Radio legend Doug Banks died on Monday at the age of 57. There has not been an official statement regarding the matter, but it was reported by ABC7 and the Chicago Tribune that he had died from complications stemming from his diabetes.
Banks was a beloved personality on the radio and Chicago’s mainstream media.
“Doug’s infectious personality, coupled with his passion and perspective on the air brought joy to countless Chicagoans and left an indelible impact on our city,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel shared his feelings on his Twitter account.
Remembering Doug Banks
Calvin Douglas Banks, Jr was born in Philadelphia but subsequently moved down to Detroit. He started working in the radio at an early age while he was in high school, knowing how to appeal to a mostly urban and black audience. He was spotted then given a spot in a nightly weekend show on WDRQ-FM. Banks proceeded to work in several radio stations, among which some are located in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He hosted a nationally syndicated radio show for 16 years, and it became one of the most important syndicated radio programs in the United States. Doug Banks earned the nickname of “Dan Ryan Head,” a reference to the expressway that crosses the south side of Chicago.
In 2005, Banks was honored in New York City for his contributions to radio entertainment at the 12th Annual Living Legends Foundation Gala. The next year, he founded the Doug Banks Literacy and Scholarship Initiative.
Among others, Tom Joyner, another radio host, posted his condolences on Twitter. On that same note, Reverend Jesse Jackson also shared a message on his social media sites, naming Banks “the voice of hope, joy and information.” Other celebrities and notable media personalities that shared a close relationship with Banks include rapper Ludacris, TV One host Rolands Martin, filmmaker John Digles, actress Deborah Cox and model Gabrielle Union; all of which shared heartfelt messages on their respective Twitter accounts.
His co-host for 17 years, DeDe McGuire, posted a meaningful message on Instagram naming Banks “a brother, a friend, a mentor, a life changer, a RADIO LEGEND.” Marv Dyson, general manager of WGCI FM 107.5 and WVAZ FM 102.7 also paid his respects; WVAZ being the station where Doug’s shows were aired, being the “Doug and DeDe show” the most important, which eventually was renamed as the “Doug Banks Radio Show.”
Source: USA Today