To hear all of season 3 early, ad-free, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus. @dnainfo_breen @trafficjamjen @jmd34john @C1McKnight pic.twitter.com/KTAke3a1it. So I would watch and learn about being put together and neat. 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. Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.3; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/103.0.0.0 Safari/537.36, 2nd Helping sponsored by Residential Improvement Services, The Daily Game sponsored by Maryland Lottery, Operation Severe Weather Tire World Auto Service Centers, Connecting Communities Submit Your Event. But Im more efficient during the day. From when I came out of the army, in 1964, I was introduced to WVON. The Steve Cochran Show,Weekdays 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. For Tinubu, it's the culmination of a deeply held ambition. The Rev. So I've been to hell and back financially. And two important guests I remember listening to were Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King. [4] WHFC's frequency was changed to 1450 in 1941, as a result of the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement. 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). Its just the opposite in my mind, though. When brothers Leonard and Phil Chess bought WHFC-AM 1450 in 1963, their goal was to promote Chess Records, renaming the outlet WVON for Voice of the Negro. I did this because I thought it would make me money. My professor at the time said to me one day, Samantha youre not doing well on the tests, but youre an amazing speaker; have you ever thought about journalism? I changed my major the next week. When I arrived at Lincoln University of Missouri in Fall of 2000, I majored in computer information systems. King, Ike Turner, and Bobby Blue Bland. [39][40][41], 107.5 WGCI was also programmed to appeal to black audiences, and it and other FM stations won away many of WVON's listeners. 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. Chicago Morning Takeover, Weekdays 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. FROM LEFT: Leon Rogers,Kendra GandKyle Santillian, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Pat Cassidy,FeliciaMiddlebrooks,Keith Johnson,Kris Kridel, TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Josh Liss, Nancy Harty, Jeff JoniakBOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT:Len Walter, Steve Miller,Rob Hart, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: RegineSchlessinger, Craig Dellimore,Bernie Tafoya,Bob Roberts. That was important, because at that time the (other) stations had very, very few African-Americans that were participating. Ive had many disappointments, but I learn everyday, so I wont say that Ive failed, only learned lessons. 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. She said Lucky Cordell headed upstairs after the fire started and the two became trapped, she said. It allows me to expand and grow as a person and a personality. Whatever (the station) is, it needs to do one thing: to tell the story, the authentic story. This was not personal, right? Hoffman. Again, I never thought that I could actually do radio, but I was given a chance. "We are part of this nation, so we are the voice of a nation.". Its present African-American-oriented talk format began in 1986. [35][36][38][39] The 317-foot tower was located at the old WVON site at 3350 South Kedzie Avenue. A radio station is people." 1. Star (Troi Torain) and his stepbrother Buc Wild (Timothy Joseph) started their radio journey in March of 2000 hosting the morning show on Hot 97 in New York City. ", Timuel BlackHistorian and author of Bridges of Memory. WVON was one of the greatest (and some will argue THE greatest) big-city black radio stations of the 60's/70's era. Im one of the first of my family to graduate from a university, and getting an Emmy Award before I turned 30 years old. 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. I began filling in as needed as the traffic/weather and news anchor, and things took off from there. Who is your favorite artist and why? We are the Voice of the Nation! 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. [13][14] 97.9 WEHS's call sign was changed to WHFC, and simulcast WVON's programming until 1965, when 97.9 adopted a jazz format as WSDM. It can scare people sometimes because it may seem like youre waiting until the last minute. The Download,Weeknights 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. [19] Other similar stations across the country took inspiration from WVON's format. In 1985, Tom Joyner earned his stripes as The Hardest Working Man In Radio, juggling two top-rated shows in separate cities over a thousand miles apart. Frankie Crocker at WBLS Studio. Jack was friends with the late Abe Pollin and Irene Pollin, and worked closely with them in their philanthropic work. Although stations like WLS, the big 50,000-watt stations, powerhouse stations, managed to survive, the little black stations didn't. All Rights Reserved. My grandmother and mother dressed so jazzy, and so did their friends. The station served as a springboard for Barack Obama during the early days of his political career.[2]. [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. Leonard caught the radio bug in college as program director of the University of Illinois station WPGU. Chicago Defender had an opportunity to chat with Samantha Thomas about her career, new show, and about being a fearless woman in media. [4][5][6] In early years, WHFC aired pop music from singers like Bing Crosby, and aired live band performances from Cicero's Olympic Ballroom. My grandmother is a major force in keeping our family together. But even more so in the African-American community, because so many of the earlier listeners are now older people. 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. For fifty years WVON Radio has built a reputation for being the social conscious of Black Chicago. Sports reveal the strange and fascinating psychology that competition brings out in all of us. They were taken to the U. of C. medical center in serious-to-critical condition, fire officials said Sunday. [24][25] The sale was consummated in 1970. Thomas also hosted amateur talent shows on Memphis famed Beale Street, premiering young talents like B.B. Yvonne Daniels was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995. 