I'm Just a DJ But... It Makes Sense to Me

July 11, 2005
Joyner, host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show,
which is syndicated in more than 120 American markets, presents an entertaining memoir of his life in radio. He recalls growing up in the segregated South in Tuskegee, Ala., working his way through a Southern black college with odd jobs and then landing a gig behind a radio mike. Joyner's success on the airwaves didn't come overnight: he made several miscues, such as signing on with two radio stations in separate states, doing a show in Chicago in the mornings and then flying to Dallas in the afternoons, only to quit those jobs to take on a "black Casey Kasem" role in a short-lived national countdown show. Much of the book brims with his trademark witticisms regarding personal responsibility, the importance of a solid work ethic, success and "giving something back" to one's community. Although there is plenty of celebrity name-dropping (Lionel Richie, Al Sharpton, Luther Vandross), some pleasing moments come near the book's end, when Joyner lovingly describes his wife, trainer Donna Richardson; their two sons; and his extended family. Chatty and upbeat, Joyner's book should appeal to his national audience and may recruit some new listeners, as well.

August 15, 2005
Equal parts autobiography, self-help, and humor, this work is radio host Joyner's perspective on how blacks can work hard to make their dreams come true. Joyner is maniacal about helping black America get ahead. Without explicitly referring to it, he gives new meaning to the Talented Tenth idea of uplifting the race. He grew up in Tuskegee, AL, and received an undergraduate degree in sociology from Tuskegee Institute, where his mother held a clerical position. In this book (coauthored with a longtime writer for his radio show), he credits his father, an early practitioner of tough love, for his own strong work ethic and self-determination. In addition to revealing how a fat, black, red-headed C-student grew up to be the founder and chairman of a $56 million media company (Reach Media), he talks about blacks and money, power, relationships, parenting, education, success, work, and health. Fans of his wildly popular national radio show will enjoy this book, but, additionally, Joyner's observations and life lessons will appeal to those successful folks who don't in fact need the advice. Recommended for public libraries. -Sherri L. Barnes, Univ. of California, Santa Barbara Libs.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2005
Popular radio personality Joyner offers his perspective on life, from growing up in a nurturing home in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the obligation to help the less fortunate to racial solidarity among African Americans. Joyner sees his format on the " Tom Joyner Morning Show," heard by 10 million African Americans, as an expansion of local radio shows from the 1960s with "familiarity, compassion, news and information, some laughs, and music you want to hear." Joyner comments on a variety of issues, including pursuing personal dreams, parenthood, and the civil rights movement. He details his own career trajectory and his part in the uproar over the firing of Tavis Smiley from BET after its creator, black businessman Bob Johnson, sold the cable channel to Viacom. Joyner is unapologetically pro-black as much in his show as in his interests and philanthropic efforts to support black colleges. His fans will love this opportunity to read Joyner's recollections and outlook on life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)