Donnie Simpson facts for kids

Donnie Simpson is a famous American radio DJ and television host. He has been on the radio for over 50 years! He is known for hosting The Donnie Simpson Morning Show in Washington, D.C. for many years. He also hosted The Donnie Simpson Show on WMMJ-FM (Majic 102.3 FM).

Donnie Simpson was the first radio personality in his type of music format to earn over $1 million a year without his show being broadcast in many different cities at once (this is called syndication). In 2020, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor for radio stars.

Donnie Simpson's Early Life

Donnie was born on January 30, 1954. His mom owned a record shop, so he grew up surrounded by all kinds of music. This helped him learn a lot about different songs and artists from a young age.

He started his radio career when he was just 15 years old! He worked at a radio station called WJLB in Detroit, Michigan. On the radio, he was known as Donnie "The Love Bug" Simpson. People quickly loved his smooth voice and friendly personality.

Donnie Simpson's Amazing Career

After working in Detroit for eight years, Donnie moved to Washington, D.C., in 1977. He became a DJ and program director at a station called WRC-FM, which is now WKYS. He stayed there for 15 years, hosting The Donnie Simpson Morning Show for over 30 years in total!

In 1981, Donnie got his first job on television. He worked for WRC-TV, which is an NBC station in Washington. Soon after, he became the host of Video Soul, a very popular music video show on BET (Black Entertainment Television). He also hosted many other TV specials.

Hosting Video Soul and Interviewing Stars

In 1983, Donnie was asked by Robert L. Johnson, who started BET, to host Video Soul. This show played music videos and was a big hit. Donnie stayed with Video Soul until it ended in 1997.

Over the years, Donnie has interviewed many of the biggest music stars in the world. Imagine talking to people like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Janet Jackson, James Brown, Whitney Houston, Tupac, Madonna, and Mariah Carey! He has talked to so many legends. In 2023, a new version of the show, Donnie Simpson's Video Soul, started on BET+.

Podcasts and Return to Radio

Donnie also started his own podcast network called the Donnie Simpson Podcast Network (DSPN). He launched The Donnie Simpson Show Podcast in 2021. You can even watch the video versions of his interviews on Donnie's YouTube channel. He has interviewed stars like Smokey Robinson and D.L. Hughley on his podcast.

Donnie retired from radio in 2010, but he missed it! He came back to radio and TV on August 17, 2015. He hosted The Donnie Simpson Show on WMMJ (Majic 102.3 FM). He also hosted a TV show called Donnie After Dark on TV One, which started in 2016. In 2021, his show The Donnie Simpson Weekend Show began playing on radio stations across the country.

After 55 years on the radio, Donnie announced that January 12, 2024, would be his last day of The Donnie Simpson Show on MAJIC 102.3. He said he is not fully retiring, but plans to focus on his podcast and bringing back the Video Soul TV show.

Donnie Simpson's Achievements and Awards

Donnie Simpson has received many important awards for his long and successful career.

In 1988, Billboard Magazine, a very important music industry publication, named him the best radio personality and the best program director in the country. He won both their Radio Personality of the Year and Program Director of the Year awards.

In 2004, Donnie was honored with an induction into the BET Walk of Fame. In 2015, he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. He was the only person who wasn't a musician to be honored at that time!

On October 29, 2020, Donnie Simpson was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. This is one of the highest honors for anyone working in radio. The ceremony was broadcast live on radio stations all over the country.