The Chicago School of Gospel

On Monday, May 4 at the Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
"The Chicago School of Gospel" was presented.

The panel of experts from Chicago revealed to the Gospel Community the story of gospel music as it proliferated from the Chicago area through known and unknown personalities and churches in the Gospel Music tradition. Professor L. Stanley Davis, Bob Marovich, Pastor Mack Mason and moderator Professor Reggie Miles validated how the gospel music tradition blossomed in Chicago and spread to the rest of world.

Professor Miles at the BEA

On Thursday April 23, 2009, The editor of the Prime Minister's Place moderated a panel of scholars and presented a presentation at the Broadcast Education Association annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Professor Miles's presented a presentation entitled Podcasting: A Supplemental Learning Aid.

As podcasting matures, the number of educators adopting it continues to rise. The session explored who's using podcasting. The benefits of Podcasting from the perspective of students and the use of podcasting in the classroom to see if podcasts can improve student performance. Collaborating with Professor Miles were Mary Jackson-Pitts and Jin Yang of Arkansas State University and Lily Zeng from University of Memphis. The panel was rated as one of the Top Panels at the BEA. The paper and presentation by the editor of the Prime Minister's Place. Podcasting: A Supplemental Learning Aid was requested for submission to The Broadcast Education Association On Line Journal entitled "Feedback" for review and publication.

Tom Joyner Broadcasting Live from WKKC ?

Every now and then when something in Chicago radio happens I get a call in DC and someone asks what's up this?

When told that "Tom Joyner will broadcast his show from the New Kennedy King College" I said "Oh Wow that's interesting, how does that educate students?" I am not a hater but where is the benefit to the students? Sure a few students will get the opportunity to see how a "syndicated" show is preformed that's admirable. However in the immortal words of "Public Enemy's" sideman Flavor Flav
"Don't Believe the Hype!"

As an educator, it is a force of habit to critically think about things in the best interests of the student. Having some experience at Kennedy-King College, I'm not sure that the TJMS broadcasting live from the New Kennedy King College benefits anyone other that the person that orchestrated the deal. Radio syndication has all but eliminated the opportunity for students to gain experience to become personalities like a Tom Joyner. How is the observation of a syndicated radio show beneficial to the student? Syndication has eliminated that very job the student covets. On the other hand, Tom Joyner in a classroom setting with a group of students adds value and quality to the learning experience. His experience and wisdom can be spread out over many students in a classroom setting.

A few people in Chicago radio attempt to rewrite Chicago radio history with a twist toward self aggrandizement and such maybe the case from the New Kennedy King College. The addition of the name Tom Joyner to the media program immediately adds status without adding quality while simultaneously camouflaging the weakness of the media program. "Hey" We've got Tom Joyner at WKKC. The question is what else is there to teach and train students other than "BIG NAMES?"

In this world of rapidly changing technology BIG NAMES are not enough. Students need the hands on experience and the knowledge of learning how to think critically. Content is king, technology is the tool and students must learn to utilize the tools of technology to enhance the creativity that leads to the creation of compelling content. KK College has state of the art broadcast facilities in WYCC and WKKC. Students that graduate the program should be trained in the technology, possess an ability to think critically and express themselves creatively. An education is more than just being trained to join the workforce.

Education also creates leaders for the changing world too. Like the person to replace a Tom Joyner

Tom's Back in Chicago

Days after the Tom Joyner Morning Show was out in Chicago it was predicted that Crawford Broadcasting would move to land the show. Crawford Broadcasting owners of Soul 106.3 FM added the TJMS to it's line up to complete a win win situation.

Tom Joyner is a great talent and Crawford Broadcasting hopefully made the right move to help the struggling Soul 106.3 FM. In the recent past Steve Harvey was a part of Soul 106.3 and was cut after a year or so. The business of radio is to make money for the owners. Tom Joyner after being cut stated the reality of radio like this, “It’s business, “If I were Clear Channel, I’d probably do exactly the same thing because you’re in business to stay in business and, strategically, it’s what they should have done.”

On the other hand Chicago the City of Big Shoulders claimed Tom as one of their own and stood up against the firing calling the station, writing to blogs, and threatening sponsors. Tom will forever be a part of Chicago radio history because of the early days days at WJPC and the Fly Jock days at WGCI.

Chicagoan's are whole again as Mr Joyner continues the TJMS on Soul 106.3 FM.

