Bev Johnson
Radio Show Host, Talk Show Host, Community Leader
Radio Show Host, Talk Show Host, Community Leader
by DIVINE Staff Blogger Tiffoni Mitchell
You cannot talk about Memphis radio without mentioning the name of Bev Johnson. She has been a major player in the game of radio for many years with many more to come. DIVINE Magazine caught up with Memphis’ “Queen of Talk” for a one-on-one conversation about life, career, education, community service and what’s on the horizon for this radio mover and shaker.
DIVINE:: Greetings Ms. Bev Johnson how does it feel to have come so far in this career? When you look back over the years what comes to mind?
Bev Johnson:: It feels really great to have come this far by faith. When I look back over the years I would have never thought I would be in radio as a career and for so long. In this business, I have seen people come and go, as well as seeing the business change.
DIVINE:: How did you begin your career in radio?
Bev Johnson:: I began my career in Jackson, Mississippi at Jackson State University while I was a graduate student there in 1976. I have always said that it was a fluke that I’m doing what I am doing now. I was at JSU getting my masters degree and really wanted to go into TV as a reporter. Being a graduate assistant in the Mass Communications office, I was filling in for a student from D.C. on WJSU. Carl Haynes the program director at WJMI heard me and offered me a job as a disc jockey. I turned him down initially and he later found me in Memphis after school was out and offered me the job again. My grandmother told me, “Baby, never turn down an opportunity!” So I called him back and told him I would be back in school in the Fall and would take the job. So I began as a DJ working the midnight to 6am shift, but I still had the desire to be in news, and kept worrying Carl about it. When the opportunity became available, I became the morning news anchor on the AM & FM stations WJMI & WOKJ.
DIVINE:: Who have been your role models in life and career?
Bev Johnson:: My role models have been Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, who began her career at WDIA, left and went to Detroit and worked at several stations and ended up owning her own station. Carol Hal, who was one of the first black women to anchor on WHBQ-TV here in Memphis in the 70’. Lastly, Carol Simpson formerly of ABC News.
DIVINE:: How did you get your start in radio here in Memphis? And what is the 25th Anniversary that I have been hearing you talk about?
Bev Johnson:: I wanted to get back to Memphis or even go to Atlanta, so I sent a tape to both cities. Memphis (WLOK Radio) called me first and I accepted the job. Once I started working wouldn’t you know WAOK in Atlanta called but I stayed in Memphis. I am celebrating 25 years doing The Bev Johnson Show--my talk show. I was the first in the city to begin talking about relationships; the year after Oprah. I have been employed at WDIA now for 28 years being hired as a news anchor. It will be 29 years in September and 36 years in August in the radio business.
DIVINE:: In addition to “The Bev Johnson Show” on WDIA AM 1070 you also teach and have a cable talk show. Tell our readers about that.
Bev Johnson:: The cable show “Affairs of the Heart” started a year after the radio show and we focus on male and female relationships. It airs on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. on Comcast Channel 17. Dr. Dorothy Jeffries and Dr. Warren Harper who are both psychologists and who have appeared on my radio show helped me launch the cable show. I also teach writing and oral communications at Southwest Tennessee Community College where I have been since 1990. I've also taught at my alma mater Rust College in the Mass Communications Department. I love teaching and interacting with the students because I learn so much from them.
DIVINE:: How are you giving back to the community?
Bev Johnson:: I give back to the community through mental health counseling. I give to my Women’s groups and my charity helps my church’s higher education ministry send young people to college. My business alongwith Heart 2 Heart Counseling and Collaborations work together to give back through mental health counseling and working with people who may not be able to afford it. I also participate in several community service projects work with my sorority Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated.
DIVINE:: You end your talk show everyday with these words “And Ya’ll keep the Faith.” How does faith play a part in your life and career? And what is next for you?
Bev Johnson:: Faith plays an important role in my life. I wholeheartedly believe in faith and what it does. When I say, keep the faith, I mean that because it’s what gives you a sound mind and helps you to endure each day. What's next for me--I really want to get started on a book and talk about my experiences in this business.
DIVINE:: Here at DIVINE Magazine we want to inspire and encourage our readers. What words of inspiration and encouragement can you give?
Bev Johnson:: My encouraging words would be to tell people, “To Thine Own Self Be True”. Learn how to love yourself first and then you can love others. My motto is “As you treat yourself, you will treat others”. And never give up!
Ms. Bev Johnson, it has definitely been a pleasure talking with you today. I think it would be appropriate to leave our readers with the words that you leave your listeners with at the end of your radio talk show each day…."And ya’ll keep the Faith".
Facebook: The Bev Johnson Show
Email: bjohnson@am1070wdia.com
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