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Executive Profiles


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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