WCIU, WVON To Pay Tribute To Don Cornelius
, A seven-hour marathon of hosted by Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas of the group TLC. The marathon will feature performances by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Commodores, Kool and the Gang, Janet Jackson, En Vogue, Cornelius' last show as host in 1993.The Kool Gent - News
Speakers included Cornelius' radio comrades such as Herb “the Kool Gent” Kent, Richard Steele and Marv Dyson. The Rev. Jesse Jackson wondered why Chicago, which has immortalized Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray and Marilyn Monroe as statues, couldn't have
Jesse Jackson, legendary DJ Herb "the Cool Gent" Kent, soul singer and Cook County Commissioner Jerry "Iceman" Butler, radio executives Melody Spann Cooper and Marv Dyson, and Sparrow. Contact the author of this article or email tips@chicagoist.com
“And then that band, they were called Gent Lemon as in 'gentlemen', kind of took off a little bit, we were doing a lot of local gigs. We entered a talent contest and got to the final at Leeds Town Hall – we didn't win it but at least we got to the
AllisonPayne.com: The "Cool Gent"
This past weekend I had the honor of hitting the airwaves with a broadcast legend--Herb Kent of V-103. I joined Herb on his Sunday broadcast for his "Battle of the Bands" segment. Here's how it works--Herb and I each pick an artist and the songs we want to play. Then listeners call in to vote for their favorite. This week's line up had me pitting Gladys Knight against Herb who had Patti LaBelle. I had no idea that Herb would be so competitive! As soon as I walked in the studio, Herb told me I was going to lose. He claimed Gladys had only won his "Battle" show once. And he kept boasting about how he and Patti were going to whip me good! Fortunately, I had called my friends to let them know I would be on the air, and my buddy, Carolyn Curry, put out a mass email to everyone she knows. "Stop watching the Bears long enough to help Allison Payne. Call in and vote for Gladys." I've told you before about my friend, Carolyn. But I don't think I've shared with you how positively fabulous Carolyn is at staging a campaign. My girl gets it done! I haven't been on the air in so long, I forgot how much fun it can be. Well, let me be honest, the news was never fun. It's all serious and sad. But radio rocks! I had a blast joking around with Herb yesterday. And I chose my closing song by Gladys very strategically. I wrapped up the battle with "You're the Best Thing" and dedicated it to my father. What a moment! I've told you many times, my dad is the best thing that ever happened to me. And well, I have to thank God for giving me such an incredible father. My dad was in town last weekend because I was honored by the Sigmas (a fraternity). I had him for two amazing days. We didn't do anything special (the Sigma dinner was enough "event" for us.) We just sat in the kitchen talking and getting caught on each other.