Donnie Simpson


Icon, Living Legend, and Trailblazer

Donnie Simpson has been called an icon, trailblazer and a media legend. He is the ruling Washington D.C. radio icon, as well as an international television and movie personality. Over his career, which has spanned over 55 years, he has entertained listeners from WJLB in Detroit to WKYS and WMMJ in Washington, and on television as host of BET’s Video Soul, Donnie Simpson's Video Soul, and TV-One's Donnie After Dark. He is considered one of the the nation's first video jockeys.

He hosted The Donnie Simpson Morning Show in Morning Drive for over 30 years. In 1988, Donnie was recognized as both the best top radio personality and top program director in the nation by Billboard Magazine, the world's most influential music industry publication. He received both Billboard's prestigious Radio Personality of the Year and Program Director of the Year awards. These two distinguished awards placed Donnie in an elite group of nationally popular and highly respected Radio Personalities and Radio Station Program Directors that very few in the industry have been able to achieve. Certainly not both at the same time. Donnie’s consistent No. 1 ratings success and reputation have earned him “Icon” status among his peers and millions of fans worldwide.

He retired in 2010, but returned to radio and TV in 2015. This time, as the afternoon drive host on WMMJ, Majic 102.3 in Washington D.C., and nationally on TV-One with Donnie After Dark. On October 22, 2017, Donnie Simpson celebrated 40 years on D.C. radio with an All-Star gala at the Warner Theater. After 55 years on the radio, Donnie announced Friday, January 12, 2024 would be the last day of “The Donnie Simpson Show” on MAJIC 102.3/92.7 FM while stressing he is not retiring and plans to refocus on the next chapter, including his podcast and the reboot of the TV show “Video Soul.”

Donnie says the greatest compliment people give him is when they say “I feel like I know you.” He says, “They do know me. I’m the same dude all the time. 24/7, I’m Donnie.” 

 

Where it all Began

His fans and friends who go back with him to his early beginnings in Detroit, call him "Love Bug." His on-air moniker then was Donnie "The Love Bug” Simpson. Even then, Donnie was known for his sultry voice, warm smile, and piercing green eyes. His mother owned a record shop and Donnie says, "Working in that shop created a love of music from all genres." Donnie began his radio career at age 15 with WJLB in Detroit, MI where he remained for eight years. In 1977, he relocated to Washington D.C., where he began working at WKYS. Donnie’s star shone brightly as he maintained an incredible run at the top of the ratings throughout his tenure in Morning Drive Radio. He remained with WKYS for 15 years, but left to join WPGC-FM in 1993, where he continued to captivate listeners for the next 17 years.

Donnie’s television career began in 1981, at WRC-TV, as back-up sports anchor for the George Michael Sports Machine. In 1983 he was recruited by Bob Johnson, founder of BET, to host the network's primetime music video show, Video Soul. He remained with the show until 1997. On September 29, 2021, Donnie officially announced that Video Soul is back! From conversation to entertainment, Donnie Simpson's Video Soul will keep its nostalgic essence while bridging the gap between generations with a variety of talent and performances.

Over several decades, Donnie has hosted many network specials and tributes. He has interviewed the biggest stars in the world, including Stevie Wonder, Prince,  Aretha Franklin, Whitney HoustonDavid BowieJanet Jackson, James Brown, StingUsherJay-ZThe Notorious B.I.G.TupacMadonnaSmokey Robinson, President Clinton, Tom Hanks, Barry White, and so many others. In 2004, Donnie was inducted into the BET Walk of Fame. In 2015, he was inducted into The R&B Music Hall of Fame. The only non-musician so honored at that point. And, on October 29, 2020, Donnie was inducted into The Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

Radio

Television

Awards & Recognition

In The Spotlight

Donnie Simpson Productions logo

Donnie Simpson Productions

The mission of Donnie Simpson Productions (DSP) is to deliver all that is desired, and more than is expected, in our creation and delivery of exceptional, authentic and compelling content that engages, entertains, and elevates everyone it represents. Donnie has been quite busy in 2021 launching three projects established for radio, television and the podcast industry. The Donnie Simpson Weekend Show, a two-hour program for adult R&B-formatted radio stations which includes music and interviews from Donnie’s archives, as well as specific music themes, premiered on January 7, 2021. Check your area listings. Donnie Simpson's Video Soul streaming live on BET+ is a reboot of the legendary hit show Video Soul, which aired on BET for 14 years. DSVS was released on September 28, 2021. And, most recently, The Donnie Simpson Podcast Network (DSPN), launched its first show, the self-titled Donnie Simpson Show Podcast on December 8, 2021. The 5-star rated podcast features 10-episodes of in-depth audio and video interviews (available on Youtube) with renowned musicians, comedians, and actors. There's no doubt Donnie's Back!



Taking Care: A Conversation with Donnie Simpson and Regina Belle

Donnie Simpson is a national spokesperson and active member of AARP. Donnie participates in national events such as The AARP Block Party and Life@50+ where topics such as caregiving, love in the latter years, Hollywood, Radio and Fame are discussed. Donnie has hosted a #RealTalkAboutCare Twitter chat lending support to AARP's caregiving campaign, as well as sat down with Grammy award winner, Regina Belle in an intimate conversation about her personal caregiving experience.

