Nashville, TN – Legendary Stellar Award and NAACP award-winning radio host Connie Denell Cato-Dickerson was the pride of Nashville. The daughter of radio legend Evelyn Cato, the first black female disc jockey in the Southeast, Denell started out as a sports reporter for her school newspaper while attending Riverside High School in Chattanooga, TN. She worked for two local Chattanooga radio stations, WNOO AM and WNTP, hosting the Quiet Storm shows before attending the renowned Morris-Brown College, a historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. Denell then attended Georgia State University and worked at local Atlanta radio station WAOK FM on the campus of Clark-Atlanta University. In the early 80s, Denell married and moved to Music City, Nashville, TN, where her career took off. She worked briefly at WLAC radio doing news. Later, she joined the Nashville-based TNN television network and became the first black talent coordinator to book country music artists on national television’s Music City Tonight, hosted by legendary country music artist Ralph Emery. Denell later worked with the Charlie Chase and Lorraine Crook Show, as well as Dick Clark Productions and Rac Clark on the popular show, Prime Time Country, hosted by Gary Chapman. In 1983, Denell worked as a morning show host for 92.1 WQQK FM and a reporter for WVOL AM in Nashville. In 2000, she made the switch from R&B to Gospel, launching 92Q’s wildly popular radio show, Gospel Inspirations, which aired on Sunday mornings and earned her the beloved title of “The Gospel Diva.” Gospel Inspirations quickly became one of the most listened to radio shows in the music city, crediting it with setting the standard for Black Gospel in Nashville. She retired from 92Q in December 2017 after 37 years in the business. On Tuesday, Denell’s death shook Nashville to its core, with condolences pouring in from many of the people she touched in the music industry… Connie Denell’s family. Her legacy and commitment to spreading the Gospel through music on the airwaves has had a profound impact and will not be forgotten.” — Jackie Patillo, President and General Manager, GMA “I can’t tell you how many children have eaten because of her efforts. Or how many home fire victims have gotten help in their time of need because of her broadcasts. So many people have had their souls brought peace when a loved one has passed away because of Connie caring for them over the air.” She did this for 30 years and was committed to her God and her craft. Job well done, your good and faithful servant… Rest easy. — Kenny Smoov, VP Urban/Classic Hip Hop Formats, Cumulus Media “She was one of a kind! Always kind to me, a staple on Gospel radio! Connie, we love you and you will be missed!” — Gospel Icon, Cece Winans “She was one of the warmest, most delightful spirits I have met along the way. There was nothing she wouldn’t try to fix – with a word of wisdom, a song or a prayer. She was a true fighter, The Gospel Diva and, the unspoken Queen of Nashville. I know you’re dancing on clouds. I’m going to miss you, Mama Connie.” — Jasmine Sanders, Radio Co-Host, The DL Hughley Show I will definitely miss her, but it makes me feel good to know she is in a better place. — Dr. Bobby Jones “Connie was a friend to Nashville. She had a unique quality of making everyone feel special and like they were her one special friend. Her spirit, her smile and her legacy will live on in my heart forever. I miss her already, but the lessons she taught us to love will always be precious.”
— Senator Brenda Gilmore, Tennessee 19th District “Anytime Connie would call me to do something, I didn’t hesitate. I knew if she asked, it was important, and it wasn’t about her, it was about helping the community at large.” — Representative Harold M. Love, Jr., Tennessee General Assembly Kenny Smoov, vice president of urban formats and classic hip hop for Cumulus Media, reflects on Denell’s impact on the community. “Connie Denell retired from 92Q in 2017, but her impact on our 92Q family will last a lifetime. She is one of the architects of gospel music for the entire region and she had a ‘Heart of Gold’ to match.” Her love and passion for gospel music brought her to the public eye once again. In late 2017, Denell joined the legendary Dr. Bobby Jones as a co-host on Dr. Bobby Jones presents TV show currently airing on the Impact Television Network. “Losing Connie was certainly an uncomfortable situation for me,” says Dr. Bobby Jones. “However, knowing that I was able to play a role in her life makes me smile. I am blessed to know that I was able to give something to another soldier who has gone home to be with the Lord.” Her request to Dr. Jones was to be on television, and he obliged by sharing his platform with her as a co-host. Dr. Jones says Denell was thrilled to be a part of the show. Connie Denell Cato, 65, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, after a series of surgeries and medical complications. She is survived by her son, Stephen Keith Dickerson.
The post office NASHVILLE MOURNS LOSS OF LEGENDARY GOSPEL RADIO ICON CONNIE DENELL CATO-DICKERSON, 65 first appeared on Black Gospel Radio.
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