Tom Joyner - My View

As much as I respect Tom Joyner as a real true radio personality. I was never an advocate for syndicated programming. I do not like syndicated programs for simple reason that the host can never tell the correct time. It's always so many minutes after the hour. If I were a blind person listening to a syndicated show I would never know the correct time. Knowing the correct is a simple thing and is one that I value most.

Early in his career, listening to Tom on WJPC in Chicago was incredible and he cared about the people. Mr. Joyner is a study of excellence as far as being a radio host. Tom did the little things like using index cards to keep himself at the top of his game. In radio Show prep is everything and everything is show prep. When the TJMS became syndicated, I lost interest because syndicated shows can't give the correct time.

I read the Fly Jock Blog and Tom is a class individual. He did not trash or talk negatively about the industry he loves or the station that dropped the show. He said " It's Just Business" and encouraged his followers that his plight is an opportunity to move on to something greater. The TJMS leaving Chicago airwaves is "an opportunity for us to step it up and find new and exciting ways to stay on top of our game when the rules are changing all the time."

However, Tom wrote something that really struck a nerve. Tom stated, "The bottom line is black radio will never be what it once was, and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about that."

I wonder what is Tom suggesting? And Why can't black radio be what it once was? And why can't we do something about it. Unfortunately, I can not agree. There is something that can be done. People have to know what to do. If Americans can come together to elect a President of Color, we can do something about radio. The mountain may be high but can be climbed.

Moreover, do not to expect Tom or Black Radio to be a leader when it comes to the media reform and saving Black Radio. They are in too deep and must remain neutral. It's like Black Radio is being "blackmailed."

African American people and others must rise and question the FCC about what they are doing about diversity of ownership, localism, and the lack of women and minority owners. Business should not be allowed total control of the airwaves to do as the please without serving the public interests. The primary interest of a media corporation is the elimination of the public interest! And media that serves the local interests of the communities is what needs to be fought for. Bigger media is not better media and too few own too many! Radio needs regulation owners should not be allowed to own multiple stations in a market, thereby controlling the flow of information and content in local communities.

Losing the TJMS in Chicago is "Just Business." The loss stemmed from a business model that Tom endorses that's why he won't complain. Tom has prospered through syndicated radio. On the other hand, Mr. Joyner knows that the very existence of Black Radio is under attack. It reminds me of playing the game of "Monopoly" at a friend's house. I COULD NEVER WIN. I won in the game of "Monopoly" only when it was played at my house. Anyway, who knows, Tom could resurface on a Crawford Broadcasting outlet and be back in Chicago.

According to professor Lawrence Redd "One of the perennial struggles which Black people have faced in the United States is establishment and maintenance of effective communication systems among themselves." African American that want to move foward should not quit on this struggle. Tom's statement, "The bottom line is black radio will never be what it once was, and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about that," reads like people should give up and accept radio as it is, but since I have not talked with him, I won't come to that conclusion.

If Amercia can elect a man of color... Radio can be changed or at least "EQUALIZED" so that more people than a few whites males and a few blacks can share in the American Dream.

The fight starts with who owns the media.. As Marvin Gaye said "Got to Give It Up."

Does Anybody Hear Me?

For ten years, I have labored to tell a message about the importance of media ownership. At a recent meeting of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild, I talked about how the recession is having an effect on the radio industry and a recent issue that brought black broadcast owners to Washington DC to present their side of the “Performance Rights Act” being lobbied by recording artists.

After the meeting, a man whom I respect and admire said to me, “I don’t know why you waste your time, those folks don’t hear you, all they want is a CD.”

Sometimes it does get frustrating speaking to Church folk. My Bible says “Study to show thyself approved”. I simply do not understand why as a people African Americans are not concerned with media issues.

I have great faith and I believe that God can do anything but fail. I was one who was dead in sin and brought to a wonderful life. As I do what I do everyday it is a testimony to the power of God. I am thankful.

In November 2008, 96% of all African Americans came together and voted for Barack Obama despite all the negatives presented 96% of African Americans voted that was faith that produced a work “the first African American President of the United States.”

However, African American had help and can’t take all the credit for the election. It was also a move of hope that produced the work. The present system of things have failed and many people are simply tired of living to get by. People want the opportunity to share in the American Dream and not just workers for the corporations. The desire for change that produced the first African American President must continue towards the media and only an organized peopled can defeat organized money.

God is still on the throne and in control. And I with the one voice that I have will continue to preach, that “if you don’t watch out the very things you take for granted will be taken away from you and owned by others that don’t share in your concerns their only concern is to make money off of you."

Now making money is not a bad thing in itself. However, the equality of opportunity to make money is what is at stake. The rules have been changed to limit opportunity to media ownership. It has been labeled “deregulation.” However, Deregulation was a buzz word, or a camouflage tactic, employed to conceal the real intentions of changing regulation to benefit a few.

