Drake Magazine / Radio Legend
Donnie Simpson
Also known as Donnie "The Love Bug" Simpson
Verified profile information for Drake Magazine Radio Legends.
- City / market
- Washington, D.C.
- Key radio markets
- Dallas, Texas · Chicago, Illinois
- Early career
- WJLB — Detroit, Michigan
- Radio station(s)
- WKYS-FM · WPGC-FM · WMMJ / Majic 102.3
- Years active / era
- 1969–2024 in traditional radio broadcasting
- Awards / recognition
- Billboard Radio Personality of the Year · Billboard Program Director of the Year · R&B Music Hall of Fame — 2015 · Radio Hall of Fame — 2020 · NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame — 2024
About
Donnie Simpson is a Hall of Fame radio and television personality whose broadcasting career spans more than five decades. He began his radio career at age 15 at WJLB in Detroit before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1977 to work at WKYS. At WKYS, Simpson became morning show host and program director. He moved to WPGC-FM in 1993 and remained a major voice in Washington radio for years. After stepping away from daily radio in 2010, Simpson returned to the Washington airwaves in 2015 at Majic 102.3 (WMMJ). His final daily Majic 102.3 show aired in January 2024, although he emphasized that he was not retiring from media.
Career highlights
Began his radio career at WJLB in Detroit at age 15. · Moved to Washington, D.C. and joined WKYS in 1977. · Became morning show host and program director at WKYS. · Joined WPGC-FM in 1993. · Hosted BET's Video Soul from 1983 through 1997. · Served as a backup sports anchor at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. · Returned to radio in 2015 as afternoon-drive host on Majic 102.3 (WMMJ). · Expanded his work into television, film, podcasting and digital media. · Concluded his daily Majic 102.3 radio show in January 2024 after approximately 55 years in radio.
Notable shows / programs
The Donnie Simpson Morning Show · The Donnie Simpson Show · Video Soul — BET · Donnie After Dark — TV One · Donnie Simpson's Video Soul · The Donnie Simpson Show Podcast
Impact on Carolina radio
Donnie Simpson became one of the defining voices of Washington, D.C. radio. His work at WKYS, WPGC and Majic 102.3 helped establish a broadcasting career that connected generations of listeners with R&B, soul, hip-hop, artist interviews and entertainment. His influence also extended nationally through television, particularly his 14-year run hosting BET's Video Soul.
Social / official links
No official links supplied.