Tom Joyner Retires From Radio After Twenty-Five Years On The Air

Veteran radio host Tom Joyner officially signed off from his nationally syndicated radio show for a final time on Friday (December 13). For the past twenty five years, “The Tom Joyner Morning Show has not only informed listeners, it has entertained them with a mixture of music, commentary, comedians, celebrity interviews and more. The 70 year old radio legend took to social media to share this post.

He posted a video on his Instagram page with caption, "The Fly Jock has landed. Thank you all for an amazing 25 years of the Tom Joyner Morning Show!". Tom received so much love and well wishes from many fellow celebs, followers and fans. Singer Estelle left this comment on his post. “Thank you”. Famed journalist and civil rights activist Shaun King left this comment. “We love you and miss you already man”. One fan left this comment on his post, “God bless you in your retirement and thank you for all your service!”. Another fan also commented on his post. “Thank you, Tom!! Enjoy.”

The legendary radio host voice and presence is definitely going to be missed for sure. Many fans and followers agree that their mornings will never be the same without iconic show. One fan left this comment under the post saying, “Enjoyed your show over the years so going to miss you in the mornings. Congratulations on your retirement and God’s continued Blessings”. Another fan left this comment. “You will be missed!!!! Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do to empower and uplift our people!!! Love and prayers to you, Miss Sybil, and the entire TJMS family!!!!! I hope to see you on the Fantastic Voyage someday!!!! Love you Mr. Joyner!!! #OhOhOhForever”.

Tom’s retirement definitely marked the end of an amazing era for radio and it was a sad day for many who have been faithful and loyal listeners of the show. One follower stated the following. “A sad day in History!!!!”. Another follower left this comment under the post. “I'm Crying This Morning I Love This Show.” Finally, one fan daily commutes to work and school were fun for sure because of his amazing show and left this comment. “Love you Tom! Thank you for making my drives to school and work fun. Enjoy your retirement”.

The Tom Joyner Morning Show, which made its debut in 1994, was not only the top rated urban radio program in the nation, it aired in 105 markets nationwide, with eight million daily listeners. He became the first black radio personality to land a syndicated radio show and credits his success with “super-serving” the black community. During a recent interview with “CBS News”, he stated the following. “Don't worry about crossover. Just super serve, super serve, super serve”. He continued on, “Anything that affects African Americans, that's what you do. Just worry about connecting to people and their needs.”

Tom is who is a native of Tuskegee, Alabama and a graduate of Tuskegee University, got his start in college. Growing up in a town that was centered in the civil rights movement inspired him to protest the lack of Black artists receiving radio play, and doing so landed him a job. He recalled the following. “So I'm out there protesting the fact our radio station in this all-black town didn't play any Black music”. He continued on, “And this guy who owned the radio station, which was inside a Ford dealership, came out and said, 'I don't need this. I'm trying to really sell some cars.' Tell you what, it's a sun up, sun down station, every Saturday, I'll let one of you play all the Aretha and The Temptations that you want.”

After college, he jumped from various radio stations around the South and Midwest, one of which happened to be owned by “Ebony” and “Jet” magazine owner, John H. Johnson. During the mid-80s, he held down jobs in Chicago and Dallas, which earned him the nickname “Fly Jock.” Tom is the true definition of a radio icon who has contributed so much to not only radio, he has made such a huge impact on the African-American community when it comes to helping with education and raising money to go towards tuition for college students attending Historically Black colleges. As well as inspired so many, inform and entertain many households. Radio is certainly not going to be the same without this amazing man. I grew up listening to his show and I can remember the many laughs that I would have on the way to school. Such great memories. Thank you so much for everything Mr. Joyner and a job well done “Fly Jock”.