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*West Angeles Church of God and Christ on Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles was packed today, January 4, 2018, to celebrate the life of beloved L.A. radio legend Cliff “The Body” Winston who, as EURweb.com previously reported, passed away on December 19, 2017, at the age of 63, of a heart attack.
Family, friends, co-workers, both past and present, former classmates and fans came to pay their respect to one of Los Angeles’ own. Cliff was born (October 19, 1954) and raised in Los Angeles and attended Dorsey High School and later Los Angeles City College and the University of Washington (Seattle), where he pursued a degree in Communications. Cliff was an L.A. radio listening audience favorite on KJLH, KKBT (The Beat) and V100 radio stations for more than 20 years.
Cliff had a love for people and people loved him back, as evidenced by the turnout at his celebration. It seemed like anyone ever affiliated with KJLH, including the owner, Stevie Wonder, was in attendance. Although the occasion was sad, the mood was not, as stories galore were told of the man with the big smile, whose love and selflessness knew no boundaries.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, her son Ed and California Assemblyman Curren Price were on hand to present proclamations to Cliff, who was very active in the Los Angeles community. Others on hand to share reflections were Corey Danzler of the Challengers Boys and Girls Club, Concert Promoter and Boxing Manager Sam Watson, Comedian D.L. Hughley, who appeared via tape and Cliff’s daughter Asia, who gave a moving tribute sharing what it meant to have a “cool dad.” I’m pretty sure the standing ovation meant the audience loved it.
The celebration participants had so much love for Cliff and stories to share that time ran out and other than for family members, the parting view portion of the service was eliminated. I don’t think people had a problem with Stevie Wonder speaking and then putting on a mini concert, singing ‘As” to a standing ovation. I know I didn’t.
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It’s always sad when someone passes and Cliff’s passing is definitely no exception. Although he left us much too soon, he touched so many that I cannot help but say he had a life well lived. That feeling was also echoed during the celebration, when the comment was made that Cliff didn’t die at 25, like Biggie and Tupac and had a full life.
A moving video tribute of Cliff’s life, including photos of his parents, siblings, wedding, children and his life in radio was presented and well received.
While I was watching the black coffin being prepared for transport to Inglewood Park Cemetery, I thought this may look like good-bye, but it really isn’t. We will miss Cliff, but we know his legacy will live on through everyone and everything that he touched.
Cliff “The Body” Winston…THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES and to the Winston family, thank you for sharing Cliff with us.
Marilyn Smith is a Los Angeles Based writer/reviewer. Contact her via [email protected].
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