R.I.P.: Kae Thompson, Longtime NYC Radio Voice

Kae Thompson

Kae Thompson, who was recognized as one of the most witty and authoritative voices in New York City radio, died on June 21 at age 83.

The broadcasting veteran died of a brain hemorrhage at Mountainside Hospital in Glenridge, N.J., her family confirmed to the NY Daily News.

Thompson enjoyed a 25-year career in radio, mostly as the host of WLIB talk shows “Urban Notebook” and later “Kae Thompson Payne Live,” where she became well known for bringing her wit, wisdom and compassion to cover controversial subjects that impacted New York City’s black community, including Tawana Brawley, Eleanor Bumpurs, Yusef Hawkins, the Central Park Five and the Crown Heights riots.

“Kae Thompson was a true journalist [who] asked the hard questions but always with a smile,” WBLS/WLIB assistant program director Cynthia Smith told the Daily News. “Her guests couldn’t help but answer her. Such a classy lady, teacher and true professional who I enjoyed working with on ‘The Kae Thompson Show’ on WLIB. Her smile is permanently etched in my memory! She will be missed tremendously.”