Donnie Simpson will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
The National Association of Broadcasters described him as a legendary media trailblazer and award-winning program director.
“Simpson began his distinguished career at age 15 when he was discovered by WJLB, a popular Detroit radio station while they were broadcasting from his mother’s record shop,” NAB stated in its announcement. “Soon after, he became a teen reporter for WJLB and was then given his own radio show.”
He moved to Washington, D.C., to work for WKYS(FM) as the morning show host and program director. “Under his leadership, the station achieved unprecedented ratings success, and Simpson was selected as the country’s number-one Program Director of the Year as well as Air Personality of the Year in 1983 by Billboard Magazine.”
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In 1993, Simpson went to work at WPGC-FM, leaving there in 2010. But after a hiatus he returned in 2015 to host the afternoon drive at Radio One’s WMMJ(FM).
Simpson also was backup sports anchor to George Michael on WRC(TV) in Washington before joining BET to host the flagship show “Video Soul” for 14 years. He has appeared on TV shows like “Martin” and “The Jamie Foxx Show” and movies like “Krush Groove” and “The Five Heartbeats.”
He is a member of the R&B Music Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame. NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt saluted Simpson’s “life-long love of radio and music, incredible talent and commitment to his audience.”
The NAB also noted his work on behalf of causes such as relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, AIDS research, the National Black Family Reunion and the United Negro College Fund.
The induction will take place during the NAB Show in Las Vegas in April.
Past inductees of the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame are listed here. Last year’s radio inductees were Adrian “Stretch Armstrong” Bartos and Bobbito García.
