Doug Banks, the funny radio host they called “the Dan Ryan Head”, named after one of Chicago’s major expressways, has died. He was 57 years old.
READ: 5 Things Every Black Man Should Do To Cut His Diabetes Risk
Doug hosted morning shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA before landing a spot in Chicago. It was there in Chicago, that really solidified him as a bonafide radio celebrity.
After much success in the mornings, Doug was offered the opportunity to do a nationally syndicated show. The Doug Banks Morning Show, hosted by Banks along with DeDe McGuire, rose to become one of the top-rated syndicated urban programs in America. Each week, millions of listeners tuned in to hear some of the most creative and innovative programming on the airwaves.
In 2008, Banks re-launched his nationally syndicated morning show in afternoon drive under the new name ‘The Ride with Doug and DeDe.’ In 2010, Doug’s show again found a new home with American Urban Radio Networks, changing it’s name back to ‘The Doug Banks Show.’ The show’s flagship station is WVAZ in Chicago and airs in many markets across the county.
Over the years, Doug has received numerous radio awards, including being honored at the 12th Annual Living Legends Foundation Gala in New York City for his outstanding achievements and contributions as a trailblazer in the radio entertainment community. With his strong track record of assisting various grassroots organizations, Doug has also been successful in reaching out to and mobilizing the Urban community.
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Many are tweeting and posting their respect and admiration for the beloved radio veteran including…
….Dee Dee Macguire, who worked with Banks for 17 years before landing her own radio show in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas.
“Today I lost a brother, a friend, a mentor, my teacher, a life changer, a RADIO LEGEND…Doug Banks!,” DeeDee posted on Instagram. “He passed away today from complications of diabetes. I worked, traveled, spent holidays with Doug for SEVENTEEN years! I owe much of my success to him! He was THE best, most humble, easy working person I have ever come in contact within Radio. As I mourn the loss of my friend and reminisce about our good times, I can only keep thinking of his two beautiful girls. Kennede and Kelly.. My prayers are with you, your Mom and your entire family.???????? RIP Doug Banks, I love you!”
A Twitter message from CNN commentator Roland Martin states he heard Banks had failing kidneys. Other reports cite diabetes complications.
If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medicines. A persistently high blood sugar level can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. For more information about kidney disease caused by diabetes, click here.
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, here are some tips to help prevent serious complications:
• Get your blood and urine checked for kidney disease
• For type 2 diabetes, get tested every year
• For type 1 diabetes, get tested every year starting five years after you were diagnosed with diabetes
• Keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg
• Aim for your blood glucose targets as often as you can.
• When you wake up and before meals: 70 to 130
• Two hours after starting to eat a meal: Under 180
• Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range
• Take your medicines as prescribed
• Eat healthy and cut back on salt
• Be physically active
Doug Banks leaves behind a wife, two daughters and literally hundreds of thousands of fans all over the country.
Doug, you will be missed. Rest in Paradise, brother.
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