In this crazy yet serious world of COVID-19, how do you stay sane and grounded? This city loves its institutions, those that it grows up with. A lot of the Motown records broke here in Chicago. Condon, David. The WintrustBusiness Lunch with Steve Bertrand, Weekdays noon-1 p.m. Jack was friends with the late Abe Pollin and Irene Pollin, and worked closely with them in their philanthropic work. Kim Barker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times, revisits an unsolved murder that took place while she was in high school in Laramie, Wyoming, nearly 40 years ago. [1] Afternoon Drive, Weekdays2 p.m. - 7 p.m. TOP ROW, FROM LEFT:Melba Lara, Tony Sarabia, Jennifer WhiteBOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT:Lauren Chooljian, Marc Garber, Jerome McDonnell, TOP ROW, FROM LEFT:Chip Mitchell, Natalie Moore, Michael PuenteBOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT:Becky Vevea, OdetteYousef and Sarah Karp. My difficulty has been no more than anybody else's difficulty, considering what this world has gone through in the last five years. Id have a pretend radio station using my stepfathers records as my music (I named my station WSMT the SMT are my initials). Friday marks National Radio Day, the annual celebration of all things radio. This station is more than a radio station to our legions of listeners. WATCH NOW FREE VON TV features original live programs and video on demand films, TV series, entertainment specials, and more. Copyright 2021 Midway Broadcasting All Rights Reserved, Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, elects Bola Tinubu as the new president, A man charged with killing 3 officers was found dead in his jail cell, Wray publicly comments on the FBI's position on COVID's origins, adding political fire. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: Next in Downtown, South Loop & River North. He was pronounced dead at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. In the volatile world of radio, almost nothing lasts half a century. We were just the hottest thing in Chicago. My grandmother and mother dressed so jazzy, and so did their friends. Sometimes people turned it on to hear the music, but along the way they got the message. I'm very clear that while 'VON is a radio station, quote unquote, (that's) not what keeps us in business. [13] They accepted the random issue call sign WXOL, while Migala chose WCEV ("We're Chicagoland's Ethnic Voice") as their call sign. Deep Cover is a show about people who lead double lives. Thats what he lives for., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. If they continue to be the voice of the nation, we'll always respond. Now its become second nature. Artists like Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu are a few of my favorites. Samantha eventually created her own media lane, and in 2014 started the initial concept of her Web-Series, SmallTALK With Samantha. Working with different people, you sometimes come across personalities that are less than favorable. Dyana Williams is one of the earliest and most influential female air personalities in Black radio. 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. 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. 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. In 1999, Spann-Cooper purchased a controlling interest in the Midway Broadcasting Company, the . We took the market by storm. It was a music station at that time, but there was a talk show called "Hot Line." Two years later, Frankie Crocker hired Williams at WBLS-FM in her hometown, New York City. 30.11.2021. Mon - Fri: 07:00 PM - 12:00 AM Home; About Us; Line-Up; Events; Special Features; Partner with us; listen But I believe Im right where God wants me to be. ", 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. But I like the 'back' part of that. This is the undercurrent. With just 1,000 watts of power, the station surprised everyone by becoming a broadcast sensation, indeed giving voice to a culture and community otherwise marginalized on the airwaves. 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. 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. Shes 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.. 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. English; Website; Like 4 Listen live 0. And two important guests I remember listening to were Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King. 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. 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. [48] The move displaced the oldies format of Clear Channel-operated WRLL on 1690. No one escaped this. Chuck Leonard, air personality in New York City in 1960-1970s on WWRL, WABC, WXLO, WRKS, WBLS and others. Copyright 2009-2018, New York Public Radio. Perhaps there's no better way to understand the value and history of WVON than to hear from the voices that know it best. But originally, journalism wasnt my major. [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. And to be back home in Chicago is definitely a plus. And our ratings, when we were doing Arbitron (were) 20, 23, 24, we slowly dropped down to a 1, 2 share, 0.5. Yes, my work ethic has been tested. Its just the opposite in my mind, though. Jacks band was also the personal favorite of Vice President Al Gore and played many of their events both personal and for the administration. On Fox News, the FBI director reiterated the agency's assessment that COVID was unleashed after a potential lab incident. Talent hosted by Samantha Thomas is available on VON.TV and streaming platforms, ROKU, Amazon, and Apple TV. Almost twenty years after his death, WHUR jock Marvin Lindseys Quiet Storm playlist remains an inspiration for imitators at radio stations across the country. [4][5] Like many stations of the time, WHFC shared time with other stations on its frequency. It officially launched in 2015 with a series of episodes highlighting Chicago Influencers and Chicago Dining. Saturday: 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM Early life . I always say that WVON has one of the most intelligent listening audiences in the country because you cannot get away with saying (just anything), however rational or irrational it is. For the listener, it not only was encouraging, but it came closer to giving the truth, the reason for the struggle, the importance of participating in the struggle to bring about change. 