THE STARS, NOTIBLES AND PERSONALITIES Music, Musicians, and Artists of New JerseyOne of the founding goals of the Rhythm & Blues is to provide documented information for higher education about black radio and those persons, record labels, agencies and industry leaders business operators with credible information from the people involved. We want to honor those who has now either passed on or lost contact with the radio/music industry. We want to celebrate the life and legends, of those who have been forgotten in death and those who yet lives. New Jersey and New York has long been an important area for both rock and rap music. Some prominent residents and significant famous persons of New Jersey are: Singer Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken. He sang with a neighborhood vocal group, the Hoboken Four, and appeared in neighborhood theater amateur shows before he became an entertainment legend as an Academy Award winning actor and one of the most famous male vocalists of all time Bruce Springsteen, who has sung of New Jersey life on most of his albums, hails from Freehold and is the most popular rock musician to ever come out of the state. Some of his songs that represent New Jersey life are "Born to Run", "Spirit In The Night," "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)", "Thunder Road", "Atlantic City", and "Jungleland" John Amos, actor of stage, screen and television ( Good Times) lived in ast Orange, N.J., The Jonas Brothers all reside in Wyckoff, New Jersey, where the eldest brother of the group, Kevin Jonas was born, as well as the youngest Jonas, Frankie Irvington's Queen Latifah was the first female rapper to succeed in music, film, and television Lauryn Hill is from South Orange, New Jersey. Her 1998 debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, sold 10 million copies internationally. She also sold millions with The Fugees second album The Score Redman (Reggie Noble) was born, raised, and resides in Newark. He is the most successful African-American solo hip-hop artist out of New Jersey All members of The Sugarhill Gang were born in Englewood Roc-A-Fella Records rap producer Just Blaze hails from Paterson, New Jersey

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Lady CiCi, born in Newark, N.J., has had early exposure to gospel music as well as to popular songs. Her formal education led her to a teaching profession in the public school system; her jazz education led her to singing as a professional artist. The mentoring she received early on from stalwarts such as Duke Anderson and Corky Caldwell, who really helped her, unlocked her vocal ability with keys in her range to afford her the benefit of finding and developing her own distinctive sound and style. Also working with the likes of Jimmy Ford who gave her, her first professional gig and the Billy Ford band along with Corky Caldwell where the experience prepared her for an ongoing stage performances. She gigged several years locally with many bands including her own band. Then, with the support of her now spouse drummer Don Williams, Lady CiCi continued to broaden her horizon by going on the road with Arthur Prysock, and the Jimmy McGriff/Hank Crawford Quartet. She has performed throughout the U.S. as well as abroad. Lady CiCi is fortunate to have some of the best backing her. Joey DeFrancesco and Dave Braham on organ, Eric Alexander and Bill Easley on sax, Bill Easley also on flute, Geary Moore on guitar, Don Williams on percussions and Butch Johnson on congas. Whether they sung in church or were rose in its environment. Lady CiCi continued the tradition. Cynthia Holiday ; Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Cynthia Holiday grew up around music. Her stepfather Calvin Hughes led his own big band and played trumpet with Count Basie, Frank Foster, Clark Terry, Eddie Lockjaw Davis and Big Maybelle. As a kid, I watched my dad and his band perform regularly at the Terrace Ballroom and many of the hottest clubs in the New Jersey area. He had a singer in his band, Fannie Douglas, who mesmerized me. I also remember seeing Regina Belle sing with my dad before she became a famous R&B singer. It made me say Im going to do that one day. Early on Cynthia was a dancer, studying for years with the Garden State Ballet Company, touring with a modern dance company, and even teaching dance during college But singing was her true love. Cynthias initial vocal training began at the Newark School of The Arts and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. She also studied privately with composer Duke Anderson, Kevin Mahogany, Marion Cowings, and the late Rita DaCosta Turrentine. Equally important to Cynthia was the experience she gained sitting in with musicians on the Newark/New York jazz scene like her father Calvin Hughes, the late bassist, Earl May; pianist, Harry Whittaker; the Bob Harris Orchestra and B3 organist, Radam Schwartz. Jon Bon Jovi, who hails from Sayreville, reached fame in the 1980s with hard rock outfit Bon Jovi. The band has also written many songs about life in New Jersey including "Livin' On A Prayer" and even named one of his albums after the state Singer Dionne Warwick was born -Marie Dionne Warrick in East Orange, New Jersey in 1940. Dionne's career as a singer was almost inevitable considering her family background. Dionne's mother, aunts and uncles were members of a renowned gospel group known as the Drinkard Singers that frequently performed throughout the New York area. Dionne began singing gospel as a child at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. She performed her first gospel solo at the age of six and frequently joined The Drinkard Singers (which included her aunt Cissy" (who is the mother of Warwick's cousin, Whitney Houston). Singer (who is Dionne Warwick's cousin) was born in Newark, and grew up in neighboring East Orange Her first televised performances were in the mid-and late 1950s with the Drinkard Singers on local television stations in New Jersey and New York City. Warwick graduated from East Orange High School in 1958 and was awarded a Scholarship in Music Education to the Hartt College of Music in Hartford, Connecticut. Dionne earned a Doctorate of Music Education from the college in 1973. Also, in 1958, Warwick, Myrna Utley, Carol Slade, and Warwick's sister Delia, who by this time had begun to be known professionally as Dee Dee Warwick, formed their own group, which they called "The Gospelaires." Their first performance together was at the world famous Apollo Theater, where they won the weekly amateur contest. The Gospelaires eventually became the recording group the Sweet Inspirations, which had minor chart success but were much sought-after as studio background singers for other artists including The Drifters, Ben E. King, Chuck Jackson, Dinah Washington, Solomon Burke, Garnet Mims, the Drifters, Jerry Butler, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Presley - and later on Dionne's recordings Legendary jazz pianist and bandleader Count Basie was born in Red Bank in 1904. In the 1960s, he collaborated on several albums with fellow New Jersey native Frank Sinatra. The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank is named in his honor.

