CHICAGO — Radio and television veteran Doug Banks died Monday.
V103, where he hosted the afternoon show for years, published a statement on its website Monday about Banks' death at 57.
“With a heavy heart our V103 family would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Doug Banks’ family and friends. Doug, a true radio legend, has passed away today. Doug was an inspiration to many, the ‘Dan Ryan Head’ and a radio icon in Chicago radio for many years. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”
Roland Martin, a frequent CNN commentator, tweeted that he was “stunned to hear of the death of Doug Banks. I heard he was not doing well and had failing kidneys. This is just so hard.”
Others wrote on social media that Banks died from complications related to diabetes.
Even though he was born in Philadelphia and raised in Detroit, Chicago came to love him.
He first introduced himself to the Chicago market through WBMX Chicago, which is now V103. He hosted the morning show. Later on he moved to WGCI 107.5, where he worked from 1987 to 1994. In 2008 he launched an afternoon show on V103 Chicago.
Banks’ resume included hosting his own syndicated show, The Doug Banks Morning Show, which he relaunched on WVAZ in Chicago. His co-host was DeDe McGuire.
Banks' former intern Dawn Edwards, known as Randi Knight on air, first met the radio host in 1996 when she interned with "The Doug Banks Morning Show."
"He was a great boss and the whole team was great to learn from," she said. "He was passionate about radio and loved what he did which was making people smile through laughter, talking about current events, life and music."
Edwards fills in and does guest shows when called upon. Banks played a role in her pursuing radio, she said, adding that she would listen to him. Edwards learned a lot from him, especially how important it is to prep before a show. She said Banks made everything look and sound natural.
Edwards said she's handling the news as best she can.
"My heart is heavy because his show was the beginning of an awesome radio career; a blessing," she said. "If I had not started there, then I don't know..."
Shannon Brazier, known to Chicago radio listeners as "Trey Da Chokllit Jok," who previously worked at Power 92, went into radio because of Banks.
"Words cannot express the sadness I feel right now. Doug Banks was the reason/inspiration I wanted to go in radio," Brazier said. "His last words to me was "let me know if I can do something for you." He's already done something for me."
Well wishes were tweeted by Chicago celebrities.
So shocked to hear of the passing of my friend Doug Banks @DougBanksLive He was a GIANT in our industry. RIP my friend. You will be missed
— Jim Rose (@JimRoseABC7) April 11, 2016
Rip Doug Banks
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) April 11, 2016
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