I'm Just a DJ But...It Makes Sense to Me - Hardcover

Joyner, Tom

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 044657676X ISBN 13: 9780446576765

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

Hall of Fame disc jockey Tom Joyner uses his signature brand of humor to discuss everything from business to careers to relationships as he shares the insights and lessons he's learned along the way.Now the host of a radio show that is the most popular media outlet ever among African Americans, Joyner started his career at a small AM radio station in his home state of Alabama, working his way across the midwest, and eventually landing in Chicago.

In 1985, he made headlines as "The Hardest Working Man in Radio" when he worked a morning show in Dallas in addition to his afternoon show in Chicago. His daily commute earned him the nickname "The Fly Jock." In 1994, he convinced ABC Radio to syndicate his program, and The Tom Joyner Show?a mix of comedy music, and guests who range from Stevie Wonder to Tipper Gore?was born.

About this title

About the Author

TOM JOYNER lives with his wife in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

Joyner, host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, which is syndicated in more than 120 American markets, presents an entertaining memoir of his life in radio. He recalls growing up in the segregated South in Tuskegee, Ala., working his way through a Southern black college with odd jobs and then landing a gig behind a radio mike. Joyner's success on the airwaves didn't come overnight: he made several miscues, such as signing on with two radio stations in separate states, doing a show in Chicago in the mornings and then flying to Dallas in the afternoons, only to quit those jobs to take on a "black Casey Kasem" role in a short-lived national countdown show. Much of the book brims with his trademark witticisms regarding personal responsibility, the importance of a solid work ethic, success and "giving something back" to one's community. Although there is plenty of celebrity name-dropping (Lionel Richie, Al Sharpton, Luther Vandross), some pleasing moments come near the book's end, when Joyner lovingly describes his wife, trainer Donna Richardson; their two sons; and his extended family. Chatty and upbeat, Joyner's book should appeal to his national audience and may recruit some new listeners, as well. (Sept. 2)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Popular radio personality Joyner offers his perspective on life, from growing up in a nurturing home in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the obligation to help the less fortunate to racial solidarity among African Americans. Joyner sees his format on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, heard by 10 million African Americans, as an expansion of local radio shows from the 1960s with "familiarity, compassion, news and information, some laughs, and music you want to hear." Joyner comments on a variety of issues, including pursuing personal dreams, parenthood, and the civil rights movement. He details his own career trajectory and his part in the uproar over the firing of Tavis Smiley from BET after its creator, black businessman Bob Johnson, sold the cable channel to Viacom. Joyner is unapologetically pro-black as much in his show as in his interests and philanthropic efforts to support black colleges. His fans will love this opportunity to read Joyner's recollections and outlook on life. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 044657676X
• ISBN 13: 9780446576765
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224