6 Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams is the only female on the Top 10 list but her impact is undeniable as she not only stepped out of the Urban Radio box she burned it to the ground. Her gossip and girlfriend next door “How U Dewin” persona would have NEVER been accepted at MOST urban radio stations across the board in the 80s, 90s or EVEN TODAY.
I don’t know who Wendy gives credit to for her success but I certainly have a LOT of respect and admiration for former WBLS programmer Vinny Brown. He is a BRILLIANT programmer who let talent shine and that is always the number one complaint I get from urban radio Radio DJs across the board, they feel stifled by program directors. I understand, I have been there and that’s why I’m NOT there anymore (lol). Wendy’s success train finally rolled in when she wrote her New York Times best-selling books while still a Radio DJ on WBLS. This is also something unacceptable at most urban stations.. outside ventures are almost immediate grounds for termination? Once again Wendy worked for a PD and an outlet that let her do her thing. The end result.. The Wendy Williams TV show.
You don’t have to like her but you GOTTA respect what she has done. A talk show in many markets on a major network puts her miles ahead, even at Number Six than ANY Radio DJ in the HISTORY of urban radio. Congrats Wendy. Wendy Joan Williams (born July 18, 1964) is an American media personality and New York Times, bestselling author. Known as the “Queen Of All Media,” she hosts her own syndicated talk show, The Wendy Williams Show.[1] Williams is known for being a former dj in New York City, where she gossiped about entertainers and conducted celebrity interviews. Williams gained notoriety for her on-air spats with celebrities.
Growing up in Detroit, I went to school with Donnie Simpson, who was also known as “The Love Bug” but I think you missed including a woman perhaps more influential than Donnie who was on WJLB at the same time. Martha Jean “The Queen!” I will NEVER forget the Queen on the air during the Detroit Riots in ’67 urging citizens “Go back to your homes! There is nothing for you in the Streets!” I get chills remembering her, and wonder if there are any airchecks of those chilling days. Martha Jean will always be the epitome of what urban Community Radio is all about. The soul and the Mother of the Community.
FOR BEST FEMALE SINGER: FANTASIA
AND I THINK WE LEFT OFF ” XSCAPE ” FOR BEST BLACK FEMALE GROUP
Herb Kent #10
I’m having a hard time with that. Herb has been on the air in EVERY DECADE since the 40’s that’s 70 years of broadcasting. http://www.radiohof.org/herb_kent.htm. He should be higher. And the list should be longer to include more females especially Yvonne Daniels and Hattie Leeper
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