He's participated in a panel discussions about disrupting aging, called Fearless & Fabulous At 40 & Beyond. "I think I was the Beyond," said Donnie. He was joined by Blair Underwood, Vivica A. Fox, Holly Robinson Peete, AARP CEO, Jo Ann Jenkins, and super model, Beverly Johnson.


Donnie Simpson Podcast Network

Wondering what Donnie has been up to these days since returning to hosting the afternoon drive on WMMJ Majic 102.3 in Washington D.C.? Well, he's been keeping quite busy readying for his next big venture! You think Donnie has done it all from radio to television, so what could possibly be next?

With a successful career that spans 50 years, Donnie has returned to the scene wanting to give his fans even more! Donnie will soon launch the Donnie Simpson Podcast Network (DSPN) where he will interview celebrity guests and cover subjects ranging from music to politics and whatever else you can think of! Make sure you stay tuned for DSPN!


Radio icon, living legend and trailblazer

From Detroit's son to D.C.'s own.

Donnie's BACK!!


Donnie Simpson's Video Soul Streaming June 1st on BET+.

Video Soul is Back and it's on BET+! I can't tell you how excited I am to be back home with Donnie Simpson's Video Soul.



Video Soul

Video Soul was one of the most seminal television programs in the history of both black popular culture and American music. Donnie hosted the show from 1983 - 1997.

Latest News and Events


What They're Saying

Photo Gallery


Donnie with his mom, Dorothy Simpson

Donnie with his mom, Dorothy Simpson

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Donnie with mom, Dorothy and wife, Pam.

Donnie with mom, Dorothy and wife, Pam.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Artist with painting of Donnie.

Artist with painting of Donnie.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Donnie arrives at Warner Theater for 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Donnie arrives at Warner Theater for 40th Anniversary Celebration.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Bob Johnson speaks at Donnie's 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Bob Johnson speaks at Donnie's 40th Anniversary Celebration.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Brian Wilson, former Redskins player presents Donnie with autographed jersey for 40th Anniversary.

Brian Wilson, former Redskins player presents Donnie with autographed jersey for 40th Anniversary.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser with Donnie and wife, Pam at 40th Anniversary Celebration.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser with Donnie and wife, Pam at 40th Anniversary Celebration.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Tony Perkins with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Tony Perkins with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at 40th Anniversary Celebration.

40th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 22, 2017
Donnie Simpson promo ad for Donnie After Dark

Donnie Simpson promo ad for Donnie After Dark

Donnie After Dark, Season 2
Donnie Simpson with co-host Traci Steele on Donnie After Dark

Donnie Simpson with co-host Traci Steele on Donnie After Dark

Donnie After Dark, Season 2
Donnie Simpson with Lisa Raye on Donnie After Dark

Donnie Simpson with Lisa Raye on Donnie After Dark

Donnie After Dark, Season 2
Donnie Simpson with Naturi Naughton on Donnie After Dark

Donnie Simpson with Naturi Naughton on Donnie After Dark

Donnie After Dark, Season 2
Donnie Simpson Shares A Candid Moment With Michael Jordan & President Obama.

Donnie Simpson Shares A Candid Moment With Michael Jordan & President Obama.

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Quincy Jones

Donnie with Quincy Jones

Celebrity photos
Donnie with wife, Pam, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson

Donnie with wife, Pam, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at Smokey's induction into Library Congress

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Aaliyah

Donnie with Aaliyah

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Whitney Houston

Donnie with Whitney Houston.

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Cookie Johnson

Donnie with Cookie Johnson during the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s 68th International Conference.

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Bobby Brown

Donnie with Bobby Brown.

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Former President Carter

Donnie with Former President Jimmy Carter.

Celebrity photos
Donnie with Kurtis Blow and wife, Pam.

Donnie and wife, Pam pictured with Kurtis Blow

Celebrity photos


Fun fact about Donnie

Donnie was inducted into the national R&B Music Hall of Fame on October 4, 2015. He was the only non-musician to be inducted.

Radio Hall of Fame


Radio Hall of Fame

Class of 2020 Inductee

 

Congratulations to Donnie Simpson on his induction into The Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Donnie, along with 6 other broadcasters, including Sway Calloway, Angie Martinez and The Breakfast Club, will be honored Thursday, October 29th at 7 p.m. EST during a live radio broadcast induction ceremony streamed via iHeartRadio and on the SiriusXM Triumph channel. Visit The Radio Hall of Fame website for details on where and how to listen.
Watch Donnie's Acceptance Speech
View Tribute Program Booklet
Watch Video of Celebrities Reacting to Donnie's Induction into the RHOF

"I’m honored and humbled to be going in with several people of color I admire," Donnie said upon learning of the announcement. "I also go in on the shoulders of so many talented people before me, who weren’t seen because they lived on the right hand side of the dial. Thanks to the RHOF for seeing us now."

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