Detroit radio legend Ed Love will be honored with a jazz concert on Wednesday
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Detroit radio legend Ed Love, whose “Destination Jazz” has been broadcast on WDET-FM since 1983, will be honored with a special tribute concert at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
The evening includes performances by world-famous, two-time Grammy award-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, impressive bassist Ralphe Armstrong and virtuoso saxophonist James Carter.
Wednesday’s concert will be Wilson’s first with her band after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the smoky-voiced singer is excited to return to the stage and to Detroit.
“We specialize in raising vibrations and frequencies,” Wilson said, “so after four years, you can expect a lot of that from this band. I haven’t been on the road with these musicians since before the pandemic, so it’s a wonderful reunion. I’m so excited to get back together with my guys.”
“I’ve been working on new material. And there’s a project I did in 2017 that has yet to be released. It’s called ‘Jupiter Rising’ and maybe we’ll do a selection from that.”
When the pandemic hit, Wilson left New York City and moved back to Jackson, Mississippi, where she suddenly turned to gardening and cooking – two things she hadn’t done much before.
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“I couldn’t really focus on cooking for quite a while,” she said, “because I was traveling a lot as a musician and I couldn’t really learn much about new dishes. But in the last four years I’ve been forced to. And I’m really interested in healthy foods and alternatives, non-GMO. I’m also doing some gardening at the moment, so that’s my focus. I can harvest my own vegetables, go in the kitchen and make a good home-cooked meal, that’s my thing.
“I’m also trying to perfect jollof rice,” she added with a laugh.
A broadcasting giant
After 64 years on the radio as one of the country’s best-known jazz presenters, Love is looking forward to the evening. Wilson in particular is one of his favorite singers.
“I’m really excited that my whole family will be there, my grandchildren… it will be nice to see them all enjoying something at the same time. I’m sure my WDET family will be there. They’re planning something – I don’t know what it is, but it will be something nice.”
Love’s adoration is widespread throughout the Detroit region.
Shahida Mausi, president and CEO of The Right Productions, which books talent for The Aretha, said, “This concert is not just a tribute, but a testament to the enduring power of jazz and the profound impact Ed had on the Detroit music scene. His dedication to the genre and his ability to inspire both artists and audiences alike is unparalleled. Hosting this tribute and partnering with WDET is our way of honoring Ed’s tremendous contributions and ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.”
WDET Director General Mary Zatina agreed.
“Ed Love’s passion for music and deep connection with listeners have made him a beloved figure in the world of radio,” she said. “His devotion to jazz and his ability to share its richness with audiences have left an indelible mark on our station and our community. Ed is a beloved Detroit treasure.”
Veteran Detroit broadcaster Chuck Stokes, host of “Spotlight on the News” and editorial and public relations director at WXYZ/WMYD-TV 7/20 Detroit, also had high praise for Love.
“Ed Love and his smooth baritone voice have become one of Michigan’s treasures for America and the world of jazz,” Stokes told the Free Press. “His deep knowledge of the music he broadcasts, combined with his years of experience behind the radio microphone, make him one of a kind. I cherish the television and magazine interviews I’ve done with him. My conversations with Ed about his incredible journey from Kansas to Detroit were one of the highlights of my journalistic career. I’m so glad that ‘Mr. Destination Jazz’ is being honored at The Aretha. He truly deserves it. I never tire of hearing him say, ‘Hello, it’s Love!’ … and we love you too, Ed!”
Even at age 92, Love says he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“I enjoy what I do and I still do it well,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire. I’m more than thrilled that the people of Detroit have accepted me all this time. But I’ve been accepted not just in Detroit, but all over the world.”
“I am a fighter for jazz.”
Ticket information
Tickets for the July 24 show are on sale now and can be purchased through thearetha.com, the Aretha Box Office or ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at $25.00.
Ed Love’s “Destination: Jazz” can be heard on WDET Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tuesdays from midnight to 2 a.m.
Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at [email protected].
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