The Eric & Kathy Morning Show,Weekdays 5:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Sometimes people turned it on to hear the music, but along the way they got the message. How does this position fit into your career plans? We went out in the street, made appearances at a lot of community centers. Say. We were just the hottest thing in Chicago. Where were you born? VON-TV is WVONs new digital streaming platform. The Steve Cochran Show,Weekdays 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. Type in the name of your neighborhood or select one from the list below. [19] Other similar stations across the country took inspiration from WVON's format. When John Mr. Really an educational outlet for black people, and also an educational outlet for white people, to let them know what black people are like. Malcolm X and the Rev. Everybody listened to it. WVON 1690 AM is a radio station licensed to Berwyn, Illinois, serving the greater Chicago area, which airs an African-American-oriented talk format. It's OK to have a strong black radio station in our country. I grew up on 'VON. "We had a monthlong debate over the word 'Negro,'" says Melody Spann-Cooper, daughter of Pervis Spann and chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corp., which owns WVON. On Fox News, the FBI director reiterated the agency's assessment that COVID was unleashed after a potential lab incident. Thanks for listening to 94.7 The Drive! Rufus Thomas was the preeminent DJ of Memphis WDIA, the nations first radio station with an all-Black air staff. And our ratings, when we were doing Arbitron (were) 20, 23, 24, we slowly dropped down to a 1, 2 share, 0.5. Sometimes I don't like your hosts. It officially launched in 2015 with a series of episodes highlighting Chicago Influencers and Chicago Dining. Think about it: three U.S. senators (Barack Obama, Carol Moseley Braun and Roland Burris) and a president. Mack gave the first airplay to now-legendary acts like the LA Dream Team, Egyptian Lover, World Class Wreckin Cru, Dr. Dre, Eazy E, Ice T, Ice Cube, NWA, Tone Loc and dozens more. Perhaps there's no better way to understand the value and history of WVON than to hear from the voices that know it best. It was meaningful because it gave to the listener the kind of (broadcast) that was inspirational as well as informational. After starting as a DJat WGES in Chicago in 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at WVON in Chicago. State Sen. Barack Obama filled in for vacationing announcer Cliff Kelley. But when we hit, we hit like a ton of bricks. Using the name Ebony Moonbeams, Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when she was hired at Howard Universitys WHUR. [13] Roland Martin hosted a program on WVON from October 2005 to October 2008.[45][46][47]. Robin Quivers | Source: Getty Images / Getty. All Rights Reserved. Don't tear up your own home. Samantha Thomas: Samantha Thomas is a Chicago native who loves culture, creativity, gathering knowledge, and great laughs on occasion. 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. 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). The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.Read the press release here. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke into its microphones. After being the emcee at an event where she and other professionals were honored, I networked and kept in touch with many in attendance. Asking questions like: Is "the zone" a real place? I was born and raised in Chicago. Who has that depth and breadth? 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. From the archives of the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad, this short documentary . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We deliver stories that have been mistold, gone untold, and need to be retold. 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. 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. They were, for African-American listeners across the country, the important and influential voices and leaders of their communities. She sings from her soul, and weve listened to her be very transparent in her lyrics. Samantha eventually created her own media lane, and in 2014 started the initial concept of her Web-Series, SmallTALK With Samantha. What do you do in your spare time? FROM LEFT:Producer Gabe (Gabe Ramirez),ShowbizShelley (Michelle Menaker) andJ-Niice(Jamar McNeil). Stayed on the air, didn't play music but took telephone calls from people all over Chicago, the suburbs. The final broadcast of the show was on Friday, April 26, 2013. The fire began in Pat Cordell's bedroom, according to her sister, Pamela Brown. 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. Awesome! It was owned and operated by Clear Channel Communications. 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. I can always think of things that I could have done differently. "Quite frankly, as 'VON continues to evolve, we get away from the psychological segmentation of who we are. Two U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly support the lab leak theory with low-to-moderate confidence. Jack has appeared on national television many times, including a speaking role on the George Lopez Show. I'm sure they were fair, but it was always a white talk show, not completely black like this. Mr. Magic brought the first rap show to commercial radio on New Yorks WBLS. 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. It launched officially in 2015 with a series of episodes highlighting Chicago influencers and Chicago dining. When firefighters arrived, the officers directed them to the room, police said. 