I'm Just a DJ But... It Makes Sense to Me

Hall of Fame disc jockey Tom Joyner uses his signature brand of humor to discuss everything from business to careers to relationships as he shares the insights and lessons he's learned along the way.Now the host of a radio show that is the most popular media outlet ever among African Americans, Joyner started his career at a small AM radio station in his home state of Alabama, working his way across the midwest, and eventually landing in Chicago.In 1985, he made headlines as "The Hardest Working Man in Radio" when he worked a morning show in Dallas in addition to his afternoon show in Chicago. His daily commute earned him the nickname "The Fly Jock." In 1994, he convinced ABC Radio to syndicate his program, and The Tom Joyner Show-a mix of comedy music, and guests who range from Stevie Wonder to Tipper Gore-was born.

Hall of Fame disc jockey Tom Joyner uses his signature brand of humor to discuss everything from business to careers to relationships as he shares the insights and lessons he's learned along the way.Now the host of a radio show that is the most popular media outlet ever among African Americans, Joyner started his career at a small AM radio station in his home state of Alabama, working his way across the midwest, and eventually landing in Chicago.In 1985, he made headlines as "The Hardest Working Man in Radio" when he worked a morning show in Dallas in addition to his afternoon show in Chicago. His daily commute earned him the nickname "The Fly Jock." In 1994, he convinced ABC Radio to syndicate his program, and The Tom Joyner Show-a mix of comedy music, and guests who range from Stevie Wonder to Tipper Gore-was born.

Publishers Weekly

Joyner, host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, which is syndicated in more than 120 American markets, presents an entertaining memoir of his life in radio. He recalls growing up in the segregated South in Tuskegee, Ala., working his way through a Southern black college with odd jobs and then landing a gig behind a radio mike. Joyner's success on the airwaves didn't come overnight: he made several miscues, such as signing on with two radio stations in separate states, doing a show in Chicago in the mornings and then flying to Dallas in the afternoons, only to quit those jobs to take on a "black Casey Kasem" role in a short-lived national countdown show. Much of the book brims with his trademark witticisms regarding personal responsibility, the importance of a solid work ethic, success and "giving something back" to one's community. Although there is plenty of celebrity name-dropping (Lionel Richie, Al Sharpton, Luther Vandross), some pleasing moments come near the book's end, when Joyner lovingly describes his wife, trainer Donna Richardson; their two sons; and his extended family. Chatty and upbeat, Joyner's book should appeal to his national audience and may recruit some new listeners, as well. (Sept. 2) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.