About This Video
BMF organized a very accurate and impressive tribute to one of the greatest music industry conferences of all time, Jack the Rapper. “JACK THE RAPPER” is an iconic name, coined, developed, and made famous by the legendary radio and media pioneer Jack “The Rapper” Gibson. Jack commenced his radio career in the late 1940s at Atlanta’s WERD, the first Black-owned and operated radio station in America.
Additionally, Jack served as the inaugural National Director of Promotions and Public Relations for Motown Records. Jack The Rapper is considered to be the father of Black Radio and pioneered the style of hip on-air announcing that many hosts like Daddy O, Jocko Henderson, and Frankie Crocker helped to popularize.
In 1977, Jack launched the first Jack The Rapper Family Affair convention for th
Background & Context
As someone who’s been in the music and radio industry for over 30 years, I can’t stress enough the importance of Jack ‘The Rapper’ Gibson. This tribute by BMF is a fitting homage to a legend who set the path for many of us. His journey from WERD, the first Black-owned radio station, to becoming the National Director of Promotions and Public Relations, is a testament to his pioneering spirit. Jack the Rapper is not just a name, it’s a legacy that has shaped the industry.
Key Takeaways
- The significance of Jack ‘The Rapper’ Gibson’s contributions to the music industry
- BMF’s accurate and impressive tribute to Jack
- Jack’s pioneering career starting at WERD, the first Black-owned radio station
- His influential role as the National Director of Promotions and Public Relations
- The legacy of ‘Jack the Rapper’ in the music and radio industry
About Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross is a music and broadcast industry veteran with more than
30 years of firsthand experience spanning radio programming, on-air
talent, record promotion, voice work, publishing, and digital media.
He has worked every side of the business — from the air studio to
the boardroom — and built one of the longest-running digital platforms
dedicated to Black radio and music industry coverage.
30 Plus Years In is where that experience lives on video.