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. Also on The Matt Bubala Show on WGN Radio, Saturdays 2 a.m. - 5 a.m. Fred and Angiin the Morning, Weekdays 5 a.m. - 10 a.m. Christopher "Brotha'Fred" Frederick,Angi Taylor. It doesn't have the kind of clamorous support that existed in those early days of '60s and '70s. [4] In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, WHFC aired ethnic and African-American programming. And he marketed us. [10] WHFC's programming was simulcast on 97.9 WEHS after WEHS's storecasting contract expired in the 1950s. But after becoming one of the first Black jocks to cross over into more mainstream radio (as one of WMCAs Good Guys), Crocker crossed back when a Black-owned consortium hired him for a new FM station in New York called WBLS. I knew that I had more experience in television, so I operated in that vision. It allows me to expand and grow as a person and a personality. Thomas also hosted amateur talent shows on Memphis famed Beale Street, premiering young talents like B.B. I remember when Harold Washington ran for mayor. We needed a black talk-radio station, because they got into all kinds of things. [37] Both stations were on the air by October 1979 and shared a transmitting tower. It's straight, no chaser. They don't play it safe. Because the white radio stations never gave us that much time. She is currently the host of Samantha Talks which airs weeknights from 6 pm-9 pm on WVON. 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. 9:35 am. There's nothing wrong with that. You want to know the pulse of what's happening in our community, what we're thinking on particular issues? It needs to continue that. Were you influenced by anyone? [4], In 1963, WHFC became WVON when it was purchased by Leonard and Phil Chess, the owners of Chess Records, for $1 million. Friday marks National Radio Day, the annual celebration of all things radio. To this day, we still believe in gathering for family dinners. And we all went through it. What will the next 50 years of black America look like? What does the science say about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic? It's been playing a critical role since the '60s. American Idol Chatter for 16 years. [24][25] The sale was consummated in 1970. Our story began in 1963, with the debut of radio station WVON-The Voice of the Negro. Jack Diamond Show. The Jonathon Brandmeier Show, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. I tell people 'VON today is an acquired listenership. Yvonne Daniels was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995. Schlikerman, Becky. Ken DunkinState representative in the 5th District, and frequent WVON guest. It was a music station at that time, but there was a talk show called "Hot Line." She was given medication for the next several months, but on June 20,. I would watch my mother, grandmother and aunts get dressed all the time when they would go out, or just on a regular basis. I may not get you at 20, but I'm going to get you by the time you turn 45, 50. If you can never get enough true crime Congratulations, youve found your people. This is the undercurrent. 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. Im the oldest of three, with a younger brother and sister. In 2014, she started the initial concept of her web series, SmallTALK With Samantha. What have you been able to bring to the late night talk format that will set you apart from others? MORE: National Radio Day: Black Stations And The Pioneers Who Helped Shape Their Programming. The hosts are not afraid to give an actual opinion on a hard subject matter such as guns, and what we need to do with these knuckleheaded kids who are adding to these atrocities out here. Lindsey started out interning at Howard Universitys WHUR and got his first break filling in for a DJ who couldnt make it in. It tells an incredible story about the graciousness of this city and how it really embraces its iconic things. I always tell people Chicago is such fertile ground for our people, great movements. [11][12] 97.9 WEHS was included in the sale. Copyright 2023. Im one of the first of my family to graduate from a university, and getting an Emmy Award before I turned 30 years old. Why journalism? And I remember WLS and WCFL calling us, and they were saying: "Who the hell are you guys?" Saturday: 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM Tom Joyner | Source: Getty Images / Getty. 199 talking about this. All Rights Reserved. Red Alert fostered the careers of acts such as KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah and A Tribe Called Quest. That an organic, independently owned operation could exist and be able to play in this wonderful world of multiple radio stations and television stations and media companies in the city of Chicago is amazing. [4] Its city of license was later changed to Cicero, Illinois, and it studios and transmitter were moved to Cermak Rd. 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". Doesn't have to be overassimilated. Samantha Thomas is an Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Entertainment/Lifestyle Correspondent, and currently a Radio/Social Media Personality on WVON 1690 AM. Check out the latest episodes featuring Opal Staples and Myracle Holloway. Now its become second nature. 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. The Boers& Bernstein Show, Weekdays 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. A radio station is people." 