Michael Baisden is an author, television show host, entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist, and the host of the nationally syndicated radio program, The Michael Baisden Show. His exuberant personality, caring nature and love of heated discussions have made the Chicago native a people magnet, which is why he has one of the hottest radio shows in the country. Here’s what the Bad Boy of Radio and shared with rolling out about his career and his upcoming gig as the host of the sixth annual Jazz in the Gardens, in beautiful Miami Gardens, Fla. –christa jackson
After becoming a successful author, what made you want to host your own radio show?
Traveling around the country I was always on the radio talking about my books and that exposure made me think that hosting a radio program would be really fun to do full time. It was never meant to be a long-term job. I never expected to see myself doing this 10 years later. It was something I wanted to try because I love trying new things. At KISS-FM in New York, I worked for free because they didn’t have a salary for me and we went from No. 9 to [No.] 1 in 30 days of my being on the air. The show got bigger, it got syndicated in 2005 and the rest, as they say, is history.
Why did you decide to host Jazz in the Gardens?
… Miami is my new adopted home and it just made sense. I have a great relationship with the radio station and the mayor of Miami Gardens and I thought why not? I love music and part of the show will be me enjoying that and interviewing the artists, so it was just a natural fit for us.
What advice would you give someone who wants to launch a career in show business?
You can hire an accountant [and] a lawyer to handle your business, but mainly you just need to get out there and start doing the work for free. That’s how my career started; I didn’t get paid to write, I wrote for free. I didn’t get paid in the beginning for radio; I worked for free. … If money is your only motivation you probably won’t be successful long term.
