After nearly ten years in the radio business, I would’ve never imagined I’d cover so much history in the entertainment community. I’ve started to realize three things: life is short, fragile, and the life you’re given is as real as it gets. With the recent death of Whitney Houston, a world renowned entertainer, I started to reflect on the legends lost over my young radio career. I was on-air when we lost Luther Vandross, Barry White, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Teena Marie, Heavy D, Don Cornelius, James Brown, Etta James, and other notables that I’ve probably overlooked. Not to sound opportunistic or cynical, but when we lose a celebrity this becomes a huge moment for radio to shine. One major market programmer brought up a good point, listeners turn to radio during those heartbreaking moments to seek validity, remembrance, and vocal expression. Another programmer mentioned “suicidal celebrities..please not on the weekends”. Both thought-provoking statements and the fuel behind why I work harder during moments of celebrity bereavement for my listening audience. Read the rest of this entry →