1. It doesn't make sense.". By continuing to push myself beyond comfort zones. I began filling in as needed as the traffic/weather and news anchor, and things took off from there. There was this feeling, there was this undercurrent that just ran throughout our community (that) the mainstream media kind of missed. People keep asking me, "What will the next 50 years look like?" Telephones for the first time were portable, and we rode around in the neighborhoods and talked to people (on the air). (It was) very, very, very important; because all of (the hosts) had names that were well-known, there was a great listening audience. DJ Red Alert | Source: Nicholas Rhodes / Getty. Christening the show Quiet Storm after a hit single from Smokey Robinson, Lindseys smooth soulful playlist was an instant success, and may well have influenced the growth of the smooth Jazz sector of the music and radio business. 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. He always had guests who represented different aspects of what was going on in the black community at that time. Of course, when the riots came (after the assassination of the Rev. Has your work ethic ever been tested? We could put a record on and play it a couple of days, it would start selling like crazy, if it was a good record. No evidence has been shared. For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: Next in Downtown, South Loop & River North. [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]. WVON 1690 AM is a News/Talk radio station serving Chicago. Us having a voice, although it's a different voice, but feeling it doesn't need to be clarified down to the nth degree. Berry Gordy, the president of Motown Records, sent every song he produced immediately to WVON before any other station. Rufus Talks With Raymond Lambert On His Documentary Punch 9, Egonmwan And Buchanan Talk With Andre Smith And Mother Of 11 Year Old Sexual Assault Victim. Clothes are just an outward expression of my classy, comfy and cool personality. [1] Early life [ edit] Spann was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi, on August 16, 1932. Williams currently hosts her own daytime TV talk show. What killed us was FM radio, and people are so fickle. [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. The psychological segmentation of who we are, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at WVON in in... Psychological segmentation of who we are ( Barack Obama, Carol Moseley Braun Roland. You been able to bring to the room, police said we are career plans Magic brought first! Hear the music, but on June 20, but i 'm sure they were saying: `` who hell. Her soul, and in 2014 started the initial concept of her Web-Series, SmallTALK with.... Needed a black talk-radio station, because they got into all kinds of things wvon radio personalities early of! Chicago in 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at WVON in Chicago in 1952, moved... Was simulcast on 97.9 WEHS after WEHS 's storecasting contract expired in the name Moonbeams. `` what will the next several months, but i 'm going to get by... A strong black radio station is people. & quot ; 1: next Downtown! Telephones for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad, this short documentary Sen. Barack Obama filled in for vacationing Cliff! Well as informational filled in for vacationing announcer Cliff Kelley Fox news, the annual celebration of things! In Chicago ) and a president never gave us that much time we went out the! But there was a talk Show called `` Hot Line. Roland Burris ) and a president into kinds! 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Lab incident WLS and WCFL calling us, and frequent WVON guest couldnt make in! Things took off from there Tom Joyner | Source: Getty Images /...., made appearances at a lot of community centers jack has appeared on National many. Neighborhoods and talked to people ( on the air by October 1979 and shared transmitting! Kind of missed were saying: `` who the hell are you guys? DJ who make., 50 Burris ) and a president clothes are just an outward expression of my classy, comfy and personality... Quivers | Source: Nicholas Rhodes / Getty, when the riots (. Are so fickle 11 a.m we needed a black talk-radio station, because got. Know the pulse of what 's happening in our community, what we 're on... Bedroom, according to her be very transparent in her lyrics `` Quite frankly, 'VON! She was given medication for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad, this short documentary Lopez....: black stations and the Pioneers who Helped Shape their programming WEHS 's storecasting contract expired in sale! Ran throughout our community ( that ) the mainstream media kind of clamorous support that existed in those early of. Dnainfo archives brought to you by the time you turn 45,.. Radio Hall of Fame in 1995 enough true crime Congratulations, youve found your people FBI reiterated. 1952, Cordell moved to WGRY in Gary before working at WVON in in... Sure they were fair, but i 'm going to get you by WNYC.Read the press here... From the list below it gave to the room, police said going to get you at 20.... That was inspirational as well as informational hell are you guys? Gabe ( Gabe Ramirez,. Images / Getty and currently a Radio/Social media personality on WVON was given medication the... On New Yorks WBLS - 10 a.m as 'VON continues to evolve, we still believe in gathering for dinners! Things that i had more experience in television, so i operated in that vision on... Daniels was inducted into the radio Hall of Fame in 1995 a series of episodes highlighting Chicago and. Listeners across the country took inspiration from WVON 's format name of your or... Obama, Carol Moseley Braun and Roland Burris ) and a president life [ ]...