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Linda Jones (December 14, 1944 - March 14, 1972) Date of death: Mar 14, 1972 (age 28 years) was an American soul singer. Jones was born in Newark, New Jersey. She started singing in her family's gospel group the Jones Singers at the age of six. Linda Jones started out singing in her family's gospel group the Jones Singers at the age of six. Her first recording was 'Lonely 'Teardrops' under the name Linda Lane, on Cub Records in 1963, and she recorded for the Atco imprint in 1964 and Blue Cat in 1965. Linda also utilised her unique vocal dynamics on the song, Not On the Outside, recorded for Turbo Records in Newark, New Jersey. In 1967, she worked with writer / producer George Kerr and signed to Russ Regan's Loma label in 1967. This resulted in her biggest hit, 'Hypnotized', which almost reached the U.S. Top 20. She later had recorded for Warner 7Arts, Cotique and Gamble And Huffs Neptune label before joining Sylvia Robinson's Turbo Records in 1971. A sufferer of diabetes, Linda Jones collapsed backstage at the Apollo in New York on 14th March 1972. She had been there for a two week engagement although she was feeling the warning signs of a diabetic attack. She was rushed to the hospital unconscious where she died at the age of 28 on 14th March 1972. Keshia Knight Pulliam was born in Newark, New Jersey on April 9, 1979. Keshia's appeared on "Sesame Street" at the age of 3 and eventually landed the role of Rudy Huxtable in the hit tv series "The Cosby Show" at the age of 4. She's guest starred in "A Different World" and "Cosby." Keshia has also made appearances on "The Weakest Link" and "Fear Factor." Her winnings from "The Weakest Link" benefited the Bonner Foundation, a group that funds scholarships and ant hunger programs. Keshia's feature film and telefilm credits include "The Little Match Girl," "Polly," "Polly: Comin Home" and "Beauty Shop." Keshia was nominated for a Young Artist Award in 1985 and 1987 for "The Cosby Show." She won in 1989 for "The Cosby Show." She was nominated for a Young Artist Award in 1990 for playing Polly in "Polly." Keshia is a 2001 graduate of Spelman College where she earned a degree in sociology and she's also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Cissy Houston, Born in Newark, NJ on 30 September 1933, Houston is a soul and gospel singer. She led a successful career as a backup singer for such artists as Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, and Aretha Franklin, and is now primarily a solo artist. She is the mother of singer and actress Whitney Houston. In 1963, then about to give birth to daughter Whitney Houston, she formed the Sweet Inspirations with Doris Troy and niece Dee Dee Warwick. Madame Pat Tandy of Newark, New Jersey, has always been a soulful jazz and blues vocalists Newark has always been the stomping grounds, of Newark and New York jazz scenes for many years. In a tribute to the late, great, Irene Reid, Madame Pat Tandy has soulful song a favorites of Ms. Reid One Eyed Man and Big Fat Daddy, both signature blues songs written by Irene, and Neighborhood, by B.B. King, shows off Pat's natural ease with singing the blue that evokes the playful, yet nittygritty, nature of real soulful jazz with Madame Pat Tandy own personal added touch gives new life to old gem classics. Pat Tandy was exposed at an early age to the complementary sounds of the church choir and the jazz choir. Singing evolved naturally from church hymns to blues chants. Other members of this jazz ensemble playing on the Hammond organ, Radam Schwartz , Guitarist Rodney Jones, Drummer Gordon Lane, out of the Baton Rouge tradition, Guitarist Gerald "Twig" Smith is a stalwart, well cherished on the Philadelphia jazz scene. Trombonist Clifford Adams and Tommy Gryce on tenor saxophone, coming out of the Philadelphia scene, has brought that tradition to the next level Carol Slade (a.k.a. Carolyn Marjorie Slade) grew up in Newark, New Jersey. She was a member of a local female gospel group called the Gospelaires. Other members of this group at various times included Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Utley, who were later members of the Sweet Inspirations, along with Emily Drinkard, aka Cissy Houston, who also sang with all of these artists at one time or another. Dionne, Dee Dee, Sylvia, and Cissy sang background on Carol's two records, and Carol and some of the girls sang background on at least one of Dionne Warwick's records and also on "Mexican Divorce" by the Drifters, among other things. In the late 50s and early 60s Carol was studying opera and violin. She graduated from Arts High School in 1961 and was accepted to Julliard and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) but instead decided to try and make it in the music business. She made two records for the California based Domino label. Both records were hits in various cities but did not break out nationally. She appeared once on American Bandstand. It wasn't long before she became disenchanted with being on the road and decided to give up the music business in favor of going back to school, getting married and starting a family. She got married in 1964 and later graduated from Kean College in Union, New Jersey, Jazz pianist Bill Evans was born in Plainfield in 1929 Hip-hop pioneers Naughty By Nature hail from East Orange In 1964, the Isley Brothers founded the record label T-Neck Records, named after Teaneck, their home at the time

