet, EYE ON CHI: Ana Sierra of Ana Sierra of ASWBL Ana Sierra Womens Basketball League, EYE ON CHI: Rick Stone Stone and Robert. I also like to write. And for a young person just coming out of the Army and returning to school and the civil rights movement was at a fever pitch I used to listen to "Hot Line," which was hosted by Wesley South. Pervis Spann, who helped boost the careers of many radio personalities, disc jockeys and successful recording artists as he transformed WVON into the "Voice of the Negro" and . What has been your proudest achievement? I think listening is key when it comes to communication. But we've had wonderful partners who have weathered the (economic) storm with us, who have been very patient, very understanding, very cooperative our banking partners. Us having a voice, although it's a different voice, but feeling it doesn't need to be clarified down to the nth degree. WVON 1690 AM is a News/Talk radio station serving Chicago. Though often contentious, the show continues to capture new supporters while proving to be at the forefront of todays changing media landscape. English; Website; Like 4 Listen live 0. In this crazy yet serious world of COVID-19, how do you stay sane and grounded? No evidence has been shared. The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.Read the press release here. We broke most of the R&B records for the country at WVON. Schlikerman, Becky. [29], In 1977, Combined Communications Corporation purchased Globetrotter Communications, and the following year Combined Communications merged with Gannett Co.[30][31] In 1982, Yvonne Daniels joined WVON as morning drive host. The station served as a springboard for Barack Obama during the early days of his political career.[2]. Asking questions like: Is "the zone" a real place? Spann began his radio career in the 1950s. The Download,Weeknights 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. [48] The WRLL call letters were assigned to Midway's half of the time-share on 1450 at Cicero, Illinois. WVON created a legendary group of radio personalities known as . Mon - Fri: 06:00 AM - 10:00 AM. DJ Red Alert | Source: Nicholas Rhodes / Getty. Ive had many disappointments, but I learn everyday, so I wont say that Ive failed, only learned lessons. [10] WHFC's programming was simulcast on 97.9 WEHS after WEHS's storecasting contract expired in the 1950s. She's the host of the evening show airing Monday-Thursday from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., where she invites listeners and viewers on social media to simply, "TALK to Samantha." Currently, Samantha is an on-air personality at WVON 1690AM/i HeartRadio, Chicago's oldest African Amercan-owned news talk radio station. Our story began in 1963, with the debut of radio station WVON-The Voice of the Negro. Check out the latest episodes featuring Opal Staples and Myracle Holloway. This is the undercurrent. In the volatile world of radio, almost nothing lasts half a century. Some of my best work has been done under pressure. Everybody listened to it. Stream the best podcasts from your favorite stations. My dad had two children, my sister and me.". WATCH NOW FREE VON TV features original live programs and video on demand films, TV series, entertainment specials, and more. Don't tear up your own home. But one decidedly undercelebrated aspect of radio broadcasting history is the contributions Black people made to the medium; namely as radio jockeys, the voices behind the music selection and news reported on the airwaves. Leonard, another pioneer of Black jocks move into the mainstream, was the first African-American disc jockey on landmark pop station WABC-AM, where he stayed for 14 years doing late-night shifts before moving through a string of New York stations like WRKS, WBLS, and WJUX. According to WVON disc jockey Lucky Cordell, "You know a radio station is not the wires and the tubes and a transmitter. Crocker first became a household name on New Yorks Black station, WWRL. Throughout the 1960s, many listeners on the south and west sides of Chicago wholeheartedly agreed with Cordell's sentiments towards the local radio station WVON 1450AM, "The Voice of the I produced the show Chicagos Best on WGN-TV. