DC Radio: Donnie Simpson Returns

Donnie Simpson

Donnie Simpson, a fixture on Washington’s airwaves for decades, will return to radio later this month after more than five years in retirement under an agreement with Silver Spring, Md.-based Radio One.

The Washington Post reports the 61-year-old Simpson will host a weekday program from 3 to 7 p.m. on Radio One-owned UrbandAC WMMJ 102.3 FM Majic beginning Aug. 17.

Simpson is also in discussions with Radio One’s cable TV channel, TV One, to host a music-themed program, although details and a starting date are still in flux.

The company and Simpson announced the multiyear deal Monday.

Simpson was a staple of “urban,” or African American-oriented, radio in Washington for 33 years. The genial host was heard successively on WRC-FM (now WKYS-FM) and WPGC-FM starting in 1977.

Simpson was the first urban radio personality to be paid more than $1 million without syndication. He was also named Billboard’s 1998 Air Personality of the Year.

Sources expect Simpson’s new program will sound a lot like his WPGC program. Fans expect music, guests and conversation.

"It's been a great vacation, but it's time to go back to work and have some fun," Simpson said in a Radio One statement.

WMMJ 102.3 FM (2.9 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Brad Siegel, President of TV One adds, “TV One is excited to be the entertainment platform providing Donnie Simpson’s return to television. As evidenced by fan reaction whenever he’s out or making appearances, Donnie is a universally adored media personality and his youthful spirit appeals to devotees of all ages. The breadth of his knowledge and depth of musical tastes make him an excellent asset for the network as we expand our programming slate and grow our brand. Knowing how much his fans have missed him, we are eager to get him on the air and look forward to announcing his first special soon.”

“Donnie is iconic. The DC market woke up to his voice for 30 years and we are thrilled to bring him out of retirement and behind a microphone again,” says Jeff Wilson, Senior Regional Vice President and General Manager of Radio One-DC. “MAJIC 102.3, The Real Sound of the DMV, will certainly be impacted by Donnie being reunited with his loyal listeners. His passion for music, industry relationships, interview style and charisma are a winning combination and we are glad to have him as a member of the Radio One family.”

Donnie Simpson, known for his sultry voice, warm smile and piercing green eyes, is the son of a record shop owner. Having been exposed to multiple genres of music, Simpson began his radio career at 15 with WJLB in Detroit, MI. He relocated to Washington DC where he began working at WRC-FM, now WKYS, as a jock and program director. In the early 1980s, Simpson landedhis first television job on WRC-TV. Soon after he hosted Video Soul, a music video show on BET and many other network specials. Simpson eventually hosted The Donnie Simpson Morning Show on WPGC-FM where he continued to captivate listeners for 17 years.

He left radio in 2010.