42 Ms. Carrie Jackson is a New York/New Jersey... based jazz vocal stylist. She is considered one of the most consistently interesting singers in the metropolitan area, and is one of the top jazz artist's around today providing for classical performances in jazz favorites, soulful sultry pop, blues and poignant mellow gospel. She combines jazz originals, standards, pop/blues tunes, and open improvisation in an adventurous, genre-bending style that's inspirational and original; a singer with a Sound! Carrie Jackson & Her Jazzin' All Star Ensemble swing and perform the music of "Duke" Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, and musical selections songs from her new est release "THE NEARNESS OF YOU" (C-Jay Records). Ms. Jackson has toured both in Europe and the U.S. She has performed with a variety of groups such as "Duke" Anderson Orchestra, Stanley Jordan & Trio, Norman Simmons, Earl May, Lisle Atkinson, Richard Eisenstein, Virginia Mayhew, Dr. Yusef Ali, "Sweet" Sue Terry, James Dean Orchestra, Edward Ellington III, (The Ellington Legacy Band), Chris White, Buddy Terry, Calvin Hughes, Lafayette Harris, Radam Schwartz, Wallace "Corky" Caldwell, Bradford Hayes, Cecil Brooks III, Saul Fischer, James Stewart, Willie Williams, Andy Mc Cloud, Rudy Walker, and others. Carrie Jackson is a New Jersey native who nurtured and honed her talents in Newark, the former Jazz Mecca of New Jersey. She has acquired a vast amount of experience in a wide variety of musical genres. She began her musical career when she was 6 years old singing in the children's choir at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Newark, NJ. Carrie studied piano and voice with Howard "Duke" Anderson, teacher, composer and arranger. She is a protg of Duke's artistry and learned the music business from him. Under "Duke's tutelage she became an accomplished seasoned singer as well as band leader. Carrie has been hailed a "Diva," as principal performer in Thomas Fats Wallers Musical Production, "Ain't Misbehavin, a principal performer in Musical 49th Street Jazz, NY, and a principle performer Musical, Nunsense. The spontaneous interplay with her longtime bandmates, Tomoko Ohno, Lou Rainone, Steve Freeman, Gordon Lane, Lenny Argese, creates a unique and captivating ensemble.Carrie Jackson is President/CEO of C-Jay Recording & Productions, Inc. t/n C-Jay Records established in 1996 and has produced several CD's including her critically-acclaimed CD, "The Nearness of You," and her latest CD, If I Had My Way." Carrie currently serves as Board Member/Secretary, International Women. Board Member/Director, New Jersey Jazz Society, past Vice President, Jazz Institute of New Jersey, and past Choir Director, Diamond Girls, Newark Public School System, Newark, NJ. Carrie has toured the U.S. and abroad, can be seen regularly around the New York, New Jersey metropolitan areas. Barbara Johnson is born in Newark, New Jersey USA, and raised in the Baptist church, Barbara completed her traditional elementary, and high school education and headed straight for New York city and the national black theatre in Harlem, NY for theatre training and the Herbert Berg School of Acting Studios for 1 year. Seeking a more classical training, London and the East 15 Acting School was the next step. After completing a 2yr. program at East 15 Barbara auditioned for and was engaged for the musical Hair in Germany. Barbara has continued to perform and travel throughout Europe in various musicals such as Nunsense as the Gospel nun Sister Hurbert, in Little Shop of Horrors as Chiffon, Chrystal and Ronette , Neil Simons The Odd Couple, Buddy Boldens Blues and The Mahalia Jackson story. Her love for church and gospel music, developing and sharing her solo gospel shows and galas is a very big part of Barbaras career. The connection between gospel and blues is so close that blues is also a part of Barbaras repertoire. Parliament-Funkadelic, the pioneering funk music collective, was formed in Plainfield by George Clinton Antoinette Montague Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Antoinette grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, and took out albums at her local library by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Bessie Smith. Other musical influences included artists that spearheaded R&B/soul like The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, the Jackson 5, Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Otis Redding, and some in swing like Mel Torme and Nat King Cole. Montague has performed onstage with many top jazz and blues musicians including Red Holloway, Benny Powell, Earl May, Winnard Harper, Wycliff Gordon, Stan Hope, John DiMartino, Bernard Purdy, Victor Jones, Tootsie Bean, Zeek Mullins, Paul Bollenbeck, Frank West, and numerous others. Antoinette Montague admits proudly that her style of singing has been influenced by several great singers including Carrie Smith whom she says, inspired me to have a big voice onstage. Sarah Vaughan AKA Sarah Lois Vaughan Born: 28-Mar-1924 Birthplace: Newark, NJ Died: 3-Apr-1990 Location of death: Hidden Hills, CA Sarah Vaughan first began to develop her remarkable voice at the age of 7, singing in the choir of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in New Jersey. By the start of her teen years, she was also playing the organ during services and studying the piano. While still very young her talents reached such an advanced stage that she dropped out of school and began competing in talent contests; one such contest (which she won) at the Apollo Theater in 1942 landed her a job as vocalist and second pianist of The Earl Hines Orchestra. During the 1960s, Vaughans musical output veered more towards the pop end of her spectrum.

43In 1962 she divorced Atkins; the following year she left Roulette and returned to Mercury, initiating a working relationship with Quincy Jones that would result in a number of worthy recordings before she again left Mercury in 1967. After a five year hiatus from recording Vaughan then signed with the Pablo Label and once again turned towards her jazz roots, appearing at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1974. Several excursions into Latin-jazz territory were subsequently made, as well as a pair of albums interpreting Duke Ellington compositions. Despite deteriorating health, Vaughan continued to record and perform until the end of the 1980s. An album of Gershwin tunes with The Los Angeles Philharmonic earned her a Grammy award in 1982, while a televised concert in the later half of the decade featured her with both old friends such as Dizzy Gillespie and the next generation of jazz performers like Herbie Hancock. She succumbed to lung cancer in 1990. Husband: George Treadwell (musician, m. 1947, div.) Husband: C. B. Atkins (m. 1959, div. 1962) Daughter: Paris Sarah has won, Emmy, Grammy Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female (1982) NEA Jazz Master 1989 and as an actress in Murder, Inc. (28-Jun-1960) Vaughan remained quite active as a performer during the 1980s and began receiving awards recognizing her contribution to American music and status as an important elder stateswoman of Jazz. In the summer of 1980, Vaughan received a plaque on 52nd Street outside the CBS Building (Black Rock) commemorating the jazz clubs she had once frequented on Swing Street and which had long since been demolished and replaced with office buildings.

BILLIE PREST

The Pioneers of Black Radio wish to thank all the loyal listeners, followers, contest winners, artists, record companies, Artist relation representatives, clubs, discos, bars, car dealerships, beer companies, fast-foods chains, mom & pop establishments, mayors & city officials, governors, presidents, , public services operations, clothing industry, manufacturing, Our unions-(AFTRA & SAG), our air-personalities, staff, employees and our station owners. We thank you all for nearly four decade of professional opportunities of a life, for serving, giving, leading, and providing news, information and the platform for music, with no boundaries, which connected us all, in a language of respect and understanding. For the nearly four decades of public services, communication that bridge the social gaps to the people of New Jersey and New York, that made AM, 1430, WNJR, Radio Station #1 throughout the years.

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Prominent Radio PersonalitiesAM-1430 WNJR most dynamic personalities Disc Jockeys included Fred Mills, Announce, Music Director Jerry Love, Music in the Round, For Lovers Only Jake Jordan -the Apology Line Herman Amis -the Other Side of Midnight Fred Buggs-Afternoon Drive Cleo Row, Morning with Steele Colony Sharmaine Foster, Later Evening With B.J. Stone, Jeff Dixon The Over night crew for Soft Mellow Music: Robin Johnson, Stella Marrs, Ramona Brabaum, The weekend Black Rock Warriors: JJ Ramey, Bobby Jay, Donnie Simpson, Larry Joe Williams, Jose Guzman, Carlos Dejesus and Wesley Morgan. The Swing Shift Personalities: Friendly Henry (Henry Singleton) T-in The Morning (Lonnie Tucker) Mike T (T&T) following Lonnie.