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

What A Reality

December 20th marked a day of revelation at the meeting of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild. There has always been a negative "stigma" associated with "Gospel or Religious" brokered programs and it was refreshing to hear the realization of change being needed in the area of gospel and religious brokered programs.

Sparked by a spirited and passionate commitment by the guild president, a cadre of member communicators led a panel and voiced various views on how to improve the presentation of the brokers or independent programmers. The realization was that the commercial radio industry will be limited in it's impact to the Gospel and Religious community because of fiduciary concerns. I began the discussion with my two cents on the state of the industry and the impending changes that an Obama led administration might bring to the FCC.

What I did not say in the meeting is this,” that both radio and music the music industries will suffer from the recession. Advertisers no longer believe in radio. As a result, because of less revenue radio will use automation, syndication, and more new technology to keep itself afloat during these trying times”.

In some cases there may be attempts at more consolidation and corporate downsizing. Every one's job is at stake. However, the impending storm for commercial radio will reopen opportunities for "independent programmers" to create new types of "local" programs where ministry is needed. Key points for brokers are content, personality, localization, professionalism, ministry, and commerce.

Let's first defined what needs to be redefined.

It is stated by some that Jack L. Cooper began black appeal radio in Chicago over 75 years ago. His program the All Negro Hour was one of the first to play the newly named and created "Gospel" music. In addition, Mr. Cooper is recognized by some to be the first Black DJ.

Well, what's the point with going all the way back to the early days of radio? It's been said that you don't where you're going unless you know where you've been. And the history of black appeal radio is something that can help the independent programmers today.

You have to understand in the early days of radio black people had to pay their own way. Black folks were not hired to be an on air host. It was not until 1946 that station ownership by an African American became a reality at WERD in Atlanta. Also, it was not until the late 40's that an African American was paid by a station to be a host of a radio show. African Americans paid for their air-time to be on the radio. Radio is an important part of the African American culture. Look at how far African American's have come in radio. And yet there is still a long journey ahead.

As my grand mother would always say, "you gotta pay the cost to be the boss. " And the early black appeal radio pioneers paid the cost, purchasing time on radio stations because they wanted to make money as well as uplift the community. And the harsh reality was that black men or women were not hired to work in radio in the early years.

Jack L. Cooper, the first black radio announcer some say, "brokered" his program and epitomized excellence on the air. He was eloquent and presented himself as a proud member of the African American race. Well, African Americans are a complex people with more that one cultural aspect. As good as the intentions of Mr. Cooper were, all blacks did not find Mr. Cooper style as inviting. Another great Chicago announcer who came a few years later was Al Benson, who was not noted for his excellence of speech through the English language, but he was a beloved figure in the African American community.

The advertisers loved Mr. Benson because of his popularity among the "potential customers." Mr. Cooper and Mr. Benson were two different and distinct personalities that were rivals and yet both were successful.

How does this relate to the Gospel Announcer today? Well you can say that there is a Jack L. Cooper School of thought and an Al Benson School of thought for the Gospel Announcing. Oh yes!, don't let me forget these other schools from the Chicago area, the Rev Milton Brunson, Dr. Charles G. Hayes, Bill Doc Lee and Isabell Joseph Johnson Schools of Religious Announcing that were all significant in the black community in Chicago. Even the Queen of Gospel, Albertina Walker was a broker on the radio. Many Gospel Artists used the airwaves to get the word of Christ in song on the airwaves and help their career in the industry at the same time. All these schools have their valid points and system of presentation but the question is how can the announcers in the 21st century benefit from the history of the announcers of 20th century.

As a noted person in the radio industry said, "Brokers" are a station on a station." I think then that the best practice would be to do some of the things they do on the commercial level and create a new and unique programming foundations for Gospel and Religious programs that are financed through local area businesses. Learn RADIO SALES. Build your audience for your sponsors. Tell your sponsors that their customers are listening to your program. MAKE THE SALES. Connect ministry, technology and industry. It is easier said than done. However, our history says "It is possible."

Here's a list of some of the keys to sustain yourself as an independent programmer in the 21st Century. Remember, this God doesn't need your ministry.

