DJ “Soni D” RIP

Kevin LaRay Allen, Sr.
1961 – 2013
Rest In Peace!

The Urban Buzz sends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Kevin “DJ Soni D” Allen, Sr. “Soni D” was involved in an automobile accident that took his life on Monday, July 1st, 2013 in Hinkley, California. He is survived by his 4 Children, 2 ex-wives, mother and host of other family members. Funeral arrangements are pending. 

He was the creator of the “Gospel Reflections” radio program that was first hosted by, Lonnie Hunter. In 2009 Soni D became the host and producer of the popular program. “Gospel Reflections” is a 2-hour syndicated Gospel Music program featuring Gospels greatest artists and their music from yesterday, today and tomorrow. The show is broadcast weekly in over 15 markets reaching over 2 million African-American households. “Gospel Reflections'” most distinctive asset is the music from celebrated legendary artists such as Reverend James Cleveland, The Caravans, The Roberta Martin Singers, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Vicki Winans, Andrae Crouch, Walter Hawkins, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Kirk Franklin, Richard Smallwood, Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Karen Clark Sheard, Ricky Dillard, DeWayne Woods, J. Moss, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, James Fortune, Donald Lawrence, Donald Malloy, Alvin Darling and many other gospel greats!

“Gospel Reflections” affiliates are in various cities throughout the United States to include: Tuscumbia, AL, Little Rock, AR, Daytona Beach, FL, Pensacola, FL, Panama City, FL,Tampa-St./Petersburg, FL, Macon, GA, Itta Bena, MS, Greenwood, MS, Meridian, MS, Holly Springs, MS, Tupelo, MS, Minneapolis, MN, Atlantic City, NJ, and Memphis, TN.

Soni D is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Moreover, he celebrates a compelling spiritual background and a magnificent heritage in the church. Since childhood he was spiritually nurtured and developed at the very prominent Robert’s Temple C.O.G.I.C. church of which he remains a member. Robert’s Temple holds the elite distinction of being the first Church of God in Christ in the state of Illinois.

His educational background exemplifies his passion for the Lord and his commitment to excellence. He graduated Proviso from East High School in 1981. He continued his educational pursuits at Kennedy-King College in l982. During his matriculation he became the first “Gospel DJ” on the college’s radio station WKKC. In 1983, he attended Columbia College in Chicago.

Soni D’s list of accomplishments is quite impressive and clarifies his labor-intensive and inexhaustible talents. Not only is he a prolific percussionist, he is also a skillful producer who stands on the edge of a creative epiphany. His very first job as a Gospel DJ was for Gospel Skating Night at Chicago’s Skate City Roller Rink in 1978.

He is the Executive Director of Development and Content for Jesus Music Productions. The company offers masterfully orchestrated family and religious based programming for TV and radio.

A quick glance at his repertoire highlights his incomparable and diverse skills. He formed the very first turntable mixshow in Memphis, TN, “The Budweiser Club No-Name Saturday Night Dance Party,” aired on the KRNB Magic 101 FM. Then “Soni D’s House Express” which featured Chicago-styled House Music on WHRK, K-97 and in 1990 Soni D exploded on the turntables on various radio stations including WGCI Chicago, K 104 Dallas, Kiss 104 Atlanta and Power 99 Philadelphia. Then as the Production Manager for Cutler Productions/Premiere Radio networks. He magnificently created with Cutler Productions the world’s first syndicated mix show “Mix America” which aired in 40 markets nationwide.

He holds national syndication recognition for the following: Production manager and producer/engineer for the “Tom Joyner’s On The Move” nationally syndicated countdown show for which he was a 3-time “Billboard Magazine” Award winner. He created GT30″Gospel’s Top 30 Countdown”with Ken Carthern and Al “The Bishop” Hobbs.” He produced “The Countdown” with Walt “Baby” Love. He also worked with Lee Bailey to create “Laugh Zone” and as co-producer for syndicated “Gospel News Now.” Other significant contributions to the gospel media industry include relocating to Atlanta, Georgia for On Mic Productions/American Urban Radio Networks to produce “The Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown,” “Soni D’s Ol School Mix,” “Soulful Praise” with Donnie McClurkin and “On Da Down Lo” with talk show host Wendy Williams.

Other notable mentions of his revolutionary career include Production Director for “Radio One’s” Philadelphia Cluster. In this unparalleled age of hi-tech, Soni D created “Text-A-Mercial” TM, radio and TV commercials created as SMS Text messages sent to cell phones. As you can see, he displays vast ingenuity and sheer vitality that is uniquely Soni D. Most of all, his talents are innovative and his exceptionality is his uncompromising commitment to God.