For a decade, he was a ratings dominator for WKYS-FM in Washington, D.C., in an era when Don Geronimo and Mike O’Meara were across town at WAVA and “The Greaseman” propelled the WWDC-FM “DC101” morning shift. He would later work at WPGC-FM, and after a five-year hiatus came back to D.C. radio to take afternoons at WMMJ-FM.
Now, the NAB is paying tribute to Donnie Simpson, who recently departed Urban One.
Simpson has been named as the 2024 NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee. He’ll be feted at the NAB Show at an April 15 ceremony during the multi-day Las Vegas affair.
Simpson began his career at age 15 when he was discovered by WJLB-FM in Detroit. He would later relocate to the Nation’s Capital for the WKYS morning show role and to serve as its Program Director. In 1993, he jumped across the street to ‘PGC, described as a “contemporary hit radio station for Washington, D.C.” as it played R&B and crossover records while maintaining a focus on the African American community.
In 2010, Simpson took a hiatus from radio after exiting WPGC-FM. He would return to Washington radio in 2015 to host the afternoon drive at “Majic 102.3,” an Adult R&B station.
Commenting on the honor, NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “Donnie Simpson’s life-long love of radio and music, incredible talent and commitment to his audience make him well-deserving of this honor. We are excited to welcome Donnie into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame for radio during NAB Show in April and look forward to celebrating all that he has accomplished over his distinguished 55-year career.”
The NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame recognizes radio and television personalities or programs that have earned a place in broadcasting history.
