Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images
"My Goal Was To Die On The Radio": Legendary Tom Joyner Retires After 25 Years On The Radio
Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images
The 70-year-old signed off on his very last show Friday (December 13).
Tom Joyner has retired following the last airing of his Tom Joyner Morning Show Friday (December 13).
The 70-year-old first started hosting The Tom Joyner Morning Show in 1994. Joyner earned the nickname "The Fly Jock" because he had to host two different radio stations during the day: Dallas' 104.5 KKDA-FM in the mornings and Chicago's 107.5 WGCI in the afternoons.
Joyner's radio show was dedicated to Black people and became a success, going into syndication and airing in more than 105 markets nationwide and reaching nearly eight million listeners.
In an interview with CBS News, Joyner discussed why he was retiring from radio, explaining that throughout the years the money he was making continued to decrease.
"...it got to a point where they would – 'All right, we're gonna cut your salary in half.' 'Okay.' 'And then in half.' 'Okay.' And then in half two years ago," Joyner said. "Because my salary was based on my results, and not only was I losing affiliates but radio industry as a whole was losing traction."
When asked if he would've stayed longer if he had been offered more money, Joyner replied: "Heck yeah. Shoot, I – my goal was to die on the radio. Have my funeral on the radio."
Following the news of Joyner's retirement, everyone from Andrew Gillum to Ebro Darden reacted to the news.
"After 25 years, the Fly Jock is undefeated, powerful — and damn funny," Gillum tweeted. 'Tom Joyner showed millions what was possible, & it was my honor to fight with him to flip Florida in 2018. Thanks for lifting all of us up. Happy retirement, my friend."
\u201cAfter 25 years, the Fly Jock is undefeated, powerful \u2014 and damn funny.\n\nTom Joyner showed millions what was possible, & it was my honor to fight with him to flip Florida in 2018. Thanks for lifting all of us up. \ud83d\udc4a\ud83c\udfff\u2728 \n\nHappy retirement, my friend. #TJMS\u201d— Andrew Gillum (@Andrew Gillum) 1576244582
\u201cThank You Mr. Tom Joyner!! \nYoung media folks watch this and learn from the great!!! @TJMShow\u201d— the Old Man Ebro (@the Old Man Ebro) 1576248952
\u201cSalute Tom Joyner. We appreciate you, brother. @TJMShow\u201d— John Legend (@John Legend) 1576250040
\u201cTom 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!\u201d— Kamala Harris (@Kamala Harris) 1576257122