A year ago, Donnie Simpson inked a multi-year agreement for both radio and television with Radio One (parent company of TV One) that was to bring the veteran out of retirement and back both on-air on radio (on WMMJ MAJIC 102.3 FM in D.C.) and as the newest TV One talent.
Simpson stepped out of the limelight in 2010 culminating a 41 year media career in radio, television and movies.
As part of the agreement, Simpson will collaborate with TV One (via his Donnie Simpson Productions) to create TV programming that was to have Donnie back on TV, starting with hosting TV One’s 6-day “Unsung” marathon last November (2015), leading up to the landmark 100th episode, “Unsung: Top Ten That Changed The Game,” featuring a countdown of the top 10 most exceptional “Unsung” episodes.
Mr. Simpson will now follow that up with a return of his late-night variety show, “Donnie After Dark,” on November 24, at 11/10c, with a whole new set of guests and musical performances.
Brad Siegel, President of TV One said, “TV One is excited to be the entertainment platform providing Donnie Simpson’s return to television. As evidenced by fan reaction whenever he’s out or making appearances, Donnie is a universally adored media personality and his youthful spirit appeals to devotees of all ages. The breadth of his knowledge and depth of musical tastes make him an excellent asset for the network as we expand our programming slate and grow our brand. Knowing how much his fans have missed him, we are eager to get him on the air and look forward to announcing his first special soon.”
Donnie Simpson added, “After 5 1/2 years of retirement my wife said, ‘Everywhere you go people tell you how much they miss you and that they want you to come back. You should go back to work’. That’s what she said. What I heard was that voice from a horror movie yelling, ‘Get Out!’”
He continues, “So here I am and I’m bubbling over with excitement to get back on radio after 5 years, and thrilled that I’ll be back on TV after more than 15. It’s been a great vacation, but it’s time to go back to work and have some fun… To do this all with a Black-owned network that I respect so much makes it that much sweeter for me. To all of those people who have pleaded with me to come back and do ‘something,’ thank you for your love and encouragement, and I look forward to talking to you and seeing you again real soon.”
Donnie Simpson began his radio career at 15 years old with WJLB in Detroit, MI. He relocated to Washington DC where he began working at WRC-FM, now WKYS, as a jock and program director. In the early 1980s, Simpson landed his first television job on WRC-TV. Soon after he hosted “Video Soul,” a music video show on BET, and many other network specials. Simpson eventually hosted “The Donnie Simpson Morning Show” on WPGC-FM where he continued for 17 years. He retired in 2010.
Watch a promo for the return of “Donnie After Dark” below:
