Friday marked the last time urban radio listeners will hear the classic “Oh, oh, oh” segue into the beloved “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” The legendary disc jockey, known as The Fly Jock, retired Friday after 25 years on the air.
During the last 25 years, Joyner, 70, has introduced his audience to up-and-coming R&B acts and reintroduced many to musical talents of the 1980s, 1990s and beyond. It wasn’t all music, either, for the Tuskegee, Alabama, native. His show featured several political conversations and interviews with stars. It also featured unique segments including the radio soap opera “It’s Your World.”
»MORE: Joyner tells the AJC's Rodney Ho why he is retiring
Along the way, the show became America’s No. 1 syndicated urban morning show, airing in 105 markets nationwide, according to CBS News. His lucrative radio career only launched when his dream of being a musician faltered. He played with Lionel Richie’s The Commodores.
His family encouraged him to find other means of work, so he landed on a radio career that would broadcast him to 8 million listeners. The awards and success on the airwaves were an indication that he took the right route. For Joyner, empowering people was his primary goal.
“Our thing has always been to empower people. But to empower, we have to first entertain," Joyner told CBS News. “If I've got you laughing, I've got you listening.”
Tom Joyner is like no other. @TJMShow and his presence in the community were legendary, and his work on HBCUs will make a difference for generations. Tom made millions smile and touched many lives — on and off-air. "The Fly Jock" is an undisputed legend. https://t.co/xy0sbmQCpq
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 13, 2019
At one point, Joyner raked in $14 million a year, but as the radio industry declined and the urban morning radio trailblazer was no longer the only option, Joyner’s salary took hits — year after year.
“... My salary was based on my results, and not only was I losing affiliates but radio industry as a whole was losing traction...My goal was to die on the radio. Have my funeral on the radio,” Joyner said with a laugh.
On the last day of his broadcast, several famous and everyday radio listeners paid homage to Joyner on Twitter.
Sen. Kamala Harris shared a tribute to The Fly Jock on Friday, stating that he’s an essential part of black history.
Tom Joyner is a legend and has played a critical role in building community and lifting up all voices. He is Black history. It was an honor to be a guest on the @TJMShow but to also call him a friend. Enjoy retirement!
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 13, 2019
“Oh, oh, oh, it’s the Tom Joyner morning show” .. is all I remember otw to school as a child ✊🏾 https://t.co/uCsv4O4XhL
— Asia Alexandria 🌿 (@peu_fleur) December 13, 2019
TOM JOYNER RETIRED TODAY. THANKS TOM FOR DECADES OF ENTERTAINMENT AND SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. pic.twitter.com/cqcCJ4f79H
— Judge Greg Mathis (@JudgeGregMathis) December 13, 2019
"Oh oh oh! It's the Tom Joyner Morning Show...!" pic.twitter.com/hTNmbyBvZW
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 13, 2019
High school mornings always consisted of a car ride listening to "the hardest working man in radio" #theflyjock Tom Joyner. Thank you for all you've done (A LOT!) @TJMShow, from one Chicagoan, peace & blessings! (This gif was us every morning!) pic.twitter.com/I8GdO36QW4
— DJ Lady D (@djladyd) December 13, 2019
After 25 years of starting each morning with flyness, Tom Joyner signed off on his very last show Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.
— Manny Lewis (@mannylewismusic) December 13, 2019
I just wanna wish @flyjocktomjoyner well with all his future endeavors...He told me to keep it “NeoClassic”...#icon pic.twitter.com/GGOdQNE2sg
»RELATED: Rickey Smiley to replace Tom Joyner when he retires
Though fans will miss Joyner and his political savant co-host Sybil Wilkes, Joyner will be replaced by a familiar personality. Rickey Smiley, who already airs his morning show on 60 stations, will transition over to many of Joyner’s stations in 2020.
Joyner and Smiley are part of Dallas-based Reach Media, which is majority owned by Urban One.
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