The Cool Gent

The Cool Gent
The Cool Gent

The Cool Gent

The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent
By Herb Kent, By David Smallwood, Foreword by Mayor Richard M. Daley

BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY

272 Pages, 6 x 9

Formats: PDF, Mobipocket, EPUB

PDF, $9.99 (US $9.99) (CA $12.99)

ISBN 9781569762523

Rights: WOR

Chicago Review Press (Feb 2009)
Lawrence Hill Books

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Overview

A behind-the-scenes look at African American music and the radio business from the 1950s into the 21st century

Known as the Cool Gent, King of the Dusties, and the Mayor of Bronzeville, Herb Kent is one of radio’s most illustrious and legendary stars. This fascinating autobiography details both the high and low points of Kent’s life—including his poverty-stricken childhood in the Chicago housing projects and his straight-A years at Northwestern University—while providing a vivid picture of African American music, culture, and personalities from the second half of the 20th century to today. Despite not being a musician himself, Kent lived a typical rock 'n' roll lifestyle full of drugs, alcohol, all-night partying, and women, eventually hitting rock bottom where he finally faced his personal demons. Throughout the years, Kent has sustained his debonair, classy persona, and uncanny knack for picking timeless tunes.

Reviews

"Truly, a legendary radio personality. Like all of his adoring fans, I applaud Herb for his nearly 65 years of contributions to Chicago’s radio airwaves and for furthering his inspirational reach through this book."  —Richard M. Daley, mayor, Chicago

"Herb Kent is one of the great DJs of all time, and one of the great human beings of all time."  —Gene Chandler, "Duke of Earl"

"Herb Kent is more than a radio legend. He’s an American icon, and anyone who has ever heard him on-air knows why . . . Mr. Kent’s charm and wit have earned the respect of millions of devoted fans and listeners and have inspired a number of aspiring African-American broadcasters . . . as far as I'm concerned, the Cool Gent’s story is long overdue."  —Rod R. Blagojevich, governor, Illinois

"Herb’s distinctive voice has entertained and informed Chicagoans for more than 60 years . . . this book will give readers a tremendous opportunity to experience the life, both personal and professional, of Herb Kent, one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!"  —Earl Jones, president, Clear Channel Radio Chicago

"Herb Kent paved the road of success that I'm on today."  —Tom Joyner, radio host, The Tom Joyner Morning Show

"Very good read from a legendary radio giant."  —Otis Williams, The Temptations

"This fine gentleman is loved by everyone, and was born to be 'the Greatest Jock' ever, and that's what he is."  —The Mighty Dells: Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, Michael McGill, and Johnnie Carter

"A remarkable collection of historical facts in radio, music and Blackness incorporated with Kent history."  —Chicago Defender

Author Biography

Herb Kent is an urban radio pioneer and legendary DJ who first went on the air in 1944 and still broadcasts today. He was the first African American to be inducted into the Museum of Broadcasting Radio Hall of Fame. He teaches broadcasting at Chicago State University. He lives in Chicago. David Smallwood is a journalist and the coauthor of Profiles of Great African Americans. He is a founder of, contributor to, and former editor of N'Digo, a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and a former reporter and editor for the Chicago Sun-Times and Jet Magazine. He lives in Park Forest, Illinois. Mayor Richard M. Daley has been the mayor of Chicago since 1989.