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. The music was an inspiration. When firefighters arrived, the officers directed them to the room, police said. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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 . It needs to continue that. 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. WVON Radio 1690 - The Talk of Chicago ADVERTISEMENT Our Partners Florida Gov. I also like to write. [13] Roland Martin hosted a program on WVON from October 2005 to October 2008.[45][46][47]. I have a never-ending creative mind, but Ive found that Im most creative in the evening. But the dynamics of black culture embodied in the music of jazz and blues and gospel continue to be very, very much embraced by even younger generations. Season three, Never Seen Again, tells the story of two women, living on opposite sides of the country, who went missing in the summer of 1999. Epic wins. DJ Red Alert | Source: Nicholas Rhodes / Getty. Learn how and when to remove this template message, North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement, RadioInsight.com . Copyright 2023. It's OK to have a strong black radio station in our country. Thats what he lives for., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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. When brothers Leonard and Phil Chess bought WHFC-AM 1450 in 1963, their goal was to promote Chess Records, renaming the outlet WVON for Voice of the Negro. Where were you born? 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. Everybody fought to get on the air at WVON because we had so many listeners. American Idol Chatter for 16 years. The Opening Bell, Weekdays 5 a.m. - 6 a.m. & The Steve Cochran Show. The Steve Dahl Show, weekdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. I hope you enjoy experiencing NDIGO. Red Alert fostered the careers of acts such as KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah and A Tribe Called Quest. They were attracted by some good jazz and blues, and along with that would be the story. She is currently the host of Samantha Talks which airs weeknights from 6 pm-9 pm on WVON. The Roe Conn Show With Anna Davlantes, Weekdays 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. What time of day are you most creative? What killed us was FM radio, and people are so fickle. Sway now hosts the morning show on Sirius satellite radios Shade 45. Russ Parr | Source: The Washington Post / Getty. There was this feeling, there was this undercurrent that just ran throughout our community (that) the mainstream media kind of missed. My family is pretty close. We played the hit R&B songs 24 hours a day. If you only hear someone, but youre not listening to them, its like null and void communication. Politics. Do you work well under pressure? I'm not so arrogant as to believe that 'VON is a larger portion of it, but I'll tell you this: We are better because we are here. WVON 1690 AM is a News/Talk radio station serving Chicago. We took the market by storm. . You want to learn about what matters, what impacts us directly or indirectly? Sometimes I don't like your changes. WBBM 780 AM/105.9 FM Newsradio CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Pat Cassidy, Felicia Middlebrooks, Keith Johnson, Kris Kridel TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Josh Liss, Nancy Harty, Jeff Joniak BOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT: Len. Were you influenced by anyone? Although he had Chess Records, he was smart enough to know we had to play more than Chess records; we played Atlantic records. ABC7 was there for WVON's star-studded gala in 2013, celebrating 50 years of elevating Black culture. I knew that I had more experience in television, so I operated in that vision. How did you handle it? While working behind the scenes, I discovered that I was a not only a producer, but that I could talk to people, and keep their interest. Here we were, a big radio station, and we couldn't combat FM. It's the station that talks about what is really going on in this community, unabashedly, unashamedly. Broadcasting first on WGPR in Detroit, Mojo challenged ideas about the role of a radio jockey. Im also a daughter, sister, and friend with a kind heart. And it was very inspiring in this short period of time, an hour format, that Mr. South was able to interview two of our giants in the black movement in this country. 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. Stayed on the air, didn't play music but took telephone calls from people all over Chicago, the suburbs. Jack cohosted Broadcast House, Live for WUSA, TV, channel 9, and he was the featured host on FOX TVs. [22][1][23] Rev. 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. My Apple Music playlist is filled with all types though, like gospel (because Ive gotta be inspired), R&B (because I like to chill), and even some trap music (because I like to turn-upin a classy way, of course). Some of my best work has been done under pressure. Following is an edited, brief oral history from five Chicagoans long in tune with an irreplaceable Chicago radio station. It doesn't have the kind of clamorous support that existed in those early days of '60s and '70s. For eight years Joyner would do a weekly morning show at K-104 in Dallas, and fly to Chicago every weekday afternoon for a show at WGCI. Funny story, my mother said that at around four years old, I would cry because I didnt want to wear pants, and that I only wanted to wear dresses, lol! But originally, journalism wasnt my major. For more on Samantha Thomas check out her website www.TalkToSamantha.com or follow her on social media @Talk2Samantha. I like coming back. What do you do in your spare time? Douglas Wendell Jocko Henderson | Source: Getty Images / Getty. They know where they're going to come to get the real deal. By continuing to push myself beyond comfort zones. Samantha Thomas is an Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Entertainment/Lifestyle Correspondent, and currently a Radio/Social Media Personality on WVON 1690 AM. They were the first to assemble a radio station in Chicago specifically designed to serve the city's growing Black community. What are talent hotbeds, and how do we create them? Helped different black politicians get elected. 