Donnie Simpson Show

Donnie Simpson has been called an icon, trailblazer and a media legend. He is a hall of fame radio personality, and is recognized internationally for his work in television and film. Over his 50+ year career, he has entertained listeners from WJLB in Detroit to WKYS and WMMJ in Washington, and on television as host of "Donnie After Dark" and "Video Soul" where he was one of the nation's first video jockeys. In each episode of the "Donnie Simpson Show", titans of music, film, and comedy open up to Donnie for authentic and in-depth conversations. These long-format interviews give listeners a front-row seat to the conversations Donnie has been having for the last 50+ years.

S2 E8: James Brown 11/19/2025

S2 E8: James Brown In this inspiring episode of The Donnie Simpson Show, Donnie sits down with James "JB" Brown, a 5-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and current host of NFL Today and Inside The NFL. This interview goes beyond sports talk, capturing two close friends catching up as JB reflects on his remarkable journey from Harvard to breaking barriers in sports broadcasting. They discuss their personal friendship, grandparenting joys, and JB's insights into success and bringing out the best in others. They also delve into JB's path to becoming an ordained minister and his passion for uplifting others. Don’t miss this candid and heartfelt conversation! /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/39075675

S2 E7: Will Downing 11/12/2025

S2 E7: Will Downing Singer/songwriter Will Downing sits down with Donnie to discuss his creative and personal journeys as he works on his 29th album. Since the release of his debut album in 1988, Will reflects on the evolution of the in-studio recording process and the ongoing demand for new music in today’s tech-driven landscape. He reveals how a pivotal scholarship set him on his musical path, his influences from icons like Luther Vandross and Al Jarreau, and the artists he hopes to collaborate with. Will also gets personal about battling a major health issue and the deep, heartbreaking loss of his daughter, which inspired his poignant song "Till We Meet Again." Don’t miss this powerful conversation about music, health, loss, and resilience. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/39007725

S2 E6: Sherry Carter 11/05/2025

S2 E6: Sherry Carter Former Video Soul co-host Sherry Carter reunites with Donnie for a long-awaited sit-down! They discuss the impact of BET and Video Soul, share funny celebrity stories, recount behind-the-scenes moments, and set the record straight about Tupac and more. Don't miss this nostalgic trip down memory lane as they play catch-up and discover what Sherry’s been up to—it’s like listening in on two friends reminiscing about the good ole days! /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/38922645

S2 E5: October London 10/30/2025

S2 E5: October London Grammy Award Winner and Death Row artist October London kicks back with Donnie on the couch! In this episode, they unpack the significance of awards, their mutual love for Old-School R&B, his creative flow, and signing with Snoop Dogg. Discover October's latest projects and why he stays loyal to Death Row. Don't miss this cool conversation that’s giving nostalgic Video Soul vibes! /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/38839245

S2 E4: Robert "Bob" Johnson 10/22/2025

S2 E4: Robert "Bob" Johnson Robert "Bob" Johnson, the powerhouse behind Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the first Black billionaire, sits down with Donnie for a must-see interview at the iconic Video Soul studio—where it all began! They dive into their roots at BET and how Bob turned it into a game-changing platform for Black content. Discover Bob’s vision of BET, the magic behind Video Soul's cultural impact, and his candid thoughts on the criticism he faced during the network's sale, as well as his latest venture. Don't miss this rare opportunity to join Donnie in an unforgettable conversation with his former boss, mentor, and visionary, packed with rich history and captivating stories! /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/38740065

S2 E3: Anthony Hamilton 10/15/2025

S2 E3: Anthony Hamilton Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Anthony Hamilton delves into his family roots and musical influences that have shaped his distinctive sound. In this captivating interview, Anthony shares his love for South Africa, reveals the story behind his hit song "Charlene," and discusses the lasting impact of icons like Prince and Frankie Beverly on his career. Don’t miss this engaging conversation—tune in now! /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/38596430

S2 E2: Chanté Moore 10/08/2025

S2 E2: Chanté Moore Don't miss this unforgettable episode of The Donnie Simpson Show featuring the amazing Grammy-nominated R&B singer, songwriter, and actress, Chanté Moore! Chanté takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on her very first time at the Video Soul studio during the launch of her hit single "Love's Taken Over." In this engaging conversation, she opens up to Donnie about: Motherhood and balancing family life with her career. Her dedication to perfecting her craft as an enduring R&B artist. Her unexpected and massive rise to international fame in China, becoming a viral sensation in the far East. Tune in for a candid and soulful discussion with an R&B diva! /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/38515700

S2 E1: Big Daddy Kane 10/01/2025

S2 E1: Big Daddy Kane Donnie sits down with legendary artist and rap icon, Big Daddy Kane. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/38423025