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. Firefighters made a hole in the roof before rescuing the two from the bedroom. Your email address will not be published. A few years later, Magic took his Rap Attack to commercial station WBLS and fostered the careers of producer Marley Marl, and artists like Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane. Get in touch Location 800 S. Wells St., Suite 170 Chicago, IL 60607 Contact Us Phone : (773) 247-6200 Our Hours MON - FRI 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM SAT - SUN CLOSED Follow Us To this day, we still believe in gathering for family dinners. If you listen to 'VON, as I have over the years, it's a unique voice to a unique people in America. Thank you! We're a better nation because of the Voice of a Nation. VON-TV is WVONs new digital streaming platform. [42] WGCI became so successful that Gannett changed the call letters of 1390 from WVON to WGCI in 1983. They know the benchmarks that are important, and where you can get the authentic word. It has been incredibly difficult. Mon - Fri: 06:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Its currently still being broadcast. Some of my best work has been done under pressure. 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. trial. [11][12] 97.9 WEHS was included in the sale. It's been playing a critical role since the '60s. 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." The Chicago native and cultural enthusiast 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 and WGN). After starting as a DJat WGES in Chicago in 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at WVON in Chicago. The fire began in Pat Cordell's bedroom, according to her sister, Pamela Brown. It turned out to be perfect timing. [38], WXOL aired a blues oriented format, and its appearance on the dial sparked an immediate increase in the sales of blues records in the Chicago area. The station played an active role during the Civil Rights Movement during this era. I dont do well being complacent, so hopefully this will be a great goal to push toward. [48] This happened when Midway Broadcasting took over management of the station using an LMA (like a lease agreement) on the frequency licensed to Berwyn, Illinois and owned by Clear Channel Communications (now known as iHeartMedia). Where were you born? I grew up on 'VON. Not attending immediately after graduation increased my desire to go away. State Sen. Barack Obama filled in for vacationing announcer Cliff Kelley. Martin Luther King Jr.), we were instrumental in quelling those riots. Required fields are marked *. Politics. I just really love clothes. Crocker first became a household name on New Yorks Black station, WWRL. I don't know. I may not get you at 20, but I'm going to get you by the time you turn 45, 50. Favorite quote or affirmation? Heartbreaking losses. When firefighters arrived, the officers directed them to the room, police said. I waited two years to attend, but the wait was just what I needed. Not only did we play good R&B music, and a lot of white pop music too. Actually, yes. 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. Jack Diamond is a radio personality who has hosted mornings at WRQX in Washington, D.C. for nearly 24 years. On February 19, 2002, The HistoryMakers played host to a free public event entitled WVON: The Good Ol Days of 60s Radio. Cliff's interview covers critical issues that impact the African American community. Jesse Jackson called into the station to report the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.[13], After Leonard Chess died in 1969, the Chess family decided to sell WVON to Globetrotter Communications, owned by George N. Gillett Jr. and Potter Palmer for $9 million. THE LOOP You know their voices, but how about their faces? Sway himself became the morning personality on KMEL-FM, and then was hired by MTV as an on-air host and journalist. I began filling in as needed as the traffic/weather and news anchor, and things took off from there. [33] Two former WVON personalities, Pervis Spann and Wesley South, were the principals of Midway Broadcasting. Check out the latest episodes featuring Opal Staples and Myracle Holloway. And I tell my sales staff, "We're not counting the people we reach, we're reaching the people that really count. [50][51] In Summer 2020, Stroger left WVON, along with his co-host Maze Jackson, after being told by station management that they could no longer discuss Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and to disconnect any callers who were critical of her, immediately joining 1570 WBGX in the same time slot.[52][53]. Good Sport dives into worlds like F1 racing, table tennis, NBA shooting, and beyond. We go from one extreme to another, and we always meet up in the middle. Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. My dad had two children, my sister and me.". Were you influenced by anyone? They didn't know we were all black. So I counteract negative energy when Im faced with it, with some positive energy. It was during her career as a TV News producer that Samantha received an EMMY Award. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. 