He did it during The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Friday, introducing Rickey Smiley as his successor. Joyner is retiring at the end of the year after 25 years as host. Smiley also announced that Eva Marcille and Gary Wit Da Tea would be among the on-air cast members joining him to broadcast out of the Dallas studios beginning January 2020.
“I’m happy to see the landscape of Urban AC morning radio continue to expand with Rickey, and I’m proud of the doors the Tom Joyner Morning Show opened,” said Joyner. “Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform, and empower African-American listeners. We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose. Yeah, we’ve done a lot but there’s still a lot left to be done. I’m confident that Rickey’s activism along with his love for radio, the community, and HBCUs will pick up where we left off.”
Smiley said, “It’s an honor to continue the legacy of my boss and frat brother Tom Joyner. Not only has he been a friend to my family and me over the years, but we consider him family. Tom’s mentorship has instilled in me valuable wisdom that I will carry with me through this new morning show.”
David Kantor, CEO, Reach Media & Radio One, added, “Tom changed the entire Urban radio marketplace. He entertained and educated multiple generations of listeners over the last 25 years. While there is and will always be only one Tom Joyner, we are excited that Rickey will be moving to Urban AC in January. Like Tom, Rickey’s talent, community consciousness, and commitment to his audience will serve his listeners well.”
Photo: Rickey Smiley (left) and Tom Joyner saluting their brotherhood in Omega Psi Phi and in broadcasting, in announcing Rickey Smiley’s new Urban AC show for 2020
HAIL TOM….. To a job very well done!
I loved listening to your morning show on my way to work for many years. It was a wonderful uplifting, educational, Informative and inspirational start to my day. I will miss your intelligence, your charm and your sense of humor. Your dedication and service was absolutely invaluable. Sybil is the epitome of an outstanding women. She is so very intelligent. Always so very highly informed and oh…. so witty.I will miss her laugh… Her contribution to the show was positively priceless. I always looked forward to listening to Jay Anthony Brown.I loved his quick wit. He sent me to work laughing many mornings. I loved how every one on the show appeared to be so congenial. I will miss you all dearly. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors. Happy retirement Tom!!!!!!! With MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YOU…… Diane
The torch couldn’t been passed to a more deserving guy #eachonereachone
I’m really going to miss not hearing “what’s the deal pickle from Huggy Lowdown and it’s not directed toward Tom Joyner but I’m glad that Tom’s legacy will continue through Ricky Smiley who will create his own. I followed Tom and the crew even when they left and came back. Thank you Tom and the whole crew for giving me laughter, inspiration and motivation when it was much needed. Thank you ………….