Legendary activist and Radio Hall of Famer Joe Madison, known as “The Black Eagle,” passed away on January 31. He was 74.
“Joe Madison led an incredible, impactful life,” SiriusXM wrote in a statement. “He was also an invaluable member of the SiriusXM family and a treasured colleague and friend. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Sherry, along with his entire family, his devoted listeners, and the countless people he inspired with his determination to make the world a better place.”
In the coming days, tune in to SiriusXM Urban View (channel 126) on radios and the SiriusXM app for special programming honouring Madison’s legacy.
Joe Madison was a leading figure in American talk radio who made history on multiple occasions, including in 2015 when he broke the Guinness World Record for “longest marathon hosting a radio talk show” (52 hours live). His efforts raised over $250,000 for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. In that same year, he also became the first national American talk show in more than 50 years to broadcast live from Cuba.
Madison was also a civil rights activist known for staging protests and acts of civil disobedience and a key figure in the top circles of African American leadership and activism. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2019. In that same year, he was also elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame in recognition of over 40 years in broadcasting. His signature line when people called his show to speak about injustice was, “What are you going to do about it?”
Madison is survived by his wife, Sherry; his children Jason, Monesha, Shawna and Michelle; his five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
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