1. Know your audiences and what they want - Qualitative Research Data
2. Network with other Brokers, Plan, Brand and Market you and the program.
3. Create a sponsorship package that tells your prospective sponsors that their customers listen to your program
4. Change the way you present yourself on the air. Religious announcing must change with the time. There is a new audience out there that may not know or understand how the pioneers presented gospel music and it may turn them off. Be inclusive and adapt to the new audiences.
5. Get on the Web, stay on Web and connect what you do on the air to the WEB.
6. Show prep is everything and everything is show prep. The most import thing in radio is what you say in between songs when no music is playing. Always be prepared.
7. When you minister get a sponsor.

It's a New Day

Taken from the a song title of a James Brown song. There is a new day in America with the election of Senator Barrack Obama as President of the United States. The inspiration in me began to flow shortly after 11:00 PM eastern standard time when all the networks simultaneous announced that Barack Obama was the President-Elect. The announcement brought joy and tears to some and complete silence to others. It was the "New Day" arriving.

It's no need to list all the problems of what was before Barack. There are many characterizations. The only thing that is important now is that Americans of all persuasions unanamously and electorially voted that change was over due. Free Market dogma has bankrupted the country and the middle class. The time is now to take the "god" like admiration from former President Ronald Reagen and realize that his free market and deregulation principles did not account for the "greed and evil" it ultimately produced.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely and corporate interests ran amuck through unregulated markets leaving decificts, huge unemployment rates and too few owning to much. The people rose through a brillant campaign by President elect Barrack Obama. And many are claiming responsibilty for the victory. When the annoucement came I praised and shouted for this was a moment for God to get the Glory.

There are many that don't believe in the Bible or God and I respect their positions but for me it is clear that it was God who orchestrated all the episodes to bring his new "Joshua" to the forefront for his people.

Coming Soon

Each month I talk about radio at the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild meeting. In May, I will summarize the presentation on this Blog. I am committed to lifting the level of presentation of any Gospel announcer that so desires. Gospel Radio announcers are more important in today's radio environment. The war continues and good soldiers are needed in the army of the Lord.

Think on this.. What makes a great radio show? And Why should anyone listen to it?

THE END OF AN ERA

Friday January 25, 2008 at 9:00 AM marked the end of 14 years of Gospel Music programming in the mornings on WKKC 89.3 FM. During the journey, both students and community benefited from the Gospel Music programming. I wonder what warranted the change after 14 successful years of playing Gospel Music?

Well, change is inevitable and when it occurs there is always some confusion, especially when the new vision is not clearly seen. Sometimes during change the overall plan is hidden behind a myriad of different agendas. I wonder what the overall plan is?

Here is a look at the last 14 years of Gospel Music history on WKKC. I can testify as an expert witness because I was there. In late 1994, then station manager and technical support staffer Kevin Brown decided to program Gospel Music in the mornings on a daily basis. At that time, WKKC's broadcast day was about 17 hours. Kevin added three hours to the broadcast day raising the total to 20 hours. There was no objection to the addition of Gospel Music from the administration.

The decision to add 3 hours of Gospel Music daily became a program called "Gospel Drive" with Mr. Brown as host. Kevin in his own way laid the foundation for gospel music programming in Chicago. "Gospel Drive" was the first Chicago radio program on FM that featured Gospel Music in the mornings.

Gospel Drive was a hit from the beginning. The show was entertaining, informative, inspirational and educational. Gospel Drive impacted the Englewood community. Kevin Brown catered to the wide audience that the Gospel Music generated. Anyone from 12 to 65 could find some entertainment on Gospel Drive. It was not about religion it was about the community and Gospel Music.

Moreover, Gospel music holds a special place in the culture of African Americans. Many use the Gospel in song to move through the toils and strains of life. Gospel music has always been a comfort to African Americans. Gospel Drive focused on providing that comfort of the Gospel in song to start people on their day.

However in 1997, WKKC FM made news headlines as an issue arouse over whether bible reading on WKKC FM violated the rules of separation between Church and State. The fallout over the issue ended the Gospel Drive program and began several management changes. Ironically, the bible reading issue was not attributed to the Gospel Drive program. Gospel Drive was renamed to the Gospel Express with new host Reggie Miles.

The Gospel Express maintained the focus of inspiring the community. However, student participation and preparation was highly emphasized. As a result, a Kennedy-King College student landed a job on 1390 AM when management changed the R&B/Oldies format to Gospel in 1998. It was amazing that so many students and community volunteers desired to participate with Gospel music programming. From 1998 -2003 more students and community volunteers participated on WKKC than in its entire 33 year history.