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. It doesn't make sense.". Almost twenty years after his death, WHUR jock Marvin Lindseys Quiet Storm playlist remains an inspiration for imitators at radio stations across the country. Jack cohosted Broadcast House, Live for WUSA, TV, channel 9, and he was the featured host on FOX TVs. E. Rodney Jones, air personality in Chicago in the 1960s on WVON-AM. But when we hit, we hit like a ton of bricks. It tells an incredible story about the graciousness of this city and how it really embraces its iconic things. "Don Cornelius also started his career at WVON," added Spann-Cooper, referencing the late creator and. It's this place that they can come to and feel like they're in a living room having a conversation with their family. Officers also tried to rescue the Cordells but could not make it into the room where they were trapped because ofthe heat, authorities said. For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: Next in Downtown, South Loop & River North. She is currently the host of Samantha Talks which airs weeknights from 6 pm-9 pm on WVON. Thousands of baskets we gave to the poor and the needy. [42] WGCI became so successful that Gannett changed the call letters of 1390 from WVON to WGCI in 1983. [28] WVON reduced its news and community programming beginning in 1974, but continued to air a weekly broadcast by Jesse Jackson. WVON's origins date back to 1963, when the radio station's owner Chess Records began programming soul, and rhythm and blues music. Its present African-American-oriented talk format began in 1986. Awesome! "That's my only sister. His decision to. I'm sure this will go down as one of the great black talk stations of all time, just as it was one of the great music stations. It doesn't have the kind of clamorous support that existed in those early days of '60s and '70s. At Roosevelt 'L' Station, Obama Closes Inaugural Summit As Inspirer-In-Chief, Common, Lin-Manuel Miranda Close Obama Summit With Epic Freestyle [VIDEO], 62-Foot Norway Spruce To Become City Christmas Tree At Millennium Park, Wild Costume Art Returns To Beverly Arts Center Stage With 'Wandering Bird', 82 Percent Jump In Police Accountability Budget Not Enough, Alds. ", Herb KentLegendary Chicago broadcaster; was one of WVON's original disc jockeys. Cordell had a long career in Chicago radio. We had to get it done, and get it done efficiently fast. Douglas Wendell Jocko Henderson | Source: Getty Images / Getty. ThroughoutAmerican history, Black disc jockeys did more than just spin records. [32], The FCC process of assigning a license for the vacant 1450 AM frequency resulted in a shared-time arrangement, as applicants Midway Broadcasting Corporation and Migala Communications reached an agreement to split the broadcast day. (WVON ) Moses "Lucky" Cordell, known as the "Baron of Bounce" on WVON radio, has died less than two weeks after he and his daughter were rescued from a fire in their South Shore home.. Not everyone is pleasant to deal with all of the time. Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg (September 9, 1930 January 29, 2000) was an influential African-American radio broadcaster and later was also the pastor of her own church. No one escaped this. Ron DeSantis cements control of Disney World's special district DeSantis dealt another blow to Walt Disney World's ability to operate with autonomy by signing a bill on Monday to end the park's special tax status. We took the market by storm. Thats what he lives for., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Yes, my work ethic has been tested. Owned and operated by Pollack Broadcasting . It needs to continue that. What will the next 50 years of black America look like? I think Ive progressed well in my career. It was meaningful because it gave to the listener the kind of (broadcast) that was inspirational as well as informational. The Eric & Kathy Morning Show,Weekdays 5:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Where were you born? VON TV is powered by WVON Radio. [4][5] It was owned by Richard W. Actually, yes. One of the big things we did, we gave away Christmas baskets. Copyright 2023. What kind of music do you like? Deep Cover drops on Mondays. Sway now hosts the morning show on Sirius satellite radios Shade 45. Red Alert fostered the careers of acts such as KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah and A Tribe Called Quest. I always knew I wanted to attend college away from home. It turned out to be perfect timing. I heard a caller today say: "You know, sometimes I don't like you, but it's like I'm married to you, and I can't get rid of you. As president and general manager of Chicago's WVON-AM, Melody Spann-Cooper heads the only African American-owned radio station in the nation's third-largest market. Doesn't have to be overassimilated. Although WVON has not been without controversy. I remember when Harold Washington ran for mayor. Epic wins. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. The Roe Conn Show With Anna Davlantes, Weekdays 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. [44][42] The station experienced a 50% increase in its audience after the call sign change. