Kingsley H. Smith is a multi-decade radio broadcast professional who worked full time in New York City, Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC (three top 10 USA markets). Eleven AM & FM outlets are some of his thrilling stops along the way toward big city commercial and public broadcasting job opportunities. What's in this book for you?
Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth is an authentic true story about adversity, failure, and ultimate success. What approach does it take to plant a flag into tough broadcasting turf? How do you really carve out a place for yourself in the 'traditional' digital universe? Take your seat for this detailed journey that comes alive in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
The BookLife Prize says "Powerhouse Radio is a thoughtful, entertaining memoir of Smith's career in radio, complete with anecdotes, advice, and asides for anyone interested in the cherished medium. Smith's memoir is multi-dimensional; part how-to, part autobiography, part history, part self-examination of a career in a challenging medium. His character as a narrator is knowledgeable, warm, and ever-engaging."
OnlineBookClub.org writes "Smith does a great job of explaining every aspect of radio work, even with its polished feel. He gives the impression that we are working with him to create the best radio shows. His interesting and insightful stories about famous people and radio stations' secrets are exciting."
Literary Titan states "Powerhouse Radio offers a captivating exploration of radio culture, particularly since the 1970s, through the experiences of Kingsley Smith. Smith, a passionate African American radio enthusiast, provides readers with a unique window into the evolving world of radio broadcasting. This book effectively juxtaposes the mainstream radio landscape with ‘Black Radio,’ delving into their practical and historical distinctions in a manner that is as informative as it is intriguing."
"Powerhouse Radio is more than just a well-written account; it’s a tribute to the bygone era of radio, offering both a reflective look at the past and an insightful perspective on the future. Ideal for creatives, historians, and radio enthusiasts, this book is not just a noteworthy contribution to the literature on broadcasting; it’s a reminder of the enduring power and evolution of radio in our ever-changing media landscape."
QBR The Black Book Review offers this, "Racial discrimination in commercial radio in America has been a persistent issue throughout its history, reflecting broader societal inequalities. Smith allows little of this to thwart the passion for his work or his persistence in achieving his measures or learning from the greats in the business on either side of the microphone. He is technically astute – generously sharing hard-earned “how-to’s” – and is gifted in his craft."
Librarians, Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth is catalogued in MARC data uploaded to the bibliographic utilities (OCLC/WorldCat and SkyRiver).
Available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. Get Powerhouse Radio from iTunes, Audible, Kobo, Ciando and all of these major online retailers:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Walmart
BookBaby
* Read a short Chapter Two segment (Paperback - eBook) at BookBaby.
* Listen to a short 4:28 Chapter Two segment from the Powerhouse Radio Audiobook.
2024 Events:
April February
Public Library Association gathering in Dayton, Ohio April 3 - 5
Book reading and signing at L'Ouverture Books
6 Old Turnpike
Pleasantville, New Jersey
(right outside of Atlantic City)
Kingsley with Deltana, Sharon, and Veronica
George C. Watson, former on-air personality at WUSS Atlantic City and WTTH-FM Margate City, NJ, Kingsley, and Mike Ferriola, former chief engineer of WAYV-FM, A.C. We are at L'Ouverture Books.
2023 Events:
September: Harlem Book Fair, New York, New York with Mayor Eric Adams.
The Mayor postal-mailed Kingsley a very nice thank you letter expressing appreciation for the book.
2023 Events:
August: Black Label Comicon, Philadelphia, PA.
When Kingsley was at this event, he was pulled into comedian Chris Fraley's video podcast. Authors just can't pass up a promotional opportunity! The production is 6 minutes.