Prominent radio personality Doug Banks has passed away at the age of 57. The cause of Banks death has yet to officially be released, but he struggled for years with complications from diabetes. He is survived by two daughters who currently attend college.
Here are five things you should know about the broadcast legend, Doug Banks.
Detroit Beginnings
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Detroit, Banks developed a love for broadcast radio early in life. During his teenage years in Detroit, Banks served on his high school station before landing a late-night spot on WDRQ in Detroit.
California Dreaming
Banks was able to build his resume by working at several stations on the West Coast. He began at KDAY in Los Angeles before going to KFI. He earned his first morning slot at Las Vegas’ KLAV-AM before working at San Francisco’s KDIA-AM.
Voice of Chicago
After leaving L.A., Banks traveled back to the Midwest where he began work at WBMX in Chicago. He was eventually offered the opportunity to a nationally syndicated show and created The Doug Banks Morning Show. Along with DeDe McGuire, Banks’ show reached millions and won numerous awards throughout its run.
Road to NASCAR
In a surprising move, Banks was hired as personality for ESPN 2’s “NASCAR Now” show. Banks was able to add a more hip perspective to a sport that often has trouble connecting to urban communities.
Community Leader
Banks became one of the top community leaders in Chicago. He created The Doug Banks Literacy & Scholarship Initiative in collaboration with Disney and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The program helped to solve the problem of literacy with educational programs and awareness efforts.