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WHAT DID THEY DO BEFORE ? LONNIE TUCKERBefore becoming a DJ (announcer) Lonnie was a New Jersey News Correspondent and Newscaster personality at WNJR, and WVNJ Radio Stations; He was also a New Jersey News Stringer for WABC, WCBS, WWOR, WPIX, WNET, 1010-WINS-News Radio, and for the Mutual and National Black Networks.. Beside being a Radio Broadcaster and Air Personality, Known as T -On Your- B.O.X. Lonnie Tucker was appointed the first Black Public Relations Director and Spokesman for the Newark New Jersey Fire Department. He also serviced as Chief of Staff for Fire Director & State Senator John P. Caufield. Lonnie was appointed the by the Governor Office of Education to the CAPA-Team for Failing Schools, as a Cultural Diversity Consultant/Trainer. Lonnie Tucker was the Chair of the Media Message Committee for the New Jersey State Fire Safety Commission, an appointed member of the Law and Public Safety Drug and Alcohol Council. Lonnie later serves as an Investigator, a Hospital Administrator, Founded the Medical Scouts Program/Advisor, a Special Police Officer and as a County Agent with the Prosecutors Office.

As A New Jersey New Reporter

Appointed PIO of Fire Department

with Fire Director as The New PIO

As an Arson Detective

As A State Senators Chief of Staff

As A County Prosecutors Agent

As a Special Police Officer

As A Hospital Administrator

As the Medical Scouts Founder & Advisor

Diana Steel

Lonnie

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FRED MILLS

Fred Mills w/ member Lakeside

HENRY SINGLETON

MIKE THOMASCurrently embarking upon Entrepreneurship after spending many years climbing the ladder in Corp Amer and achieving Director of Sales. Trained, Managed and Hired Sales reps. am very proficient in the Management of Staff - so if one can Manage for Corp America why can't one manage their own Biz. Spent many years in the Music Industry as CBS Promotion / Marketing Exec, Manager of Artist's , Road Mgt & Engineer, Booking Agent but natural talent Radio Host and DJ where I worked at WNJR from 1978 - 1991 and currently hosting The Love Zone USA at http://www.facebook.com/thelovezoneusa

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TOYA BEASLEY

Former WRKS (987 KISS)/NEW YORK PD will transition from her former role as PD into a consultancy position. In this newly created role she will focus on the KISS Inspirations HD2 Channel. BEASLEY was the first African-American female programmer of WRKS. She began her career in FEBRUARY 1989. She was APD until MAY 1990, when she moved up to MD. She was appointed PD in 1997. Ms Beasley was the traffic comptroller of WNJR Earlier before her move to KISS FM.

FRED BUGGSThe Fred Bugsy Buggs from queens; The Radio is my gift. The People are my Blessing; u get more @ bugsybugs twitter . Fred has worked for A few major markets radio stations including WNJR

BOBBY JAY Top 40 Radio Personality who also got his start at WNJR Bobby is one of the Kings of Golden Oldie Radio Announcers and a Television Star and Record Artist.

SHARMAINE FOSTER and has going on to other areas of media broadcasting 48

Ms. Foster begain her start at WNJR

Thurman A Miller

started out as an intern I met Carlos and Larry Burke in 1989 and developed a friendship with them. I interviewed them both. Carlos was my interview cause I grew up listening to KTU and I used to watch him on NY hot tracks. He said I really need to get to know Larry cause he is the person the runs the station cause he wrote copy and used to deal with advertisers. Larry and I are still in contact today, done an over night air shift with Herman Amis for gospel, official on air part time announcer hired before the station was sold in 1991, I formed good working relationships with Steele Colony, Jerry "love" Brown, Valerie Steel, Bill Franklin, Tim Butler (pt and good friend of Carlos). At that time, Jeff McCall was another pt announcer from NY. , I worked for WWDJ 970 in Hackensack, WVNJ in Teaneck and the NJN network in Trenton. I was also an extra in the movie a Bronx Take when it was filmed at the armory in Jersey City. However the scenes were scrapped and they filmed in NY for the release. I made an attempt to get into voiceovers and in the late 90's I moved to South jersey.

JAE GREGORY

I started at WNJR in 1990 until 1992, I was a weekend air personality and a full time Account Exec.I worked on many big concert venues; the Mother's day concert at the Beacon In New York and shared the stage with Serigo Dean of WBLS as co-host for this affair the show featured the Dells, Gladys's Knight and the Pips. I was selected by the client of this affair to do the commercial and to put together a promotion for this affair

JERRY (LOVE) BROWN 49

Renown Air-personality of WNJR

LINDA JONES Got her start at WNJR in staff operation and customer services

DINAN STEEL

Newsperson extraordinaire

CARLOS DEJESUS Mr. NY Hot Tracks- worked in mainstream broadcasting and television media, he was also WNJR Program Manager

DONNIE SIMPSON Baltimore joins D.C. in bidding a fond farewell to the DONNIE SIMPSON Morning Show. We know an AWESOME NEW BEGINNING is about to take place for the CLASS ACT of RADIO 50

HAL JACKSON Hal Jackson was born on November 3, 1915. He grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended Howard University. Jackson began his broadcasting career by becoming the first AfricanAmerican radio sports announcer, broadcasting Howards home baseball games and local American Negro Baseball League games over WOOK/Washington. In 1939, Jackson broke the color line at WINX/Washington by hosting The Bronze Review, a nightly interview program. Before long, Hal had agreed to host called The House That Jack Built, a program of jazz and blues on WOOK. At one point in the 1940s, Jackson was hosting four different daily programs for four different Washington-area stations. Jackson moved to New York in 1954 and became the first radio personality. He also worked at WNJR stations. As a broadcaster in New York, millions of listeners tuned in nightly to hear Jacksons mix of music and conversations with jazz and show business celebrities. In 1971 Jackson was part of a group that acquired WLIB-AM, the first African-American owned and operated station in New York. Today, Jackson serves on the Board of Directors at Inner City Broadcasting and hosts Sunday Classics, an eclectic musical program.

