Many people have listened to Brotha’ Percy on the radio, and most fully understand why he is one of the most admired and respected Gospel music radio programmer’s and personalities in the country. Listeners and Gospel music enthusiasts agree that Brotha’ Percy has a very innovative presentation along with a radiant personality that saturates the airwaves unlike anyone else. Among his key attributes, is a genuine concern for the listener and a mature and in depth knowledge of Gospel music.
Born in the Southern New Jersey Township of Bridgeton, Brotha’ Percy’s communications background include New York’s Herbert Lehman College, Nyack College and Adelphi University, but his initial training in radio began at The School of Broadcasting and Announcing in Manhattan in 1974. His training and education have given him a diverse background in broadcasting. It was in 1975 at WHBI 105.9 FM in New York City where he was first heard on radio; there, he purchased a weekly half hour segment to successfully create, host and produce a Gospel music program called “Praise.”
In the late 1980’s, he was Gospel music programmer and host on WBAU FM in Garden City, New York and it was his tenure at this station that led to his being recognized as a truly dedicated Gospel radio artist. Years later, he stepped into the arena of national radio syndication, forming his own company and launching a musical showcase called: “Lifesongs – The Sound of Gospel Today.” For two years, “Lifesongs” aired weekly in Midwest and Southern States and needless to say, the talents, abilities and skills of Brotha' Percy were becoming quite evident.
It was January of 1996, that Emmis Communications’ WRKS 98.7 “Kiss” FM in New York City offered Brotha’ Percy the full time position as host of its popular Sunday morning Gospel program: “Kiss Inspirations.” Having done previous fill in assignments for the program since 1993, Brotha’ Percy graciously accepted the offer and debuted as the new “Kiss Inspirations” weekly host on Sunday morning, February 4, 1996. “I love Gospel music and enjoy sharing this music with others. I’m passionate about my craft and believe strongly in doing things above the level of mediocrity,” says Brotha’ Percy. A few years later, with his name becoming synonymous with quality Gospel music programming, “Kiss Inspirations” harnessed a nomination as a finalist in the category of Best Weekend Show by the New York A.I.R. Awards.
Brotha’ Percy elected to depart WRKS in November 2001. “My decision to leave “Kiss Inspirations” was not an easy one,” says Brotha’ Percy, “but a choice that I had to make. I certainly enjoyed ministering and serving the people and would have stayed, but my 6am to 12 noon shift was adversely affecting my attendance at Church, the Christian Cultural Center, Pastored by Dr. A.R. Bernard in Brooklyn; I had to make an adjustment.” Upon his exit, he accepted an opportunity extended to him at a Clear Channel Communications radio station, “Jammin’ 105.1 FM,” WTJM. Brotha’ Percy agreed to be positioned as music programmer and host of the station’s first Gospel music showcase, “Sunday Morning Gospel.” Though the program was extremely successful and well received, it along with WTJM’s entire Classic Soul format, was terminated in March of 2002 as Clear Channel decided to transform the facility in to “Power 105.1 – New York’s New #1 for Hip Hop & R&B.”
Six months later, September 2002, Brotha’ Percy resurfaces at Inner City Broadcasting Corporation’s legendary radio station, WBLS 107.5 FM New York City. There, he is given the position of Gospel music Programmer and Music Director and within a year, “Sunday Celebration” earned a 2003 New York A.I.R. Award nomination as New York City’s Best Weekend Show. In January 2005, after nearly 3 years at WBLS, Brotha’ Percy chose to depart WBLS to focus on his daily duties at Sirius Satellite Radio, where he had been since September of 2001. Until recently, he was Gospel music Programming Consultant and on air personality, heard daily as “Reese Alexander” on Sirius’ 24 hour Gospel music Channel 68 – “Praise.”
Brotha’ Percy’s lifelong affirmation: “Once you believe you can – you will; once you believe you can’t – you won’t!” Last Updated Wednesday, August 22 2007 @ 05:16 PM EDT  |