Detroit Icon JJ Johnson Announces Retirement
• JJ Johnson, co-host of JJ & JoAnne on Audacy Classic Hits 104.3 WOMC/Detroit, and a fixture on Motor City radio for the past half century, announced his impending retirement, effective Dec. 1, closing out a successful 52-year chapter in Detroit radio. Listen to his announcement here.
“Growing up, I was the kid hiding under the covers with a pocket transistor radio, so my parents couldn’t hear, listening to the greats on CKLW and Keener 13, dreaming that one day I might be able to do that,” Johnson said, when sharing his big news. “I have been so fortunate to have realized that dream and have been able to live it in my hometown my entire career. It’s really the people I have worked for and worked with that made it possible and most importantly, our loyal listeners. To quote a friend, ‘Detroit audiences are the greatest rock and roll audiences in the world’…. $%*#, I’ve known that for 52 years!'”
Johnson, a native of Redford Township, MI, attended Central Michigan University and Michigan State University. He actually started his radio career on 104.3, then known as WEXL, but rose to fame doing mornings on WWWW (W4), then as the longtime host of JJ and The Morning Crew, first on WRIF, then on WLLZ and WCSX. Johnson has spent the last 13 years at 104.3 WOMC.
In addition to his radio success, in the early ’80s, Johnson spent time on local television as a street reporter for Good Afternoon Detroit and as an occasional co-host of Kelly and Company. He was also the P.A. announcer for the Detroit Lions, and most recently, a commentator on Let It Rip on Detroit’s Fox 2.
WOMC VP of Programming Tim Roberts said, “Not only has Jim been a fixture in Detroit morning radio who woke us up to laughter every morning, but JJ was instrumental in the careers and launch of many of Detroit’s superstars, including Bob Seger, The Romantics, Grand Funk Railroad, and countless others. His contributions to Detroit radio are legendary, and his work in the community is unmatched. JJ has also helped to raise millions for the American Lung Association, Children’s Miracle Network, and Children’s Leukemia Foundation. His impact on Detroit radio will never be forgotten.”
Debbie Kenyon, SVP/Market Manager of Audacy Detroit, commented, “I can’t express what a privilege it has been to have worked with Jim Johnson for 13 years. Growing up in Detroit, I have listened to Jim on Detroit radio since I was a teenager. His impact on the listeners, the community, and those he has worked with will never be duplicated. It has been a true pleasure knowing and working with a legend like Jim. We thank him for 52 years of entertainment and wish him well as he travels and finds new adventures in his retirement. His voice on Detroit radio will be missed every day.” Your best wishes can be sent directly to Jim at jim.johnson@audacy.com.