Yet success was not measured by increased enrollment or opportunities for student participation. There was another agenda at hand. A new state of art building was planned and the administration was looking to eliminate then restructure the Broadcasting Program. The Gospel Express ended in 2003.

During the years 2003 - 2005, WKKC FM was in chaos, yet the Gospel programming survived. In 2005, a new director of broadcasting was brought in with extensive experience in the commercial radio industry. The hire was showcased as adding "class" to WKKC FM.

Well the "class" that came to WKKC FM began by implementing radio professionals or "Legends" to replace students as on air personnel. WKKC became a "professional non-commercial" station. In addition, Gospel music was systematically reduced one program at a time. The first casualty was Thursday evening Gospel, then Weekend Devotion, and finally the morning Gospel programming called Praise, Love and Inspiration.

It's to late for protests, to late for the ministers to get together to save Gospel. The bottom line is that if management believes that it would better serve the station with a change in programming then the station has to do what is best for the station.

However, WKKC FM is an educational non commercial college station that should emphasize "TEACHING AND TRAINING.” There is perhaps no academic discipline whose instruction and scholarship, whether applied or theoretical, has the potential to change the human condition, as does the study of communication.

I hope the students at Kennedy-King get the opportunity to be on the air and play Gospel Music as well as other music genres. Also learn the industry of radio in the classroom .

Kennedy-King College and WKKC FM provided me with an opportunity. Today I teach at Howard University and work in radio at Heaven 600 AM in Baltimore. My career was launched through the opportunity at an educational non-commercial station.

The future of WKKC FM, is in the hands of the students that attend the college.

Happy New Year !!!

I am thankful for the "new beginning." In the words of Albertina Walker, I'm Still Here!

Oh to be great in 2008, that is the motto with a focus on family. Not only the immediate family but the family at work, in organizations, and the students I teach.

Someone told me a while ago don't be afraid to speak, for you have something to say. You've been blessed. The time is now that I open my mouth through words in cyberspace.

Look forward to some interesting things with two exceptions "religion and politics." And I won't elaborate on the reason why. Anyway it's not important.

On the horizon is my research which has lead me to discover the importance of the Chicago School of Gospel and the early pioneers whose shoulders the genre stands upon today. There were a lot of people who will be forgotten if their participation and the history is not preserved.

Learning to become a storyteller is a journey and I find myself practicing by writing the story of my family to be told to my children and other relatives.

Today, I realize how important it is to share the memories of family. Those memories will keep the family alive and moving forward as FAMILY.


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Prime Minister Inducted in the Broadcaster Hall of Fame

The new Hall of Famers representing the Gospel Announcers Guild included

(standing, L to R):

Lady Donna Creer - National 2nd Vice President Gospel Announcers Guild

Dennis Cole - President of The Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild

Ed Stephens -President of The Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild

Prof. Reggie Miles -Vice President of The Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild

Lydia Goodin -President of The Florida Gospel Announcers Guild.

(Seated L-R):

Frank Walton -President of The Seattle Gospel Announcers Guild

Bro. Steve - President of The California Gospel Announcers Guild

Toby Young -President of The Harrisburg Gospel Announcers Guild

Chuck Spearman -President of The Missouri Gospel Announcers Guild, and

John Phillips - National Sergeant-at-Arms, Gospel Announcers Guild (Not shown)The Broadcasters Hall o
Sunday November 4, 2007 these members of the Gospel Music Workshop of America were inducted in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I am very proud to be a member of this fine Group.

Reflections - 2007

As I reflect on the year, three songs come to my mind that best describe the journey "Joy and Pain," Yet Praise Him and I Won't Complain.

I have a new resolve to connect with family. During a meeting of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild, it was not a coincidence that conformation came from our guest speaker Donald Lawrence, that now is the time for all God fearer men to come to aide of family. And family means more than just those related by blood.

The world is still as the Temptations sang many years ago a "Ball of Confusion." In my own part, I will add less to the mess. In 2008, its time to be great. My goal is to liive where God gets the Glory from my Life.

Look Who Came Along While I was Gone !!!

It's been a while since my last post but in the coming days I'll be updating this weblog. All I can say at this point that 2007 has been a wonderful year. This year has been capped by the birth of my beautiful gift from God a baby girl whom my wife named Morgan. She has been a wonderful addition to my life and I am forever changed.

The Prime Minister is back in Chicago on the radio.