BJ STONE

On air personality of WNJR

STEELE COLONY

Steel Colony (on left) as the Assistant PD at WNJR

51 Honorable Staff and Operations Personnel

ELIZABETH SATCHEL V.P & General Manager JERRI W. CRISMAN - V.P & General Manager NOBLE BLACKWELL General Manager DANIEL ROBINSON Owner HARVEY LYNCH General Manager MARVIN LEWIS General Sales Manager LINDA SQUIRE-BROWN Operations & Customer Services J.J. RAMEY Air-personality & News Man LARRY BURKE Operations & Production Manager TOM BRADSHAW Engineers & Operations CARRIE BROCK General Accounting Manager

The intent of the document is to highlight the artist, announcers and radio personalities of an earlier era in radio. The author however recognized that there are many men and women not mentioned in the document and apologies for not have them listed. It is however with the hope that the torch is passed on where more research can be done to include all personalities that has experienced the changes in the broadcast media. The hardship, sacrifice, and compromises we all had to endure to get to this point from a dominating society of privilege. For the small number of person illustrated in this document, From this authors perspective, Black Pioneers in Radio is the inclusion of whites, Hispanics, an other cultures that made the assimilations of cultures and mix, race music easier for dancing in the cities, ghettos, back-woods and concrete jungles of Urban America. It is with understanding that we collectively who has been there, form the beginning took part in an evolution of cultural change that brought music, news information and connection talk to all who heard or felt the it in sounds of our voices. On behalf of those who open the pathway for this professional, I thank you for your golden voices. And give praise for the shoulders for with we stand that has gone home to the brighter lights in communication calling. I salute the many worldly listeners whose lives were enriched by the Pioneers of Black Radio on the AM & FM Dial then and now. We are truly all grateful for you. Lonnie Tucker 52

WHAT DID THEY DO BEFORE ? Personalities BIOs New York DJs

The East Coast has long been an important areas of both rock and rap music. Some prominent residents and significant famous persons of New York are :

HAL JACKSON Hal Jackson was born on November 3, 1915. He grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended Howard University. Jackson began his broadcasting career by becoming the first AfricanAmerican radio sports announcer, broadcasting Howards home baseball games and local American Negro Baseball League games over WOOK/Washington. In 1939, Jackson broke the color line at WINX/Washington by hosting The Bronze Review, a nightly interview program. Before long, Hal had agreed to host called The House That Jack Built, a program of jazz and blues on WOOK. At one point in the 1940s, Jackson was hosting four different daily programs for four different Washington-area stations. Jackson moved to New York in 1954 and became the first radio personality to broadcast three daily shows on three different New York stations. Four million listeners tuned in nightly to hear Jacksons mix of music and conversations with jazz and show business celebrities. In 1971 Jackson was part of a group that acquired WLIB-AM, the first African-American owned and operated station in New York. Today, Jackson serves on the Board of Directors at Inner City Broadcasting and hosts Sunday Classics, an eclectic musical program.

TOYA BEASLEY Former WRKS (987 KISS)/NEW YORK PD will transition from her former role as PD into a consultancy position. In this newly created role she will focus on the KISS Inspirations HD2 Channel. BEASLEY was the first African-American female programmer of WRKS. She began her career in FEBRUARY 1989. She was APD until MAY 1990, when she moved up to MD. She was appointed PD in 1997.

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FRED BUGGS

The Fred Bugsy Buggs from queens; The Radio is my gift. The People are my Blessing; u get more @ bugsybugs twitter

BOBBY JAY

VY HIGGINSEN Born and raised on 126th Street in Harlem, New York, Vy is a recognized black pioneer among the citys media elite with an impressive list of firsts:

The first black female radio personality in the prime time New York City market on WBLS. First woman to host a morning show on New York radio at WWRL. First woman in advertising sales at Ebony magazine. The first black woman to produce a drama on Broadway with Joe Tuners Come and Gone by August Wilson. The first black female writer, producer, director of the longest-running, Off-Broadway musical in the history of American theatre with Mama, I Want to Sing.

OTHER PIONEERING FRIENDS OF BLACK RADIO

VAUGHN HARPER 54

BK KIRKLAND

KEN WEBB

G KEITH ALEXANDER - New York Radio/TV Personality and The Voice Behind The Names Of The Companies You Trust. I've been focused on helping others gain influence in the world, impact and income by revolutionizing the way they use their voice

WANDA RAMOS SERIGO DEAN

FRANKIE CROCKER AND MANY, MANY OTHERS: Their contributions are the shoulders we all continue to stand on

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Lonnie Tucker Sunday Gospel

The Greats of Gospel of Newark New Jersey The Home of WNJR Radio Sunday GospelsThe City of Newark New Jersey has produced hundreds of gifted gospel singers, quartets, and choirs, Newark is known as the Gospel Mecca of the East Coast. Hosting this Gospel Mecca are the home grown talents and inspiration voices of Lonnie Tucker & Herman Amis. Between these two household names, Lonnie and Herman dominated gospel air-play for years with Hermans Gospel After Midnight of Inspirational Music, to Gospel Music for the Soul and Sunday After Church with Lonnie. Each presenting concerts, and blends of souls stirring music that blended traditional, contemporary, circular, and sing-a-long favorites of Choirs, Groups, Ensembles, Duos, Chorales, Mass Choirs and Single Artists from the fields of gospel and R&B. Along with their presentations, the tow made gospel a must to listen all-day Sundays. The pair took music requests, and allowed call-ins to make church announcements that grew the stations listeners index as the largest audiences from New Jersey and in New Yorks 5 Boroughs. Lonnie Sunday after noon program presented invited recording artist that promoted The Groups and Singers Stories and their beginnings. The program was expanded to include other Sunday announcers that continued the foot-tapping, church-full soul singing music of the old, the modern and the new sing-a-long sounds. Great Gospel Storytellers were the leadoff, to remind all to be grateful, give praise and thanks and having patience with their stories in songs. (like Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, The ONeal Twins, Rev. Buster Simmons, James Cleveland, Rev. Lawrence Roberts, Andrea Crouch, Walter Hawkins and many others. The listeners wanted more hand clapping, shouting out, foot-stomping songs of Gospel. Programming included specific time slotted show where the Word from the area ministers were delivered and played on air. That was followed by Public Service programs, news, and information show and ended with the political opinions from News and Views with Bernice Bass. These shows were produced and engineered by Lonnie Tucker. Throughout the years WNJR live up as a power house for creativity as communicators, connected and linked to the communities with providing immediate and traditional services that was distinctive and influential resulting from the great forbearers of Gospel Music for the Soul and as a radio station leader with R&B music of the old and the new - WNJR. Below are some of the hundreds of gospel groups, choirs, artists, and ministers that presented the gift of gospel music as great artist beginning in the City of Newark, New Jersey Gospel Music History .A personal tanks to Barbara Kukla guidance and inspiration is dedicated to this section of this historical document. 56 Barbara has spent forty-three years in journalism, most of it at The Star-Ledger, in Newark, where she was the longtime editor of the popular Newark This Week Section. Barbara is the author of three books about Newark