And that's not the American dream that's greed.

Cadillac Records - A Look at Chicago

I missed this film in the movie theaters so I decided when the DVD was released I would be one of the first to get it. And when I looked at the movie I was impressed about the route that the writer and director took in developing the story about Blues greats, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolf and Etta James.

The story takes a look at the "Chess Record" Company the artists, it's owner and the business practice of paying royalties with Cadillac Cars. The story was so compelling to me that I had to go down to 2012 S. Michigan to look at the original Chess Studios which is now the Willie Dixon Blues Museum. Ironically, for many years I was a visitor to the area on a regular basis. My mother in the late seventies and mid 80's lived right across the street in the 2101 S. Michigan building. I did not realize I was so close to history.

I watched Cadillac Records 3 times. I was so impressed with the acting of Columbus Short as "Little Walter" and the relationship he had with Muddy Waters. The film did a decent job of bringing forward the relationship between the two as well as the genius of the individual musicians. In addition, to Waters and Little Walter, "Howlin Wolf" was one heck of a man, I mean Wolf was bad, in a good way. I have always loved "Smoke Stack Lighting" and I don't know why, but I fell in love with even more so when I saw the story behind how the song came about. The film showed a little bit of everything. To really tell the Chess Story would have taken an epic undertaking like "Roots"a mini series. So much was said yet so much was left unsaid.

Now I won't get into the Beyonce and Etta James thing but I had to listen to the original songs sung by Etta. Now I understand why she was tapped as the first lady of Soul.Etta James is one great singer. Despite the nay sayers I enjoyed Cadillac Records.

Another Sad Note

I recently discovered that a week before Richard Pegue passed another Chicago DJ passed away. He was known as "Butterball." I last remember him spinning the wax at the "Other Place." Butter was deep into Jazz and was known for a clean and powerful sound from his "MacIntosh" and JBL Equipment. In the late 80's, Butter modified his style to include "Steppers" Music because the "Other Place" became the late night spot for Steppers after the 2:00 AM joints closed.

The Other Place was strictly known for Jazz and on any given night you could walk in and hear the likes of Charles Earland and other Jazz greats. The owner "Maceo" was a Jazz lover to the bone but he realized to stay in business with the Jazz scene dying he needed to include new blood in the place. Thus the introduction of Stepper's Music happened in the Other Place. In the beginning the owner "Maceo" wasn't to keen on dancing in the Other Place, it was a show lounge and not a dance club.

Butter did a great job spinning was very hip, articulate and played some great jazz tunes to "Step" to. As a wealth of information, Butter was knowledgeable about electronics and audio. He built his own speakers and they produced a good sound. He welcomed me when I arrived at the "Other Place" and told me how best to get along with "Maceo" the owner.

Rest In Peace my brother and Lord willing we will meet again in the Heavenly "Other Place"

Herbert Rogers Kent

This is a must read for anyone interested in the "History of Chicago Radio" or understanding the mind of one of the "Greatest Radio Personalities" of all time. I have come to know Herb better after reading the book and he is without doubt one of the most for real people on the planet. In the midst of mourning another great radio personality Richard Pegue, reading Herb's Book eased the burden and provided insight that filled the blank spaces of my childhood years with facts and the realities of radio "Back in the Day."

Herb Kent is another reason as to why I wanted to be in "Radio" and reading "His-Story"(history) was an enjoyable journey. Once you sit down and start reading you will begin laughing out loud and feeling some of the same feelings of this giant in "Radio." Herb Kent is complicated yet everyday like many other human beings. Herb defines the "Love of the Game" through his 60 plus years in Radio. Indulge yourself and journey through the nine lives of this radio pioneer.

Chicago Radio History

On Monday morning March 9, 2009, there was only one thing on my mind and that was to go the Home Going Celebration for Richard Earl Pegue. I knew that some of everybody in Chicago radio would be there. And when I arrived at the Apostolic Church of God, some of everybody was there. When I got there I was met by Willie “Needle Master” Cox. We hugged and exchanged pleasantries but that was only the beginning.

Inside the church I looked for the familiar faces and to my surprise it took a while because so many people were glad to see that I had made it. There was no way that I would not have attended this celebration. It was out of total respect that I had to be there. The way Richard performed on Radio; I did on the radio and in the clubs as a DJ. We (the jocks) call it “post to post” radio. I prided my style on never talking on the vocals of a record. I could end one song and keep talking until the vocals of the next song giving information about the song or artist. There is no nonsense in post to post announcing. Richard no doubt was the master and taught many people knowingly and unknowingly.

