Legendary radio and media personality Donnie Simpson is signing off for the last time on Majic 102.3 and 92.7 Friday evening.
The illustrious host with an incredible 55-year career took to social media with a heartfelt message as he geared up for his final show with the station.
“Today’s the day,” Simpson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Please make sure you tune into my last day … Let’s celebrate together as I thank each [and] every one of you for your support during my 55 years in radio.”
An icon, trailblazer and media legend originally from Detroit, Simpson held a commanding presence in Washington, D.C.
He gained international fame as a television personality. From his early beginnings in Detroit to his stints at WKYS and WMMJ in Washington, he etched his name in the history of radio.
A true industry pioneer, Simpson was one of America’s first video jockeys, hosting iconic shows like BET’s “Video Soul.” His achievements reached new heights when, in 1988, Billboard magazine recognized him as both the best top radio personality and top program director in the nation.
After retiring in 2010, Simpson triumphantly returned to the airwaves and television screens in 2015. As the afternoon drive host on WMMJ (Majic 102.3) in Washington D.C., and the face of TV-One’s “Donnie After Dark,” Simpson continued to captivate audiences with his signature style.
As noted in his bio, Simpson started in Detroit as the “Love Bug.” Simpson’s passion for music, nurtured in his mother’s record shop, laid the groundwork for an extraordinary career. He connected with the biggest stars globally throughout the years, showcasing his talent and versatility.
Simpson’s television career soared as he anchored sports and hosted “Video Soul” on BET. In 2021, he announced the revival of “Video Soul.”
Honored with inductions into the BET Walk of Fame (2004) and the R&B Hall of Fame of Class of 2020, Simpson’s legacy is cemented in the annals of entertainment history.
“I’m going to miss doing the show, Donnie’s going to miss it, too, but he’s got some great things planned,” wrote News4 anchor Tony Perkins, who joined “The Donnie Simpson Show” in the 3 p.m. slot six years ago. “We loved doing the show. Thank you for all the responses on social media.”
I we miss your show old school style
Old School
I had no idea that Donnie Simpson was leaving 102.3/92.7. He and Tony Perkins was my drive time in the evening when I left work. I will truly miss his voice and the great conversations that they would have on the show each afternoon. I wish peace, love and blessings to him. He will be missed on the radio.
I’m happy for Donnie Simpson, after 55 years he deserves to retire but he will be missed tremendously, each day from 3-7pm I looked forward to him & the crews stories & laughter but he has to move on at some point. Best Wishes to you, we love you & we’re going to miss The Donnie Simpson Show! Take Care ❤️
Donny was simply the BEST EVER In the history of DJ’s in the Metro area. He was a calming voice during troubled times and will Definitely be missed.
out of all the well known personalities, Donny was the one person that when he was recalling events he and Pam had you always knew that he wasnt dropping names as a way of bragging, you always knew that whoever the incident happened with, be it Whitney Houston and or Heavy D, they were like family to him, which made them our family
I have been listening to Donnie since he was TheLoveBug in Detroit. I have enjoyed him, Pam, Tony Perkins and the young man Rick Chill. I’m sure going to miss them ALL. God Bless them and their family! I ❤️ them All!
Thank for making the drive doing rush hour traffic an enjoyment instead of a headache thru out the years. I will miss that time. Sorry the lions could not win one for u while u were on the air. Loved your act, thank you
Devastated. I’m from the UK, and my favorite DJ, Steve Wright died last week, and now Donny’s gone. I will miss him and his music.
This has made me so sad Donnie to me as much as I love to listen to good music,is and was a music DJ legend and there’s something to be said even to his character, integrity and loyalty. Unfortunately I believe many people are not saying what actually rings True,that as nice and personable, as his sidekick was, Mr. Perkins was just too dry for radio and when you’re that dry it turns people off and that is why I believe Frank Ski and Nina basically pushed them out and that indeed is very sad