Irene Johnson-Ware
Mrs. Irene Johnson-Ware's long-standing
illustrious career in Gospel radio started in 1961 in Mobile,
Ala. Mrs. Ware began at WGOK as the host of The Mandy Show,
now known as "The Brighter Day." There she rose
to the level of General Manager and enjoyed an unprecedented
thirty-seven and a half year tenure.
In a career that has spanned over 38 years,
Mrs. Irene Johnson-Ware has exemplified the terms empowerment,
mentoring and networking, by positively impacting the lives
and careers of women in the entertainment industry. Mrs. Ware's
stellar career is evidenced by her numerous appointments and
awards:
- 1966 – Open Mike Magazine's Gospel Personality of
The Year
- 1967 – Record World Magazine, Top 10 Gospel Personality
- 1975 – 1976 Who's Who Among Black Americans
- 1977 – Jack The Rapper's Roy Hamilton Award
- 1979 – Gospel Music Workshop of America's Gospel
Announcer of The Year
- 1990 – Recipient of the NBPC's First Heritage Award
- 1990 – NBPC Gospel Announcer of The Year Award
- 1992 – Urban network's Living Legend Award
- 1997 – PUSH Excellence Award in Communication
- Marie V. Dixon Order of the Eastern Star #875, Humanitarian
Service Award
- General Manager of The Year, BRE Magazine
- Two-time winner of the Thomas Dorsey Award, Midwest Radio
and Music Association
In 1992 Mrs. Ware was elected president
of the struggling YBPC, Young Black Programmers Coalition,
later renamed NBPC, National Black Programmers Coalition.
Under her direction, the NBPC' growth in industry visibility,
membership and financial status has been extraordinary. Noteworthy
as well is the dynamic increase in the national conference
attendance and donations to the organization's scholarship
fund. Known for her "always put God first" lifestyle,
Mrs. Ware is a faithful member of the Greater Mount Olive
Baptist Church in Mobile, AL. There she serves as Counselor
of the Matrons, member of the HB Choraliers, member of the
Trustee Board and to date, the first and only woman to serve
as Chairman of the Trustee Board.
Presently Mrs. Ware
is the popular host of the WDLT-AM midday Gospel program,
A Brighter Day. A devoted wife and mother of two loving sons,
Darryl and Ronnie Johnson, Sr. vice President of R&B Promotion,
Atlantic Records.
Mrs. Ware always
has words of inspiration and encouragement for all she encounters
and continues to inspire with her unrelenting drive to improve
opportunities for African Americans in the music and entertainment
industry.
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