Tom Joyner is retiring at the end of the year, and today he announced that Rickey Smiley will inherit his radio show. Hosting a nationally syndicated morning is a rare accomplishment. But Tom Joyner will be remembered for much more.
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Partying With A Purpose
While there’s no doubt that Tom Joyner has loved his decades of working on the air, he notably gave back, even while it seemed like he was just having fun. He raised money to support students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities with The Tom Joyner Foundation; produced and hosting a celebration of black families and communities; and encouraged African Americans to exercise their power at the ballot box.
Real Relationships
Some Radio Talent interact with celebrities only when they are interviewing them. But Tom Joyner had many relationships with artists that were so tight-knit, that would joke on each other. These funny interactions made listeners feel like they were hanging out with good friends, and the laughter Tom shared with countless celebrities was infectious and special.
Polished
Because of the lack of grooming and the need to have instantly recognizable names on radio, many of today’s biggest names in radio have to learn their craft on the job. Tom Joyner on the other hand, has spent almost half of a century entertaining on the air, and his greatness as a broadcaster will be missed.
Tom Joyner will continue to host “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” for the rest of the year, and sincere congratulations to him on a truly amazing career.