Harold-Jackson-Obituary

Harold "Hal" Jackson

Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) - Radio pioneer Harold "Hal" Jackson, a staple of New York radio, has died. He was in his late 90s.

Jackson died Wednesday in a hospital, said Deon Levingston, vice president and general manager at WBLS, a station owned by Inner City Broadcasting, which Jackson co-founded.

Paul Heine, senior editor at Inside Radio, a trade publication, said Jackson "was the godfather of black radio."

"His longevity and his breaking down the doors, breaking the color barrier, he really made it possible for African-Americans who followed him to work in the medium," Heine said.

Jackson had been on the air as recently as a couple of weeks ago, hosting a Sunday show on WBLS.

"His energy was amazing," Levingston said.

Heine said Jackson still continued to show up at radio conventions, as well.

"He didn't need to do these things," he said. "He was so passionate and so dedicated to the medium."

Mayor Michael Bloomberg desc ribed Jackson as a "legend."

"Hal was not only the first African-American voice on network radio or the first African-American play-by-play sports announcer, but an iconic legend who - during the Civil Rights movement - gave voice to the many who simply did not have one," he said.

Jackson began his career in Washington, D.C., as the first African-American play-by-play sports announcer. He moved to New York in the 1950s where he hosted three different radio shows, broadcasting a mix of music and conversation, including jazz and celebrities.

Jackson later co-founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, one of the first broadcasting companies wholly owned by African-Americans. The company acquired WBLS, which pioneered the urban contemporary format. Jackson continued to host a program each week on WBLS.

In 1995, Jackson became the first African-American to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I heard so much about u from my mother n hope that onedat i can compeate in hall jacksons talented teens ur in my prayers rest in peace

My father was an inspiration to many; launched the careers of musicians spanning seven decades from the 1930's to the present. HBJ was the first to "Break" songs by Ahmet Ertegun [HBJ's 1st radio-show "The House that Jack Built" theme song "The House that Blues Built" launched Atlantic records], the Commodores featuring Lionel Richie right up to today's Alicia Keys ... I am bursting with pride, love worship ... Jewell Jackson McCabe

Loved Hal Jackson on Sundays when I lived in Newark, NJ; moved to Florida in 2004 and still continued to listen to Hal on Sunday's on WBLS via radio- he will be missed. May the Lord grant peace to his family of millions.
CSM - Lynn Haven, FL

My sincerest condolences to the Jackson Family. RIP Mr. Jackson.

Hal you did it your way! Thank you for all you did for me as a young black man! I will always remember you as an icon in the lives of so many young women, some that I worked with as a California sponsor for Hal Jackson Talented Teens International Pageant..I will never forget you smile or your voice. Go and rest and if you happen to see Wilda or Neil Rose tell them I love them and I miss them too... "I will always love you"

RIP Mr.Jackson. Radio has lost a true legend..... Thank you for the Talented Teens at Palisades Park,what and inspiration for young Black girls in the late 60's and early 70's.Condolences to your family!!!

I will miss Mr.Jackson on Sunday mornings. debbie "B" I think U should keep the sunday morning show.