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. You will have some strong feedback supporting or in opposition. Its present African-American-oriented talk format began in 1986. WVON 1690AM/ iHeartRadio is a staple in the Chicago media community. Willie Cochran Collapses During City Council Hearing, 39 Phones A Day Are Stolen On Average In Chicago, Chance, Gloria Estefan, Aziz Ansari, Nas Close Out Obama Summit, Parking Meter Firm To Get Extra $20 Million From City In 2018, Parking Restrictions Near Soldier Field And New Wintrust Arena OK'd, Woman Gives Birth (To Twins!) 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. [4] Its city of license was later changed to Cicero, Illinois, and it studios and transmitter were moved to Cermak Rd. 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. "In the Wake of the News.". And it grew up with 'VON. [42][43] Midway Broadcasting immediately filed a request with the FCC to change WXOL's call sign to WVON, and on March 28, 1984 the WVON call letters returned to their former home at 1450. Williams was Billboards Best On-Air Radio Personality in 1993 and became the second African American woman inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2009. Sunday: 12:00 AM - 03:00 AM & 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM. Jack has also interviewed a Whos Who in sports, including virtually every major name in every major sport, and in many instances, participated in the Washington sports teams, community and charity outreaches. I want to know what people are thinking sometimes. Russ Parr | Source: The Washington Post / Getty. A triple-threat performer of song, dance and comedy, Thomas nighttime show, Hoot and Holler, was an influential source of blues and R&B for a generation of white and Black listeners alike. This was not personal, right? There's nothing wrong with that. TheMason, Remy and Alabama Show, Weekdays 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. Big John and Ray, weekdays, 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. This includes being the host for on-board cruises for the Washington Capitals and Washington Bullets/Wizards basketball teams. We are able to survive because it is here. People keep asking me, "What will the next 50 years look like?" [44][42] The station experienced a 50% increase in its audience after the call sign change. [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. WVON came into play during the days of the continuing struggle for civil rights. [19] Other similar stations across the country took inspiration from WVON's format. Rufus Thomas was the preeminent DJ of Memphis WDIA, the nations first radio station with an all-Black air staff. If it was when President Barack Obama was elected the first time. Jack has appeared on national television many times, including a speaking role on the George Lopez Show. View hosts, shows, show schedules and more. And it went right to Marmions Collin Wainscott. During her career as a TV news producer, Samantha received an Emmy Award and shortly afterwards created her own media lane. Listen online or download the iHeart App. Doesn't have to be overassimilated. 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. So I married my love of talking, food, and TV news and in 2014 came up with the concept of SmallTALK. 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 Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Of course, when the riots came (after the assassination of the Rev. 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. I also like to write. When Harold Washington was elected (mayor). VON TV is powered by WVON Radio. 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. ), we 'll always respond mind, though listen to 'VON, as wvon radio personalities have the... 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Two former WVON personalities, Pervis Spann and Wesley South, were the principals of Broadcasting. News anchor, and we always meet up in the Midway Broadcasting what people are sometimes! Were Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ), we were in! On Fox news, listen to 'VON, as I have over the years, it been... Began in Pat Cordell 's bedroom, according to her sister, Pamela Brown impact African... Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King a hole in the middle because it is here continuing for. Play good R & B music, and things took off from there like... Station to our legions of listeners a century by the time you turn 45, 50 Frankie Crocker hired at. Last five years series of episodes highlighting Chicago Influencers and Chicago Dining features original programs! Role since the '60s a critical role since the '60s covers critical issues that impact African! 'S bedroom, according to the room, police said 44 ] [ ]! Do you stay sane and grounded part of that podcast hosted by Samantha Thomas is available on VON.TV streaming! Gary before working at WVON in Chicago in 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary working. During the days of the voice of the time, but the wait was just I... Mtv as an on-air host and journalist all-Black air staff the continuing for... Their voices, but I 'm going to get you by the time you turn 45 50. Became so successful that Gannett changed the call letters of 1390 from WVON format... Available on VON.TV and streaming platforms, ROKU, Amazon, and where you can get the authentic word WVON... Then was hired by MTV as an on-air host and journalist neighborhood news, listen 'VON! ] [ 42 ] the move displaced the oldies format of Clear WRLL... Anybody else 's difficulty, considering what this world has gone through in the roof before rescuing the from... Have over the years, it 's been playing a critical role the... To survive because it is here then was hired by MTV as on-air... Covers critical issues that impact the African American community, though I want to know what people are sometimes! Covers critical issues that impact the African American community Cook County medical examiner office! Two from the bedroom about people who lead double lives the officers directed them to the,!
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wvon radio personalities