Donnie Simpson’s Ends Radio Show After 8 Years On Air

The legendary radio personality Donnie Simpson will air the last episode of “The Donnie Simpson Show” on MAJIC 102.3 on Friday, Jan. 12.

The veteran D.C.-based radio personality made the announcement on Jan. 10, informing listeners that he will not be retiring, just making a transition, NBC Washington reports. Simpson, who joined MAJIC eight years ago, will still be on air in the form of his podcast and the reboot of the TV show Video Soul.

“I’m going to miss doing the show, Donnie’s going to miss it, too, but he’s got some great things planned,” News4 anchor and “Donnie Simpson Show” co-host Tony Perkins said. “We loved doing the show. Thank you for all the responses on social media.”

Simpson, 69, is a Radio Hall of Famer who began his career in his native Detroit at 97.9 WJLB at 15, Radio Insight reports. In 1977, he relocated to Washington to serve as program director of 93.9 WKYS, where he would guide the station’s transition from disco to urban contemporary before taking over morning hosting.

In 1993, Simpson joined 95.5 WPGC and remained there until 2010. He’s best known for hosting BET’s Video Soul from 1983 until 1997. He also hosted a weekly talk show, “Donnie After Dark,” on TV One from 2016-17.

Last summer, Video Soul was resurrected for a six-episode run on BET+. Simpson is returning to help the show’s comeback.

Perkins shared the news in a Facebook post and confirmed that neither he nor Simpson were retiring.

“Well it’s official. Donnie Simpson just announced that the final episode of ‘The Donnie Simpson Show’ will air THIS Friday on MAJIC 102.3/92.7,” he wrote. “Donnie is NOT retiring (and neither am I), but our final two shows are tomorrow and Friday—so please be sure to join us!”