and its residents: Swing City Newark Night Life - 1925-50; Defying the Odds Triumphant Black Women of Newark and Sounds of Music : The Dolores Collins Benjamin Story. Barbara has produced two other calendars: Remembering Connie; and a Life Well-Lived; and Newark Songbirds. Jazz Through The Years.

Barbara Kuklas special tribute and dedication are to the men and women of Newark, New Jersey who has trace their musical roots to Newarks churches and communities. Barbara thanks to everyone who assisted with her with her Gospel Music Calendar Project, (photos and bios used in the document). With Special thanks go to the late Viola Wells (Miss 1thapsody), who introduced her to the citys gospel scene in the late 1960s, and to Robert Banks and to Dr, Albert Lewis Jr., my gospel music mentors. Thanks, too, to Terry Gregory, Danny Rhodes, Delores (Bootsy) Roberts, Geneva Roberts, Earnestine Watson, George Hawley and James Lewis of the Newark Public Library.

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Other Gospel Artists Contributions

Without a song, the music is just the beat with tempo and rhythm So make it heart felt, add the words of meaning to the beat and sing on. Barbara Kukla Lonnie this is a great and needed information for the history books of setting the record straight; and for providing credible eyewitness information. WNJR Radio kick-started the careers for groups, acts, artists, local politicians and many others who has going on to higher fame and for many who used the broadcasting services as a platform for news, information and music that connected tour urban global communities . WNJR was the hub that provided a place to meet and listen to, for all of New York, New Jersey and Central Northeastern Coastline . Rejoice BK

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To order your personal calendar with these and other Gospel Greats Keepsake Calendar for 2012 & 2013) Featuring: Coleman Brothers, Bernice Bass, Robert Banks, Rev. Lawence Roberts, Gospel Clefs, Dr. Albert Lewis, Jr., Banks Brothers, Alex Bradford, Cissy Houston, Ann Lundy Lewis, Hattie Fields, Dolores Branch, Hightower Brothers, Morgan Singers, Frierson Singers, Donald Malloy, Jean Cheek, Rev. Elton T. Byrd, Alvin Darling, Francine Finley, Rev. Stef & Jubilation, Annette Evans, Vincent Freeman, Rev. Peter Winstead, Voices of Victory, Rhodaires, Eloise Pitts, Back Home Choir Contact; Barbara Kukla 336 Northfield Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052 Or email bjknkla(aoI.com (973) 325-3760 or bjkuklp@aol.com

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Pioneers Icons Legacy SaluteWe Salute the life time of On-air Personalities that became household names, as well-noted Disc Jockeys for their contributions and chemistry with the public during; the mornings, Afternoon, Drive-Times, Evenings, Late Night, On the Other Side of Midnight, Over Night, and the Wake-up Calls. All are members and a part of Americas Urban and Suburban Cities that brings those voices of intellect, and family friendly chat, to just getting the day started, with a kind word or bring things to some piece and quiet music time. This is the program legacy that continues today; As talented professionals keeps the messages and information alive, that contributes to the music of Rhythm & Blue. These Legendary Professionals have paved the way for generations of established artists, new local artist exposure, internships, artist relations, specialties broadcasts, live-on-the- scene reporting, community action shows, healthcare talks, teens rap, educational shows and what is happening now. These waves of music, entertainment, information and news, gets America on the move. Weather it for waking up, going out, coming home, partying down, attending concerts, providing news and information, going to meetings, political news & views, observing the black experiences, historical observances, or having those 3 times a day meals, or just singing alone, or sharing a talk with someone or just cottelling up alone at home; the loyal listeners has always welcome us with requests for their favorite songs, artists, music and the announcers into the privacy of they homes, cars, businesses, and bed rooms. We are also grateful to the many cable, radio and television owners and affiliates who allowed us this opportunity to impact a good style quality of life and living and for a great musical journey of coming together in brotherhood and as The Village. As we celebrate the old and the news, of music pioneers from the past, the present, and the future, we must pause and salute in memoriam. We pray that all who has pass, are at piece, and those of the present are in good health, and ask the future voices, never to forget, as we, the fellow Pioneers of Black Radio and Radio, remembers the great men, and women that makes this Living Memorial Salute& Dedication, the beginning tribute to those great contributors for inspiring and helping with this mission to preserve and celebrate the Music, the Artists, the Announcers, the Owners and Businesses supporting Radios Rhythm & Blues Legacy for Pioneers of Black Radio. We the living descendents of radio, all appreciate those who has given, those that are giving and those who must give much more to our global diverse cultures as an inclusive community of people connected to the music. Lonnie (T-On-YOUR-B.O.X) Tucker. Special thanks to everyone for their help and support

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PIONEERS ICONS MEMORIUM SALUTE American Music Pioneers and Legends UnforgottenIN MEMORIAM TO MUSIC Ed Bradley Ruth Brown Ahmet Ertegun Gerald Levert

