James “Jimmy Early” Byrd RIP Kevin Fleming April 4, 2017 Entertainment, Radio Buzz 1 The radio broadcasting industry lost another legendary voice and historic figure with the passing of James “Jimmy Early” Byrd. An icon of Boston’s heritage black radio station WILD-Boston (1960-1970), he spent more than 60 years in the industry. Byrd is known for launching the careers of many R&B legends but is best known for keeping the peace in Boston the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Mayor White of Boston wanted to cancel a James Brown concert fearing rioting and it was Jimmy Byrd who led the charge that convinced the city to let show proceed. He demonstrated the power of black radio during one of America’s darkest moments. He is featured in the documentary “The Night James Brown Saved Boston” as well as numerous other documentaries and books. Byrd went on to program and manage James Brown’s radio station in Baltimore as well as a host of radio stations throughout the country. He was a broadcast communications instructor at Essex County College in New Jersey and at Boston University and in his later years he lectured on the history of Black music and its influence on the music of today. Two of Byrd’s three daughters followed him into the business. Darlene Byrd (CEMA & WEA) and former Promotions and Program Director, Tonya Byrd (Radio One, Sirius/XM). They along with their sister Adrian Byrd-Pina are requesting that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Living Legend Foundation, Inc. in the name of James “Early” Byrd. The memorial honoring his life & legacy will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made at www.livinglegendsfoundation.com Related One Response Jeffrey Levitan November 18, 2017 Sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I started in Radio in 1961 at 14 years old. WILD is very special to me. Jimmy, Steve Gallen, Mark Grimes all helped me start my life in Broadcasting. Jimmy was very kind to me and I remember many things that I learned from him and have very fond memories of my time spent with Jimmy at WILD. He was a GOOD man ! Jeffrey Levitan – VP/GSM Northeast Radio Group
Jeffrey Levitan November 18, 2017 Sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I started in Radio in 1961 at 14 years old. WILD is very special to me. Jimmy, Steve Gallen, Mark Grimes all helped me start my life in Broadcasting. Jimmy was very kind to me and I remember many things that I learned from him and have very fond memories of my time spent with Jimmy at WILD. He was a GOOD man ! Jeffrey Levitan – VP/GSM Northeast Radio Group