S1 E10: George Wallace 01/26/2022

S1 E10: George Wallace In the season finale, Donnie talks with comedian George Wallace (not to be confused with former governor of Alabama, George Wallace). George dives right into his adventures in show business, including his groundbreaking 1980 appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, who rarely featured Black guests at the time. George also reminisces on his close friendship with Jerry Seinfeld and how they ended up as roommates when they first started in the New York City comedy scene. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21896945

S1 E9: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis 01/19/2022

S1 E9: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis In this episode, Donnie talks with close friends, R&B songwriting duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The three of them go way back, but not many people know that they were introduced to each other by none other than Donnie’s mother! They discuss Jimmy and Terry’s experiences in the music industry and their favorite memories of the late, great Prince. As a bonus, Jimmy reveals the importance of creating music and how it impacts his daily life. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21818225

S1 E8: Maya Milan 01/12/2022

S1 E8: Maya Milan In this week's episode, Donnie sat down with the one and only Maya Milan, a rising singer from the DMV area who finished as the runner-up in BET's The Next Big Thing. Maya's career kicked off with a fantastic start, beginning with childhood. She reveals who her biggest music inspirations are, including R&B icons Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, and Whitney Houston. Maya reflects upon her youthful days of singing in her church and its influence on her career years later. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21747194

S1 E7: J. Prince 01/05/2022

S1 E7: J. Prince In this episode, Donnie speaks with J. Prince, a god in the hip-hop industry. They discuss the rapid changes in the music industry landscape in recent years and go over some of his past work. J. Prince gets deep and shares reasons why he believes everyone deserves a second chance—a philosophy reflected in his body of work. https://youtu.be/OXWXnE4mNNQ /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21682799

S1 E6: The Sugarhill Gang 12/29/2021

S1 E6: The Sugarhill Gang In episode six, Donnie sits down with Master Gee and Wonder Mike of The Sugarhill Gang, the creative masterminds behind "Rapper's Delight.” The creators of the first-ever US top 40 rap hit, Master Gee and Wonder Mike, share some unique perspectives on the state of hip-hop today and examine how hip-hop can provide social commentary. They also dive into the group's New Jersey origins and vote on who they believe to be the greatest rapper of all time. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21621872

S1 E5: K-Ci 12/22/2021

S1 E5: K-Ci In this episode, chart-topping singer-songwriter K-Ci of the reunited quartet Jodeci joins Donnie. K-Ci spills about his musical origins singing gospel music in Baltimore and divulges rare tales of his adventures as a '90s icon--many of them involving his brother, JoJo. Later, K-Ci breaks down his wild experience driving from Charlotte to New York with no money to pitch Jodeci to MCA Records. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21575342

S1 E4: Regina Belle 12/15/2021

S1 E4: Regina Belle In today’s episode, Donnie speaks with singer-songwriter Regina Belle, a wonderful friend since 1989. They talk at length about Aretha Franklin and what her music meant to them, as well as the changes in the music industry Regina experienced since starting her career back in the late 1980s. They also explore Belle’s personal life, including her triumphant battle with a brain tumor, her experience of winning a Grammy, and the enormous rise of her fanbase as a result of "A Whole New World" (one of, if not, the most successful Disney song of all time). /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21486629

S1 E3: Tichina Arnold 12/06/2021

S1 E3: Tichina Arnold Donnie Simpson sits down with Tichina Arnold: the beloved star of many iconic television shows, such as Martin, Everybody Hates Chris, and the award-winning The Neighborhood on CBS. Tichina dissects her career path, tracing back from her start at the Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn through her current endeavors--even discovering unexpected fame in Brazil. They also reveal the joys of show business and their travels to Jamaica, ending with a passionate discussion about horoscopes. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21392660

S1 E2: DL Hughley 12/06/2021

S1 E2: DL Hughley In this episode, Donnie Simpson catches up with the king of comedy, D.L. Hughley. In an unexpected twist, Hughley gets philosophical and discusses his unique perspective on self-love and why Marvin Gaye is his primary inspiration. But, in typical D.L. fashion, he also breaks the seriousness to talk about his performance on Dancing with the Stars and his ongoing feud with Dennis Miller. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21392633

S1 E1: Smokey Robinson 12/06/2021

S1 E1: Smokey Robinson In the first episode of the Donnie Simpson Show Podcast, Donnie sits down with legendary Motown singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson to chat about their experiences in show business and the legacy of Motown Records. The two also dive into Smokey’s most profitable songs, some of which may come as a surprise to even the most dedicated Smokey fans. /episode/index/show/donniesimpsonshow/id/21392609

Donnie Simpson Show

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