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PIONEERING AMERICAN ICONS Don Cornelius February 1, 2012 NEW YORK (AP) -- In an era when Beyonce and Jay-Z are music royalty, when Barack Obama is the nation's chief executive and when black stars in the cast of a TV show are commonplace, it may be hard to grasp the magnitude of what Don Cornelius created once he got his "Soul Train" rolling. Yes, the syndicated series delivered the music and brought soul artists into America's households, infusing them with soul weekly, with groovy dances and Afro-envy, helping views to take the rid eon the hippest trip in America. Before BET would give African-Americans their own channel, and before black music and faces found their way onto MTV videos as well as network dramas and comedies, "Soul Train" became a pioneering outlet for a culture whose access to television was strictly unlimited. "Most of what we get credit for is people saying, 'I learned how to dance from watching "Soul Train" back in the day,'" And what I am most proud of, is that are making television history." 'Soul Train' host Don Cornelius dead "Soul Train" (which went on for 35 seasons) didn't make history just by influencing the music charts. It served as a pop-culture preview and barometer of fashion, hairstyles and urban patois. By some measure, "Soul Train" was the equivalent of Dick Clark's "Amerihttp://tv.msn.com/tv/series/american-bandstand.1/can Bandstand," although belatedly. Arriving on the wave of the Civil Rights Era, it premiered 13 years after "Bandstand" went national, then took a while longer to attract local stations to air it and advertisers to support it. From there, it became a Saturday afternoon ritual as soul and rap artists (and white artists, too, including Elton John and David Bowie) showed off their latest releases while kids responded on the dance floor. "When you come up with a good idea, you don't have to do a whole lot," Cornelius told The New York Times in 1996 in describing his show's formula. "The idea does it for you." 'Soul Train' marathon to honor Don Cornelius On "Soul Train" ("the hippest trip in America," the announcer proclaimed, "across the tracks of your mind") the host, of course, was Cornelius, but to describe him as the black Dick Clark is somewhat misleading. (A bit like calling Pat Boone the white Little Richard, as David Bianculli noted in his "Dictionary of Teleliteracy.") For Cornelius, the difference was all in the execution. On a 1974 program, he interviewed James Brown about the tragedy of violence in black communities ("black-on-black crime looks very bad in the sight of The Man," Brown said sorrowfully). Then he brought on a 19-year-old Al Sharpton, already a civil rights activist, who presented Brown with an award for his music. But Cornelius never let preaching get in the way of "Soul Train"'s hipness Cornelius was a futurist, an entrepreneur, and a risk-taker, and our music world has been inestimably enriched because of him. Etta James 1938-2012 One of the seminal figures in American music, and an Inaugural Pioneer Award recipient is gone. Etta James has passed at 73, ending a career that spanned seven decades and gave us a range of hits from ballads to blues that continue to stand the test of time. We may never see a day in which "At Last" is not a popular standard, and we will always remember Etta's immense talent as an integral part of the bridge between R&B and Rock & Roll which allowed American Music to become the most powerful artistic force in the world during the 20th Century.

68 Heavy D - 1967 2011

Rapper Heavy D, real name Dwight Arrington Myers, collapsed outside his Beverly Hills home on Tuesday and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Jamaican American singer launched his career in the late 1980s with the albums "Living Large" and "Big Tyme." He went on to act in projects such as "Big Trouble" and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." Vesta Williams 1957 - 2011 Soul/jazz vocalist Vesta Williams was found dead in her hotel room in California on September 22nd. She was 53. The cause of death remains unknown at this time, but she was a singer who should have been much more successful than she was. Clarence Clemons 1942-2011 The Foundation joins family, friends, and fans all over the world in mourning the passing of Clarence Clemons. His roots in soul brought an unmistakable signature to his rock saxophone, and helped propel Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to international prominence. His sound and his joyous presence will live on in our hearts forever. Teena Marie -2010 R&B Legend Teena Marie, tearful said at an award program where she was being honored, Everything I ever asked God to give me, he gave me, and I have to give him the glory. I asked my heavenly father to take my poetry and let me set it to music, and he did. Teena was a true Pioneer of R&B music and a Musical Bridge Builder. She brought people from all walks of life together under the banner of soulful, heartfelt music. Her amazing voice and classic songs like Square Biz, Lover Girl, and unforgettable duet Fire and Desire with Rick James will continue to be played and enjoyed by the world keeping her presence alive. Teena was a thoughtful, insightful and incredibly sensitive artist who approached life like a knowing soul who had truly "been here before. Always a fearless songwriter and producer, Teena possessed a uniquely recognizable vocal style. Her artistic light will remain incredibly bright. She was much loved and will be missed beyond measure by us all. Teddy Pendergrass 1950-2010 The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends and fans in the passing of Teddy Pendergrass. The legendary artist and fellow Foundation Board Member died on January 13 at 59. Teddy Pendergrass was a one of kind voice and a one of a kind person whose contributions and impact on R&B music cannot measured. His dynamic voice, impeccable style, and warm personality were truly a gift to the world. Teddy was a dear friend and colleague of the R&B Foundation having served diligently on our Board of Directors for several years. We applaud and cheer Teddy for his lifes work. He was, as one of his many hit songs stated, a Joy - he will truly be missed. Johnny Carter of The Dells passes at 75 [-08/23/2009 The Mighty Dells" Johnnie Carter of The Dells (known as the world's greatest tenor) passed at 1:00 am. August 21, 2009, from lung cancer. Johnnie was diagnosed with this dreadful disease, last August while The Dells were appearing in Las Vegas. The Dells refused to perform without Carter, and had been trying to nurse him back to health for one year. We will keep you informed, as to the funeral arrangements. God decided that it was time for Johnnie to come home, he will be missed. Johnny Carter, prior to joining the Dells, was a founding member of The Flamingos, joining them on their classic version of I Only Have Eyes For You. With The Dells, Johnny had the biggest hits of his career, on Oh What A Night and Stay In My Corner. 69 Koko Taylor - 06/06/2009

