Celebrating The Radio Legends of Hampton Roads

By Ernest Lowery
Special to the
New Journal and Guide

A pre-Valentine’s Day Tribute to the Legends of Hampton Roads in Radio and Behind The Mic proved to be quite a production. The principal contributors behind this extraordinary event were Rev. Dr. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly and Dr. Phill Nelson to honor African-American personalities and their contributions to the History of Black Radio locally.

Born on Valentine’s Day, Dr. Phill cleverly used 62/50 to represent his 62 years of living on God’s green earth, and his 50 years of passion for radio, beginning at the youthful age of 12. This event all unfolded in the Meyera Oberndorf Auditorium in Virginia Beach, VA. It was part two of CMM 2K G. Paris Media Group and Nelson Media & Investments, LLC, all hosted by Latrese B. Carter,

On this rainy Black History Month Saturday afternoon, there was a modest crowd in attendance. However, as the guests filed in, you could sense that most in attendance seemed to know each other, like at a family reunion.

You noticed the familiar smiles, the hugs and the daps as the giants of Black radio in Hampton Roads arrived and navigated around the base of the auditorium. The chatter was amped up like an open mic … everyone quickly got into the moment.

Included in the program was live entertainment that added balance to the program before awards to these radio legends were to take place. Food was served across the hall during intermission as we stretched our legs and got a cool drink.

Like most productions, this one had many ah-ha moments, notably around stories based on an honoree’s radio life. Each honoree, as they spoke, had his or her own style which made for good listening … after all, who doesn’t like a soothing voice?

Naturally there were plenty proclamations of “I wasn’t sure if I would make it” to laughter for everyone. You got to luv-em; they do keep your attention. And this is why we had come … to know just a little more of the person behind the mic. They did not disappoint at all.

Congratulations to all! Phill Nelson, Ed Joyner, Chester Benton, Jay Lang, Frankie Stewart, Henderson Vaughan, Ike Owens, Ronnie Joyner, Pastor John Blackwell ll, Tonya Riddick and many more who have served the Hampton Roads area.

Thanks to Rev. Dr. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly, and Dr. Phill Nelson for bringing the community together. According to several in attendance, we needed to hear these stories.