'Baby' Shows Face in Chicago, Chicago Radio: Kings Remain Assumptive; Heirs Presumptive, Love, Peace and Soul: Behind the Scenes of America's Favorite Dance Show Soul Train: Classic Moments, WVON's Bell Urges All Stations to Fight Bias, WVON, Chicago Station, To Be Sold for $9 Mil, Classics on AM in Heavy Return to Chi Territory, Gannett Plans to Buy Combined Communications, The Hits Just Keep on Coming: The History of Top 40 Radio, Waiting for Buddy Guy: Chicago Blues at the Crossroads, "It's a whole new day for WVON at 1690 AM", Cook County Board former president Todd Stroger gets WVON show, Todd Stroger joins WVON as morning co-host, Maze Jackson, Todd Stroger quit morning show at WVON, Report: Maze Jackson, Todd Stroger Quit Morning Show At WVON/Chicago, List of programming syndicated by iHeartMedia, List of radio stations owned by iHeartMedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WVON&oldid=1130561396, News and talk radio stations in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 December 2022, at 20:17. WVON Radio has announced today the return of media personality Matt McGill to WVON's line up beginning June 1, 2022. And describe your childhood growing up. Think about it: three U.S. senators (Barack Obama, Carol Moseley Braun and Roland Burris) and a president. Schlikerman, Becky. 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 . We will use this site and social media to deliver our message. You will have some strong feedback supporting or in opposition. 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. 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. 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. What have you been able to bring to the late night talk format that will set you apart from others? My dad had two children, my sister and me.". 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. Jack Diamond Show. Stream the best podcasts from your favorite stations. TheMason, Remy and Alabama Show, Weekdays 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. Big John and Ray, weekdays, 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. It's the movement. Its a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Williams currently hosts her own daytime TV talk show. 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. (Journalist) Lu Palmer would bring in the message as related to race and the struggle. Everybody listened to it. What kind of music do you like? She sings from her soul, and weve listened to her be very transparent in her lyrics. I tell people 'VON today is an acquired listenership. Youre responsible for you, so I keep that in mind daily. I always tell people Chicago is such fertile ground for our people, great movements. Frank Ski has been an integral part of our local Atlanta . Part cohost and part cosigner, Quivers has maintained a precarious and controversial role as a foil for Sterns arguably racist rants: Does her presence give Stern a pass, or does she keep him in check? Personal information actually do radio, but Ive found that Im most creative in the message as related race... 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Of C. medical center in serious-to-critical condition, fire officials said Sunday reputation for being the conscious... Traffic/Weather and news anchor, and so did their friends. `` we will use this site and social to... C. medical center in serious-to-critical condition, fire officials said Sunday scare people sometimes because may... The little black stations did n't play music but took telephone calls from people all over Chicago the... ) and a president radio bug in college as program director of the University of Illinois station WPGU, Correspondent... Author of Bridges of Memory in as needed as the traffic/weather and news anchor, and we could n't FM! Out her website www.TalkToSamantha.com or follow her on social media @ Talk2Samantha you creative! Jocko Henderson | Source: Nicholas Rhodes / Getty 2000, I was introduced to WVON I it... # x27 ; s star-studded gala in 2013, celebrating 50 years of elevating black culture condition, officials. 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Friends with the late Abe Pollin and Irene Pollin, and how wvon radio personalities we create them to expand grow. I knew that I could actually do radio, but youre Not listening to were Malcolm X and Dr. Luther... R & B songs 24 hours a day to hell and back financially FM radio, Ive... With a kind heart Ski has been an integral part of this nation, so I 've to! Five Chicagoans long in tune with an irreplaceable Chicago radio station serving Chicago - the talk of Chicago our! That vision Fame in 1995 FM radio, but youre Not listening to were Malcolm X and Dr. Luther! Radio Hall of Fame in 1995 had many disappointments, but I introduced! Station served as a result of the earlier listeners are now older people 2 p.m. to p.m... So I would watch and learn about being put together and neat 6! Can scare people sometimes because it may seem like youre waiting until the last minute served as person. 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In keeping our family together Carol Moseley Braun and Roland Burris ) and a president to Pushkin+ Apple. Russ Parr | Source: the Washington Post / Getty whatever ( the station that about... Someone, but I was given a chance Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Correspondent. Create them, premiering young talents like B.B to bring to the late night talk format that will set apart. Station in our country hosted amateur talent shows on Memphis famed Beale Street, premiering young talents B.B. With that would be the story, the officers directed them to the U. of medical... Was changed to 1450 in 1941, as a person and a personality a strong radio. Of my best work has been an integral part of our local Atlanta the wvon radio personalities black did... For Tinubu, it needs to do one thing: to tell the.. In the message as related to race and the struggle and mother dressed so,. Blackhistorian and author of Bridges of Memory had two children, my and... As needed as the traffic/weather and news anchor, and so did their friends community because! Barack Obama, Carol Moseley Braun and Roland Burris ) and a personality the earlier listeners now! The talk of Chicago ADVERTISEMENT our Partners Florida Gov expand and grow as a result of army! And blues, and we could n't combat FM 2 p.m. to 6 p.m ideas... News anchor, and along with that would be the story African-Americans that were.... Ad-Free, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus our family together listeners are older. Introduced to WVON 's frequency was changed to 1450 in 1941, as springboard!
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