Donnie Simpson facts for kids

Donnie Simpson is a famous American radio DJ and television personality. He is known for his long career in radio and TV. He hosted The Donnie Simpson Morning Show on Washington, D.C., radio station WPGC-FM for many years. He now hosts The Donnie Simpson Show on D.C.-based radio station WMMJ-FM (Majic 102.3 FM). Donnie was the first radio personality in his type of music format to earn over $1 million a year without his show being broadcast everywhere.

In 2003, Donnie Simpson signed a big deal with WPGC-FM. This made him the highest-paid African-American radio personality who was not syndicated. He was named Radio Personality of the Year and Program Director of the Year by Billboard magazine. In 2020, Donnie was honored by being added to the Radio Hall of Fame.

Early Life and First Steps

Donnie Simpson was born on January 30, 1954. His mother owned a record shop, which meant Donnie grew up around lots of different music. He started his radio career very young, at just 15 years old. His first job was at WJLB in Detroit, Michigan. On the radio, he was known as Donnie "The Love Bug” Simpson. People quickly recognized him for his smooth voice and friendly personality.

Donnie's Amazing Career

After working in Detroit for eight years, Donnie moved to Washington, D.C., in 1977. He started working at WRC-FM, which is now called WKYS. He was a DJ and also helped manage the radio programs. He stayed with WKYS for 15 years. During this time, the station changed its music style from Disco to Urban Contemporary. He hosted The Donnie Simpson Morning Show for over 30 years.

Becoming a TV Star

In 1981, Donnie got his first job on television at WRC-TV. He was a backup anchor for a sports show. Soon after, he became the host of Video Soul. This was a popular music video show on BET, the Black Entertainment Television network. He also hosted many other TV specials.

In 1983, Robert L. Johnson, who started BET, asked Donnie to host Video Soul. Donnie stayed with the show until it ended in 1997. Over the years, Donnie hosted many special TV events. He interviewed many famous stars. These included Stevie Wonder, Prince, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Janet Jackson, James Brown, Usher, Jay-Z, Notorious BIG, Whitney Houston, Tupac, Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Smokey Robinson. In June 2023, a new version called Donnie Simpson's Video Soul started on BET+.

Podcasts and New Shows

Donnie also started the Donnie Simpson Podcast Network (DSPN). The first season of The Donnie Simpson Show Podcast came out in December 2021. You can also watch the podcast videos on Donnie's YouTube channel. On his podcast, he interviews celebrity guests like Smokey Robinson and Regina Belle.

Donnie retired from radio in 2010, but he came back to radio and TV in August 2015. He started hosting The Donnie Simpson Show on WMMJ (Majic 102.3 FM). In February 2016, a TV show called Donnie After Dark began airing on TV One. In January 2021, Reach Media launched The Donnie Simpson Weekend Show. This was a two-hour show broadcast to many radio stations.

After 55 years on the radio, Donnie announced that January 12, 2024, would be his last day hosting “The Donnie Simpson Show” on MAJIC 102.3. He said he is not fully retiring. Instead, he plans to focus on new projects, like his podcast and the return of the Video Soul TV show.

Donnie's Awards and Honors

Donnie Simpson has received many important awards. In 1988, Billboard Magazine recognized him as the best radio personality and program director in the country. He won both Radio Personality of the Year and Program Director of the Year awards.

In 2004, Donnie was added to the BET Walk of Fame. In 2015, he was honored by being inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. He was the only person who was not a musician to receive this honor at that time. On October 29, 2020, Donnie was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. This was a live ceremony broadcast on radio stations across the country.

Donnie Simpson's TV and Movie Appearances