Famed Chicago disc jockey Herb Kent was a pioneer on the airwaves personally and professionally. He started as a 16-year-old in 1944, and by the ‘50s was among the first prominent black disc jockeys to emerge in the Windy City.
Videos by American Songwriter
Label: LAWRENCE HILL
[Rating: 4 STARS]
Famed Chicago disc jockey Herb Kent was a pioneer on the airwaves personally and professionally. He started as a 16-year-old in 1944, and by the ‘50s was among the first prominent black disc jockeys to emerge in the Windy City. Kent popularized a style of personality programming that blended hip jargon, musical knowledge and community activism. His skill and prowess behind the microphone enabled him to excel in any format at both predominantly white and black stations. The informative, extremely candid new book The Cool Gent: The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent, written with journalist David Smallwood, is a compelling tale of triumph, downfall and redemption. Kent describes his career ascent, love of music (particularly r&b and soul), and immersion into a lifestyle of non-stop celebration, substance abuse and sexual conquests where he finally hit bottom, yet survived numerous close calls (hence his book’s nickname). Now a successful weekend programmer on Chicago’s WVAZ (V103) and member of the Radio Hall of Fame, Herb Kent’s chronicle will delight and enthrall any music and/or broadcasting fan.
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