*After 25 years on air, radio legend Tom Joyner, beloved host of the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” retired Friday (12-13-19) after previously stating that his goal was to “die on radio.”
“Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform and empower African-American listeners,” Joyner said in a statement.
In the syndicated show’s place will be “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” will now be moving to many of Joyner’s affiliates, according to Radio Insight.
During retirement, Joyner, 70, plans on devoting his time fully to raising college funds for students from historically black colleges and universities through his Tom Joyner Foundation.
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Tom Joyner is like no other. @TJMShow and his presence in the community were legendary, and his work on HBCUs will make a difference for generations. Tom made millions smile and touched many lives — on and off-air. “The Fly Jock” is an undisputed legend. https://t.co/xy0sbmQCpq
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 13, 2019
Since his episode aired, many have paid homage to The Fly Jock on Twitter.
One user wrote, “I learned so much listening to @TJMShow over the years. And laughed a lot, too. Everybody deserves to retire, but damn. Gonna miss him.”
Sen. Kamala Harris also hit up Twitter to call Joyner a legend.
“Tom Joyner is a legend and has played a critical role in building community and lifting up all voices,” she tweeted. “He is Black history. It was an honor to be a guest on the @TJMShow but to also call him a friend. Enjoy retirement!”
Tom Joyner is a legend and has played a critical role in building community and lifting up all voices. He is Black history. It was an honor to be a guest on the @TJMShow but to also call him a friend. Enjoy retirement!
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 13, 2019
As noted by ajc.com, Senator Harris wasn’t the only person to give Joyner his props:
TOM JOYNER RETIRED TODAY. THANKS TOM FOR DECADES OF ENTERTAINMENT AND SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. pic.twitter.com/cqcCJ4f79H
— Judge Greg Mathis (@JudgeGregMathis) December 13, 2019
After 25 years of starting each morning with flyness, Tom Joyner signed off on his very last show Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.
I just wanna wish @flyjocktomjoyner well with all his future endeavors…He told me to keep it “NeoClassic”…#icon pic.twitter.com/GGOdQNE2sg— Emmanuel Withers (@emmanuelwithers) December 13, 2019
“Oh, oh, oh, it’s the Tom Joyner morning show” .. is all I remember otw to school as a child ? https://t.co/uCsv4O4XhL
— Asia Alexandria (@peu_fleur) December 13, 2019
During his 25 years on air, Joyner served up R&B hits and often schooled his 8M listeners on Black American history. At one point, Joyner raked in $14 million a year, but as the radio industry declined, so did his salary — year after year.
“… My salary was based on my results, and not only was I losing affiliates but radio industry as a whole was losing traction…My goal was to die on the radio. Have my funeral on the radio,” Joyner said in a CBS interview.
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