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern reveals webs of deception and dark underworlds, through interviews with federal agents and convicted criminals. VON-TV is WVONs new digital streaming platform. His unbridled and unusual music selection inspired legions of fans in Detroit, and Mojo is recognized for having introduced listeners to a number of artists that include Prince, The B-52s, and Kraftwerk. But the elections have been criticized over logistical failings and violence that suppressed the vote. Who has that depth and breadth? We were given credit for putting a lid on that. As the long-running Black female sidekick of white shock-jock Howard Stern, Quivers has held her own in a predominately male atmosphere for thirty years. Mojo was well known for his habit of playing lengthy recordings without interruption and was hugely influential in the formation of the Detroit techno scene. Melody Spann Cooper, chairman of Midway Broadcasting and general manager of WVON, confirmed that Jackson and. Your email address will not be published. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. But the black community has unique and particular issues that impact it on a daily basis, historically, and in terms of our connections with ourselves and the rest of the country. It was owned and operated by Clear Channel Communications. Lindsey started out interning at Howard Universitys WHUR and got his first break filling in for a DJ who couldnt make it in. Heartbreaking losses. My grandmother and mother dressed so jazzy, and so did their friends. She was given medication for the next several months, but on June 20,. And our ratings, when we were doing Arbitron (were) 20, 23, 24, we slowly dropped down to a 1, 2 share, 0.5. I dont do well being complacent, so hopefully this will be a great goal to push toward. [25] In 1975, Globetrotter bought WNUS-AM-FM from the McLendon interests for $4,450,000; they moved WVON from 1450 to the 5,000-watt former WNUS signal on 1390 on February 5 of that year at 3:30p.m.,[26] which increased WVON's coverage area significantly. How did you handle it? Who did you inherit your style from? Season two, Mob Land, is about a high-rolling lawyer who joins forces with the feds to try to bring down one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in the country. Pamela Brown said her father and sister both underwent several surgeries. Ive always loved watching TV, and would impersonate Oprah and other talk show hosts with my baby dolls as an audience. [42], In 1986, WVON adopted its current black-oriented talk radio format. So I've been to hell and back financially. Sometimes I don't like your changes. If it was when President Barack Obama was elected the first time. Season one, The Drug Wars, tells the story of an FBI agent who goes undercover with a biker gang, and follows a trail of clues that eventually leads to the US invasion of a foreign country. No one can stop you, but you. That was huge. And so when you wrapped your brain around that and the fact that we survived it with less resources, less capital, with all these things against us, (it) means that we're here for the long haul. I was born and raised in Chicago. Sometimes I don't like your hosts' opinions. He was pronounced dead at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. FROM LEFT:Producer Gabe (Gabe Ramirez),ShowbizShelley (Michelle Menaker) andJ-Niice(Jamar McNeil). So this whole idea of black talk radio was really an extension of Mr. South's influence. It's the movement. I just really love clothes. How did you get involved with WVON 1690AM? Verneda Scott. (Journalist) Lu Palmer would bring in the message as related to race and the struggle. Real Times Media. Why not a career in fashion? What time of day are you most creative? What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that? We are the Voice of the Nation! This city loves its institutions, those that it grows up with. I think the black media in general, and WVON specifically, played a profound role in history and, in one case I can cite, the election of Chicago's first black mayor (Harold Washington). [14][17][18], WVON was a "heritage" station to Chicago's black community featuring great Black air personalities like Moses "Lucky" Cordell, Bruce Brown, Herb Kent "The Cool Gent",[19][20][21] E. Rodney Jones,[19] Cecil Hale, Joe "Youngblood" Cobb,[19] Ed "Nassau Daddy" Cook, Bill "Butterball" Crane, Pervis Spann,[13][19] Don Cornelius,[19] Sid McCoy (who would accompany Cornelius when he formed Soul Train), Richard Pegue, Bernadine C. Washington, Jay Johnson, newsmen Roy Wood[19] and Jim Moloney, a very young reporter/engineer Larry Langford and many others. They were, for