Three Gospel Radio Angels, Martin, Robinson, and Smith-Pollard, Have Earned Their Heavenly Wings

By Robert M. Marovich

If radios had emotions, they would be weeping now.

Over the past week or so, the gospel music community lost no less than three well-respected and longtime radio announcers.

First, Dr. Angela L. Martin, a beloved announcer on Chicago’s Inspiration 1390 as well as host of Sky High Praise on WYBA, transitioned from earth to glory on April 7 at the age of 62 (she and I were born a year and a day apart). She was the recipient of a Stellar Award for Gospel Announcer of the Year.

Then five days later, Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson, a quartet singer and radio announcer on Power 92 in Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away at age 61.

Today, I learned that Detroit’s own Dr. Deborah Smith-Pollard has also passed from work to reward. In the grand tradition of Idessa Malone and Norma Jean the Queen before her, Deborah brought gospel music to the Motor City airwaves. She hosted Rhythm and Praise with Deborah Smith Pollard on MIX 92.3 FM and Strong Inspirations on WLJB.

This one hit me particularly hard because I have known Dr. Deborah for nearly 20 years. She and I participated in some of the same gospel conferences and conventions. We often turned to one another with questions regarding one gospel artist or another. She and I discussed my second book, Peace Be Still, on a virtual meeting hosted by the Detroit Public Library. There was none like her. She did it all: teach, present, announce, write, organize–you name it. She was working on a new book at the time of her passing. Her 2009 book, When the Church Becomes Your Party, is an essential read for anyone who wants to know more about the contemporary gospel music scene.

The Michigan Chronicle offers a wonderful remembrance of Deborah here:
https://michiganchronicle.com/detroit-mourns-dr-deborah-smith-pollard-gospel-scholar-radio-voice-and-cultural-keeper/

Please keep the families, friends, and many fans of Dr. Angela Martin, Bishop Kenneth Robinson, and Dr. Deborah Smith-Pollard in your prayers. I’ll pass information along on Deborah’s and Bishop Robinson’s homegoing when available. Dr. Martin’s information is available on the below image.