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After 32 years as a morning radio personality in Washington, D.C., Donnie Simpson bid an emotional farewell to his listeners. According to the Washington Post, Simpson wept as he played Lionel Richie's "Jesus Is Love," his traditional closing song. This followed a parade of calls from celebrity well-wishers and other supporters.His four-hour show on WPGC-FM (95.5) spilled over an extra two hours to accommodate the phoned-in farewells from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Wyclef Jean and other musicians whom Simpson has championed during his decades on the radio and as host of Black Entertainment Television's 'Video Soul.'....
Simpson, who will be 56 on Saturday, was gracious and warm throughout his final program on the air. He thanked his listeners repeatedly, as well as his wife, Pam, his producer-son, D.J., and his colleagues.... SOURCE: Washington Post
Following the show, he treated fans and friends to lunch at Ben's Chili Bowl, the same popular diner visited by President Barack Obama days before his inauguration.
Simpson leaves WPGC after disagreeing with its owner, CBS Radio, over the direction of the show. The station has been his home on-air since 1993. According to BV Buzz, Simpson will not be allowed to work at another station until his contract expires in March 2011.
In the video above, he spoke with Fox 5 DC's Tony Perkins about his feelings during his last day on WPGC. "It's time. You just get to that point where you know it," he said. Simpson added that he has no plans yet to retire.
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Sheryl Huggins Salomon is contributing editor of Black Voices, where she writes about politics and society. She is co-editor of the 'Nia Guide for Black Women' series of self-improvement books and the former publisher of Shade magazine. Follow her on Twitter or contact her at BVCEditor@aol.com.
Comments: (23)
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By: Hambone on 2/03/2010 5:51AM
Simpson leaves WPGC after disagreeing with its owner, CBS Radio, over the direction of the show.
This is what I feel should be the topic of the day. Doesn't it leave a sour taste in your month? Class act doesn't give this Black man his proper do.
I see a boycott starting today in the minds of those who pay tribute to this radio station. Lift ever voice they are listening.
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By: Jasmine Brown on 2/08/2010 2:53AM
Remember you at WJLB in Detroit. One of the most unique voices in radio. I will never forget Donnie "the lovebug" Simpson. You were always so smooth with your dialect. I wish you well!
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By: Vivian Lacey on 9/27/2010 3:20PM
On Friday, Sept,24th 2010, I was in Detroit outside of the Motown Museum and received a wonderful suprise. I had the pleasure of seeing Donnie Simpson,his lovely mother and another family member. Donnie was so gracious, kind and very patience with my over zealous excitement at being in his presence. He had to ask me twice about my name... I did not forget who I was, however, I was so happy and thrilled to be in the presence of a true gentleman and the object of my young adult crush. Thank you for all the wonderful years of seeing your beautiful smile, hearing that fantastic voice and witnessing the wonderful spirit of love and tolerance that you constantly displayed. May God Continue to Shine His Beautiful Light on You throughout your future endeavors. We can wait until after March 2011 for some more Donnie Simpson!
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