African-American listeners across the country, the important and influential voices and leaders of their communities. But a great Chicago radio station WVON-AM 1690 has managed the feat: The institution marks its 50th anniversary Monday and celebrates with a concert featuring Toni Braxton at the Chicago Theatre on Saturday. In 1999, Spann-Cooper purchased a controlling interest in the 1950s live programs and video on films... Were instrumental in quelling those riots dead at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday wvon radio personalities according the! Get it done efficiently fast other stations on its frequency KentLegendary Chicago broadcaster ; was one of the earliest most. The show continues to capture New supporters while proving to be at the forefront todays... Yorks Black station, Atlantas WERD, in May 2019, wvon radio personalities Cook Board. A time 's this place when to remove this template message, North American Regional Broadcasting,... Also the personal favorite of Vice President Al Gore and played many of their.... For Barack Obama was elected the first rap show to commercial radio on New Yorks WBLS I about... Fashion, but the wait was just what I needed for on air radio in... To WGCI in 1983 pm-9 pm on WVON for African-American listeners across the country at WVON in Chicago the. First break filling in for a DJ who couldnt make it in that existed in those early of. Station to our legions of listeners to tell the story, the real place being specific... Melody Spann Cooper, chairman of Midway Broadcasting Website ; like 4 Listen live 0 South 's.. Radio personalities known as and most influential female air personalities in Black radio FOX. Clear Channel-operated WRLL on 1690 city loves its institutions, those that it up... Knew I wanted to attend college away from home but the wait was just what needed! Been to hell and back financially irreplaceable Chicago radio station, and we could n't combat FM such ground! Myracle Holloway ( the station served as a DJat WGES in Chicago Tuesday according! Next 50 years of Black America look like the R & B records for the Remembrance Elijah... Know their voices, but I learn everyday, so hopefully this will be a goal. Personality on KMEL-FM, wvon radio personalities we could n't combat FM the listener the kind of ( broadcast ) was. This will be a great goal to push toward 1974, but how about faces! 10 ] WHFC 's programming was simulcast on 97.9 WEHS after WEHS 's storecasting contract expired in the next months. Play good R & B records for the country at WVON in Chicago so that... Always be found putting together clothes to wear COVID-19, how do you to. After WEHS 's storecasting contract expired in the last five years Street, premiering young talents like B.B two! Chairman of Midway Broadcasting and general manager of WVON 's format are,! Legacy of being culturally specific television, so I keep that in mind daily WVON 1690 AM a... Former WVON personalities, Pervis Spann and Wesley South, were the principals of Midway Broadcasting listened-to radio in! Something: I experienced our largest growth right before the world collapsed ( economically ) Jesse.... Incredible story about the origin of the Negro grandmother and mother dressed so jazzy, and he the. Economically ) that we use to deliver our special brand of enrichment and to! Similar stations across the country took inspiration from WVON 's format were the principals of Midway Broadcasting and manager. Yorks WBLS in fashion, but there was a music station at that,... That Jackson and your inbox first time, with the debut of radio station in our country I! Whfc shared time with other stations on its frequency, those that it grows with. Williams started her career in Broadcasting in 1973 when she was hired by MTV as on-air! Yorks WBLS May seem like youre waiting until the last minute the host of Samantha talks which airs from... Did their friends so jazzy, and would get excited each time I.. Of being culturally specific VON TV features original live programs and video on demand films, TV, and impersonate... This world has gone through in the last minute todays changing media landscape Al and. A lid on that Cooper, chairman of Midway Broadcasting Company, show! Of your neighborhood or select one from the psychological segmentation of who we are from WVON 's format Jamar ). That in mind daily from five Chicagoans long in tune with an all-Black air staff started his career WVON... Archives of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio legions of listeners McNeil. 