Finally I ran across the old WKKC Crew, or at least the guys that were on staff while I was there. Chris, Allen, Nelson and I sat in the same pew and we talked about the craft we so dearly love and the man that we were paying our respects to. As we sat there in the midst of Chicago radio history we suddenly realized the magnitude of the moment. To see some of the WVON Good Guys was an event within itself. Chicago radio history was in the Apostolic Church of God. Herb Kent, Dr. Cecil Hale, Wesley South, Pervis Spann. and Lucky Cordell also radio colleagues Richard Steele, Jim Raggs, Emily McKendall, and Bonnie DeShong.

Pegue was respected by both the radio personalities and club DJ’s, I happen to be one that walked on both sides of the road on the radio and in the streets. Along with DJ Legend Willie Cox, was Sam Chatman, Luther Gage, Bill Humphrey, Ernest L. and Alvia McNeal and probably many more that I did not get too or see.

Now the service was beautiful from start to finish and the Apostolic Church of God staff handled it very well. A special shout out to James Hudson for the “Midnight Cry” he brought the spirit down on a few folk. Others who were on the program were also great especially the Black Ensemble Theater production. What can anyone say about Pam Morris? She performed like no other mistress of ceremony. Pam Morris has an uncanny way of saying the right things at the right time, making everyone feel at ease and still recognizing the “order of service in the house of God.

Many people were given the opportunity for reflections and one of those was the “Iceman” Jerry Butler and he blessed us with a few bars from that still great voice. The record industry and music retailers were recognized also. It was good to see George Daniels, Marshall of the Chi-Lites and Tommy Hunt. Many of Richard students were in attendance too and Pam Murphy laid it out reading a story Richard penned 30 years ago. Other Pegue disciples Al Greer, Ray Neal, Lamonts Watts, Maurice King and others were in the house. Oh and the commercial radio stations showed plenty of respect as well. Many of Richard’s former colleagues were there Glen Cosby, Tori Tyler, Joe Soto, and the one and only Ramonski Love who set the house on fire with Richard’s most famous jingle creation the Fun Town song. .Richard’s WKKC family members Marv, Marcella, Dennis, Kevin and Revelle also paid their respects.

As I sat there in the service two of my former students asked questions about who was who and in explaining to them about the great people of Chicago radio I realized a couple of things. One that the history of Black Chicago Radio has to be preserved and two that we cannot wait until someone else passes before we get together again. All DJ’s from Chicago, I am making a call out to you whether you were on the radio or in the clubs.

LET’S GET TOGETHER AGAIN SOON!!

Contact Reggie Miles rmileshu@yahoo.com

Tribute to Richard Pegue

In our lifetime we come across mentors. And I was fortunate enough to have one of the greatest DJ's and radio personalities in front of me. In high school, back in the late 60's and early 70's, the desire to be behind the microphone and playing music was born.

I remember traveling to different high schools trying to get in a "Sock Hop or a High School Dance" because the DJ was this guy who I first heard on the radio weekends on 1450 WVON . I thought he was incredible. When he played music it was as if he was sitting there in the room with you. His voice was different and his command of the language was impeccable. He combined the hipness of the day with an ability to relate and talk to people where they were. He spoke with class.

Late nights on the weekend he would come on and the show sounded like it was in the daytime bright, cheerful, soulful, informative and entertaining. The Quiet Storm did not exist then. It was simply THE BEST MUSIC OF YOUR LIFE. And Richard was so "down for the craft" that his presentation birthed a legion of followers and disciples to which I became one.

As I moved into in my own career, I told people that I came from the School of "Pegueology" The Best Music of Your Life that's all I knew and that's all I wanted to know. As a student, I studied everything Richard did on his radio show. He had a way combining the Golden Age of Radio with the present time. It was excellent the way he combined the old with the new. I loved when he performed celebrity news with the teletype machine sound effect in the background and he would make transitions through different stories by saying BEEP, BEEP, BEEP giving the feel of an old Walter Winchell news cast.

Richard set the standard for jocks playing music and being professionals at their craft. Now I consider myself one of the best but when it came to Pegue I stood down, giving all respect to the man with the music and the knowledge of the music. He is the Doctor. On the radio, Richard did features that you'd wait an entire week for, like the Concert that you'd never hear again, the Midnight Sonata and let's not forget the old Chicago Dances. Richard Pegue had something for Everybody.

Now I was not directly associated with Richard. We came to know each other working in the same industry. I told him of the impact he made in my life. It was amazing that he knew of me and I respectfully called him "Uncle Richard." Mr. Pegue had an impact on the lives of many people in Chicago they really don't realize how much he contributed to their lives through his work as record promoter, retail music seller, music director, teacher, production director, songwriter, and radio personality. Richard was a true professional, a real local hero and a History Maker that always performed radio as the theater of the mind. I last saw him "spinning," with the fire still in his eyes and that warmed my heart.

In studying Richard I came to understand radio, the music industry and being a DJ. His techniques in the art of DJ performance was the standard I set for myself as radio personality, DJ and professor. I thank God for Richard because in him I saw that it is most important to always love what you do.

Professor Reggie Miles