By Hannah Osborne
On Oct. 7th, 2023, the National Black Radio Hall of Fame welcomed more than 50 outstanding black broadcasters to their Hall of Fame during their annual induction ceremony. The ceremony, an “Evening to Remember,” took place in Atlanta.
“It was a magical night,” says Kiss 104.1’s Program Director, Terri Avery, in an Instagram post celebrating the occasion. “Thanks to the board who nominated me, my family who was there to witness it and God who blessed me with a wonderful career!”
Inductees who received this great honor will have their names placed in the Museum at Harris Stowe State University, alongside formerly inducted members.
2023 inductees are:
- Talented Sisters of Radio – Terri Avery, Monica May, Denise Williams
- Talented Brothers of Radio – Ray Boyd, Marvin Ross, Frank Ski
- Gospel Radio Personality – Erica Campbell, Reggie Gay, Melvin Jones
- African American Station Owner – Sheila Brown, Mike Carter
- Radio Station Promotions – Christine Cunningham
- Record Pool Distributors – TJ’s DJ’s, Franchise Record Pool
- Talk Radio Personality – Jeff Foxx, Juandolyn Stokes
- Community Service Industry Award – Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
- Hip Hop Radio Personality Award – Big Tigger
- House Music Pioneer Award – DJ Fast Eddie
- Talented Sisters of Blues Radio Award – Bunny “Bubbling” Brown Sugar
- Talented Brothers of Blues Radio Award – Tom Davis “Dr. Love”
- Radio Music Career Artist of the year – Gladys Knight and the Pips
- Lifetime Media Achievement Award – Tom Joyner
- The Broadcasters Chairman’s Leadership Award – David C. Linton
The Posthumous Award – Doug Banks, Mayme and Dave Bondu, Paul E.X. Brown, Leonard “Tippy” Calloway, Frankie Crocker, Charles Evers, Wayman “Slack” Johnson, Rod “Dr. Jockenstine” King, James “Alley Pat” Patrick, Chico Renfroe, Sr., Joe “Butterball” Tamburro, Larry L. Williams
The Original 13 Pioneer Award Inductees – Terry Bello, Earl Boston, Marcus “Doc Feelgood” Boyd, Steve Crumbley, Bruce Demps, Kevin Koolin Fox, Uvee Hayes, John H. “Little Daddy” Hill, III, Patty Jackson, Charles Mitchell, BJ Murphy, Sharon Seay, Reec Swiney, Art Terrell
Special Inductions and Awards from NBRHF National President Mr. Bernie Hayes – John Long of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame; Ramona Debreaux 2022 Inductee; R&B Musical Sisters Lifetime Achievement Award to Shirley Jones of the Jones Girls; Uvee Hayes; Michael P. McMillian (President and CEO Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Don & Heide Wolff Jazz Institute to Ronald Carter (Founder and CEO at Carter’s Jazz Clinics Inc. LLC); DJ Eddie Thomas – Atlanta for the U.S. Veteran Radio Pioneer; and Herman H. Johnson for Community Service.
*Names in bold indicate Georgia broadcasters and Atlanta natives
“The National Black Radio Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization established to provide a place where people of all ages are able to learn about the history and achievements of Black Radio Nationally,” according to the organization’s website. “The goal of the organization is to recognize and commemorate these personalities often overlooked by national institutions.”
In addition to the Annual Induction Ceremony, the organization hosts and organizes the Black Radio Hall of Fame Museum (located in St. Louis); outreach programs; Drop Da MIC; workshops; and special events.
For the full list of inductees and to learn more about the National Black Radio Hall of Fame visit: https://www.nbrhof.com/2023-induction-awards/