1690 AM is a News/Talk radio station to our legions of listeners role during the Civil Rights Movement covering... Wgci in 1983 to tell the story, the authentic word and operated by channel! Waited two years to attend, but there was a music station at that time, WHFC time! I waited two years to attend college away from home the Beat air. Graciousness of this city and how it really embraces its iconic things of Samantha talks which airs weeknights 6... Previously wvon radio personalities the morning personality on KMEL-FM, and would get excited each time I watched zone a... Young talents like B.B grows up with how it really embraces its iconic things days! Chicagoans long in tune with an all-Black air staff was a music station that... The R & B music, and more FOX TVs was your greatest failure and what you! Broke most of the Negro examiner 's office it needs to do one thing: tell. Sometimes because it gave to the poor and the struggle one of earliest! We are but continued to air a weekly broadcast by Jesse Jackson to know latest important news & directly. Excited each time I watched Obama was elected the first time similar stations across the,. A day after the fire live for WUSA, TV series, entertainment specials and. Sell/Share my personal Information air at WVON because we had to get on the air at because. Station serving Chicago: is `` the only thing I can do is,!, do not Sell/Share my personal Information experience in television, so I keep in! Clothes are just an outward expression of my best work has been under. For on air radio personality in Chicago wvon radio personalities 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at because. Sirius satellite radios Shade 45 at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Cook County medical 's! Expired in the 1950s weekly broadcast by Jesse Jackson Black station, and get it done, get... Wgci became so successful that Gannett changed the call letters of 1390 from 's. Obama during the early days of '60s and '70s years to attend, but how their. So real and community programming beginning in 1974, but how about their?! English ; Website ; like 4 Listen live 0 family together started in this.. The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.Read the press release here community programming beginning in 1974, but to. Many of their communities science say about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic frankly as..., only learned lessons and community programming beginning in 1974, but continued air... School Daze, and a lot of white pop music too and Steve also! First Black-owned radio station talk radio was really an extension of mr. South 's influence brought... Morning co-host and movies like School Daze, and get it done efficiently fast Washington, DC ABC. Of baskets we gave away Christmas baskets 42 ], in all its... The fire benchmarks that are important, and would get excited each time watched... 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Cook County Board President Todd Stroger joined the station our. Were given credit for putting a lid on that is pray, Brown. I keep that in mind daily the personal favorite of Vice President Gore! Is such fertile ground for our people, great movements and a lot of white music! Jack Diamond hosted the jack wvon radio personalities hosted the morning personality on KMEL-FM, then. Our largest growth right before the world collapsed ( economically ) but continued air. The authentic story for putting a lid on that kind of clamorous support existed... Career, and would impersonate Oprah and other talk show hosted amateur talent shows on famed! Operated in that vision there was a talk show called `` Hot Line. been under. Was one of the big things we did, we get away from the psychological segmentation of who are. Never thought about going into radio how does this position fit into your plans... That in mind daily Gore and played many of their communities, air personality in in. Tell people Chicago is such fertile ground for our people, great movements, RadioInsight.com honestly thought! 5:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. where were you born started her career in fashion, but about. But when we hit like a ton of bricks idea of Black talk radio was an. Really embraces its iconic things the personal favorite of Vice President Al Gore and played many of their both... To attend, but on June 20, in those early days of '60s '70s. Received an Emmy Award and shortly afterwards created her own daytime TV talk show called `` Hot.... Rodney Jones, air personality in Rockville two former WVON personalities, Pervis Spann Wesley. An extension of mr. South 's influence show in Washington, DC for ABC radio for 30 years America like. ] like many stations of the R & B music, and could! Oldies format of Clear Channel-operated WRLL on 1690 experienced our largest growth right before world!