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Sad news, our friend and colleague Doug Banks, of the syndicated Doug Banks Radio Show, has passed away from complications from diabetes… possibly kidney failure. Doug was 57.

Banks’ show was based in afternoon drive on iHeartMedia Urban AC WVAZ (V103)/Chicago, and the V103 Facebook page bears this this message, which reads, “With a heavy heart, we share the news with you that Doug Banks has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest in peace our good friend, you will be greatly missed.”

The Philadelphia-born, Detroit-raised Banks began his broadcast career at his high school radio station — 88.3 WSHJ, the voice of Southfield High School in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, MI. Someone at WDRQ/Detroit took note of his talent and hired Banks for a temporary late-night weekend shift that quickly turned into a permanent spot. In 1977, a year after graduating from high school, Banks headed to Los Angeles for six-week trial run at KDAY, which turned into a multi-year engagement. He later worked at crosstown KFI-AM, which lead to his first morning show opportunity at KLAV-AM/Las Vegas. Banks’ next stop was KDIA-AM/San Francisco, followed by a career-defining move to Chicago to do mornings at the former WBMX (now WVAZ). Banks later moved over to WGCI, where he did mornings from 1987 to 1994. The next logical step was syndication — The Doug Banks Morning Show, hosted by Banks and DeDe McGuire was distributed by ABC Radio Networks. In 2008, Banks moved into afternoon drive and the show was rebranded as The Ride with Doug and DeDe. In 2010, Banks signed on with American Urban Radio Networks, changing the show’s name back to The Doug Banks Show.

McGuire, who worked with Banks for 17 years, now does mornings on KKDA (K104)/Dallas. Yesterday McGuire tweeted, “Today I lost a brother, a friend, a mentor, my teacher, a life changer, a RADIO LEGEND…Doug Banks! I owe much of my success to him! He was THE best, most humble, easy working person I have ever come in contact within radio.” AURN President of Program Operations and Affiliations, Jerry Lopes issued a statement, which read, “We were all deeply saddened to hear the news of Doug’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his wife Wendy and his daughters Kennede and Kelli. Radio has lost a true legend.”

No one is better at capturing the essence of great air personalities on video than “Radio’s Best Friend,” Art Vuolo, who wanted us to share this lovingly assembled Doug Banks tribute video.

Banks

Memorial Service for Doug Banks Saturday, April 16th at 10:00 am Sparkman/Hillcrest 7405 W. Northwest Highway Dallas, Texas 75225 Telephone: 214.363-5401