R&B legend Koko Taylor left us this week, on Thursday, June 3, 2009, at age 80. Known the world over as the "Queen of the Blues", Ms. Taylor entertained all of us with the power and the passion of her wonderful voice during a magnificent career that spanned six decades. The recipient of multiple Grammy Award nominations, she was perhaps best known for her million-selling version of "Wang Dang Doodle" recorded on Chess Records in 1965. Ms. Taylor was also a R&B Foundation Pioneer Award recipient, David Fathead Newman 01/25/2009 1998 Pioneer Award winner David Fathead Newman has passed, too soon, at the age of 75. His contributions to music spanned over 50 years, starting most notably with his long stretch as saxophonist in the original Ray Charles band. His recording career began in 1959, and continued through his most recent release in 2007, Life, almost 40 albums in all. And, on works by Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin, Hank Crawford, and Aaron Neville among many, many others, his signature sax could be heard. Michael Jackson - 1958-2009 The Rhythm & Blues Foundation joins the world in mourning the passing of Michael Jackson. His impact on the world of music is immeasurable and incomparable. From the launch of his career as a Motown dynamo, Jackson's vibrant voice and innovative moves thrilled fans the world over. Although he became known as The King of Pop, Jacksons roots were pure R&B. Iris Gordy, chair of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Grants Committee recalls, "From his first moments at Motown, Michael was more than special. The fact that he possessed that profound singing and dancing ability at such a young age was truly amazing. Michael was an astonishing talent. Singing with his brothers and later as a solo artist, Jackson reached unprecedented heights, transcending established concepts of race and musical genre. "It has to be noted that with Billie Jean, Michael Jackson became the first artist to simultaneously top the R&B single, R&B album, pop album, and pop single charts," comments Foundation board member Kenny Gamble who produced The Jacksons, the group's first album after leaving Motown. He took R&B into uncharted territory. The passing of Michael Jackson brings Black Music Month 2009 to a sad end. Bernie Mac 1957 - 2008

Actor and comedian Bernie Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a large family on Chicago's South Side, his grandfather was the deacon of a Baptist church. Mac performed his first standup routine at the age of eight, impersonating his grandparents at the dinner table for the church congregation. After losing his mother to cancer (his brother, father and grandmother died not long after), Mac realized the healing power of laughter. He began telling jokes for spare change in the Chicago subway. While working various odd jobs, he eventually established his own weekly variety show at Chicago's Regal Theatre and joined the comedy club circuit in 1977.Bernie Mac was born on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. His first standup routine was at the age of eight for his church congregation. He established a variety show at Chicago's Regal Theatre, made appearances on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and joined the cast of "Ocean's Eleven." On August 9, 2008, Mac died of pneumonia.

70 Levi Stubbs - Levi Stubbles - (June 6, 1936 October 17, 2008)

Best known by the stage name Levi Stubbs, was the lead vocalist of the legendary Motown R&B group The Four Tops. Born in Detroit in 1936, Stubbs began his professional singing career with friends Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton, forming a singing group called The Four Aims in 1954. Two years later, after having signed with Chess Records, the group changed their name to the Four Tops - this was to avoid confusion with the then-popular Ames Brothers. The group signed to Motown Records in 1963 and by the end of the decade, the Four Tops had over a dozen hits to their name. The most popular of the hits, all of which featured Stubbs on lead vocals, include "Baby I Need Your Loving", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)", "It's the Same Old Song", "Reach Out I'll Be There", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", "Bernadette", "Still Water (Love)", and "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)". The Four Tops were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and have sold over 50 million records worldwide (Information obtained from Wikipedia.com). The Foundation honors his memory. Pervis Jackson, original member of The Spinners - 08/20/2008 The soundtrack to the 70s would have been a little dimmer, a little quieter, and a lot less fun if not for The Spinners. The Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Pervis Jackson, a member of the Spinners throughout the decades. One of the founding members of the group, he was the solid, soulful bass that provided a foundation for the early hits Ill Always Love You and Its A Shame while the group was part of the Motown family. In 1972, The Spinners moved to Atlantic Records, and released the album that made them international stars. Ill Be Around, Could It Be Im Falling In Love and "One of a Kind (Love Affair) all were on their label debut, all held down by the smooth lines of Pervis Jackson. Later, on the hit single Games People Play, Pervis got his starring role with the simple lines 12:45 and I took my time, and they became his signature for years in live performances. Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife, Claudreen, four children, and eight grandchildren. But his music, and his memory, live on Jerry Wexler (Gerald "Jerry" Wexler) (January 10, 1917 August 15, 2008) Wexler was a music journalist turned music producer, and was regarded as one of the major record industry players behind music from the 1950s through the 1980s. He coined the term "rhythm and blues", and was integral in signing and/or producing many of the biggest acts of the last 50 years, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan. Wexler was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. During his time as an editor, reporter, and writer for Billboard Magazine, Wexler coined the term "rhythm and blues." He became a partner in Atlantic Records in 1953. There followed classic recordings with Ray Charles, the Drifters and Ruth Brown. With Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegn, he built up Atlantic Records into a major force. In 1967 he was named Record Executive of the Year for turning Aretha Franklin's career around. He also cultivated a tight relationship with Stax Records, was an enormous proponent of the then-developing Muscle Shoals Sound and founded the fortunes of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. His work in this decade put Atlantic at the forefront of soul music. (From Wikipedia.com) The Foundation honors his memory.

71 Isaac Hayes - 08/11/2008

If you only knew Isaac Hayes as a radio personality, and the voice of Chef in South Park, you didnt know half of the talent and history that was lost yesterday when he passed, too young, at the age of 65. A talented musician and composer, Isaac Hayes was an accomplished hit maker even before he won multiple Grammies and an Oscar for his seminal soundtrack to Shaft in 1972. He had already teamed with co-writer David Porter to write songs that stand today among the greatest to come from the era, among them Soul Man and Hold On, Im Comin. And, as a solo artist, he had already become a major success with his LP, Hot Buttered Soul, which featured an 18-minute version of Jimmy Webbs By The Time I Get to Phoenix that became known for Isaacs extended rap. Phoenix became a late-night staple of the free-form FM radio that had become popular in the late 60s, and this underground hit launched a solo career that would span 40 years. Truly a Pioneer, Isaac Hayes was honored as such by the Foundation in 1999. We, along with all of you, honor his memory. Bo Diddley - 06/03/2008 R&B legend Bo Diddley left us yesterday, June 2, 2008 at the age of 79. A true innovator, he was the creator of a rhythm and a sound that inspired the development of generations of musicians. Honored by NARAS with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bo Diddley was also a R&B Foundation Pioneer Award recipient, honored in 1996. His work inspired the entire spectrum of rhythm-based music, and his early fans included The Beatles and The Rolling Stones; his signature groove remained the backbeat of hundreds of hit recordings, used by artists ranging in styles and eras from Buddy Holly to George Michael. And none of us may live long enough to see his influence diminish, so strongly is his imprint woven into the fabric of the music. The Foundation honors his memory.

We apologize for any mis-spelling, omissions and errors in this document

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