Born October 5, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois Herbert Rogers Kent, also was known as "The Cool Gent," "King of the Dusties" and the "Mayor of Bronzeville." Kent stated that he arrived the same year as singer Fats Domino, actors Adam West and Shirley Temple, as well as Mickey Mouse, Rice Krispies, Louisiana Hot Sauce and penicillin.
Kent grew up an only child in the Ida B. Wells housing project in Bronzeville and showed an early fascination with radio, building makeshift devices out of toilet paper inserts, crystals, wires and earphones, he said in a 2015 interview with the Soul Train website.
Kent got his start in radio while still a student at Hyde Park High School. In 1944, at 16, he hosted a classical music program for WBEZ, according to a profile in the National Radio Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 1995.
WVON April 1970.
“That was my signal to make a difference and from that day forward, I pushed harder and eventually landed an on-air paid job.”
He spun records at WGRY in Gary, Ind. making $35 a week, while also acting in radio dramas for NBC affiliate WMAQ. Through the 1950s, Kent worked at WGES, Chicago’s largest Black radio station, then at WBEE where he coined the phrase “dusty records” or “dusties.”
He then worked at WJOB in Hammond, Indiana. and WHFC in Chicago. As a DJ, Kent is credited with putting acts such as Smokey Robinson, Minnie Riperton, The Temptations and Curtis Mayfield on the musical map, and he also helped "Soul Train" host Don Cornelius launch his broadcasting career.
Kent spent several years at WVON-AM 1690 as one of the station’s original DJs, which he called the “apex” of his career. The station, whose name originally stood for “Voice of the Negro,” enjoyed enormous popularity and became a fixture in Chicago’s Black community. Kent, alongside Franklin McCarthy, E. Rodney Jones, Wesley South and Pervis Spann, comprised the first core group of WVON personalities, known as “The Good Guys.”
Kent spent several years at WVON-AM 1690 as one of the station’s original DJs, which he called the “apex” of his career. The station, whose name originally stood for “Voice of the Negro,” enjoyed enormous popularity and became a fixture in Chicago’s Black community. Kent, alongside Franklin McCarthy, E. Rodney Jones, Wesley South and Pervis Spann, comprised the first core group of WVON personalities, known as “The Good Guys.”
Herb Kent will forever be remembered for his incredible talent, infectious passion for music, and unique ability to entertain and uplift. Herb was among the greatest radio personalities in the history of the medium, and he was always eager to mentor the next generation.
Herb circa 1971.His legendary career spanned decades, throughout which he consistently used his voice to transcend boundaries and strengthen communities. Herb Kent gave, and meant so much to the people of Chicago...and legions of his loyal listeners.
"Dusty Record Time" February 26, 1965
