Stevie Wonder, Skip Dillard, and Charlemagne Tha God were among the names called in Charlotte as the National Black Radio Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2026, recognizing on-air talent, station owners, programmers, and pioneers who have shaped Black radio.
Wonder, who received the African American Station Owner Award, has owned Radio Free 102.3 KJLH in Los Angeles since acquiring the station in 1979.
Shirley Caesar was recognized with the Gospel Radio Personality Award. In addition, Tony Gray received the Lifetime Media Achievement Award, Skip Dillard earned the Talented Brothers of Radio Award, Chaka Khan was named Radio Music Career Artist of the Year, and Charlemagne Tha God received the Radio Pioneer Award.
Founded in 2010 by President Bernie Hayes, the National Black Radio Hall of Fame is housed at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. Hayes, National Office Vice President Uvee Hayes, and National Office Second Vice President Marsha Washington George thanked the city of Charlotte for hosting this year’s ceremony.
The Class of 2027 will be inducted in Orlando, with dates, venue, and nomination details still to be announced.
National Black Radio Hall of Fame Chairperson for Inductions and Nominations “Hurricane” Dave Smith commented, “It was amazing to be in the Queen City. It’s always an honor and a privilege to celebrate the trailblazers, the history makers, and the innovators of Black radio.”
