By Sylvia Powers
Texas Metro News
https://texasmetronews.com
Lynne Haze, known as the “Diva with the Voice” on Smooth R&B 105.7FM, has cultivated a radio career that has earned her the distinction of being the longest running African American female radio personality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The journey for the Dallas-based radio personality began in Buffalo, New York, during a time when she was searching for direction in her life.
“I was in a place in my life during my twenties where I was not sure what I wanted to do next,” she recalled. “I had gotten into some trouble. I was in a singing group and doing a lot of different things. Then my mother sensed that I was at a fork in the road for my career and challenged me to pursue radio.”
During a conversation over wine, her mother planted the seed that would change her life.
“She said you love to talk, you like music, and you have personality. Why don’t you try radio?”
Admittedly, at first, the idea seemed a little different, even far-fetched, acknowledged Haze. But because of her love for music, the concept began to resonate in her spirit. Her mother then made a promise to her daughter that if she committed to a six-month broadcasting course, she would pay for the course.
Haze accepted the challenge, and the rest became part of her journey.
“When I first went to broadcast school, I was the only girl in the classroom. They were Black and White men, but still all men,” Haze said.
“Even when I got my first radio job, I was the only girl in the midst of all these guys. However, I was lucky enough to work with people who accepted me and allowed me to learn and grow.”
Her early career in Buffalo was influenced by radio legends Frankie Crocker and Jerry Bledsoe. In those early days, she did everything from running the board to reading news and traffic.
“My first time on the air was horrible. I was so nervous. I got the songs wrong. I had told all my friends I was going to be on the radio, and I kept messing up.”
Despite the rough start, she was invited back the next day, and the days turned into years.
“At first it was exciting because I felt like I had found something I really connected with. It felt good to hear my voice, even though I still did not know who I was as a radio personality.”
Over time, she found her own style.
“Now when I open the microphone, you know it is me,” she said proudly. “Back then, I was trying to sound like everyone else. I thought radio personalities were supposed to have a certain sound.”
Even though she enjoyed life in Buffalo, Haze jumped at the opportunity to come to Dallas after program director Byron Pitts encouraged her to apply for a position when a midday host left the station.
“I started off at KKDA Soul 73 AM and did middays there. It was a huge transition. Buffalo is a medium-sized city, and Dallas is very large. In upstate New York, we walked or took cabs everywhere. Everybody drives here.”
Dallas soon became home, and it was there that Haze began building deep relationships within the community.
“I met Lynne when she first arrived from Buffalo, and we connected right away,” said Willis Johnson, former program director of Soul 73 KKDA. “I was hosting the morning show, and Lynne was on from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Soul 73 KKDA.
“We worked on promotions and events together, hitting the streets as a team. We were known as ‘The Crooners,’ performing in nightclubs and at parties, which eventually led to us opening for James Brown at the Convention Center.”
The popular group was a fan favorite and her star continued to rise. She also gained long-lasting friends.
“She is genuine and one of the most talented people I have ever worked with in radio,” said Johnson.
Her passion for empowering women led her to organize a health walk at Bachman Lake. She expected about 50 women, but with support from local media, more than two hundred attended.
Haze has hosted numerous empowering programs for women. Her colleague, radio personality Janet G, said, “Lynne is what we would call a lady’s lady. She has been so kind and inclusive to me as well as other females in the industry.
“A lot of times you meet women who are not as warm, friendly, or inviting, but I can truly say Lynne is not intimidated by others’ talent. She uplifts others and is very accepting and inclusive.”
Haze became involved with the National Black Programmers Coalition. Through those relationships, she eventually transitioned into the music industry. She spent nearly ten years working with RCA Records, Warner Bros. Records, and Mercury Records before returning to Dallas to continue her radio career.
Over the years, she has interviewed many entertainers, including John Legend, Stevie Wonder, and the late Luther Vandross. She described her interview with Vandross as unforgettable.
“Luther was amazing. He was at a good place in his life. He was cracking jokes throughout the interview. He was funny and very prepared. There was no doubt he was a perfectionist in all aspects of his career.”
Over four and a half decades, Haze has witnessed dramatic changes in broadcasting.
“Radio has evolved. Years ago, many stations were individually owned. Then big corporations began taking over. Now you have companies like iHeart and other conglomerates.
Smooth R&B 105.7 is one of the few stations still individually owned,” said Haze. “It is owned locally by longtime Dallas media executive Hyman Childs, who represents one of the few remaining locally owned radio stations in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.”
Referring to the attributes that have allowed Haze to be successful over the years, Childs said, “Lynne is a good person, and she genuinely loves people.”
Three years ago, Haze received life-changing news while at the radio station. During a break, she received a call regarding a biopsy that revealed she had breast cancer.
With her commitment that the show must go on, she finished her broadcast before she was able to properly process the news.
Today, she uses her platform to raise awareness about early detection.
“I am glad I can use my platform to bring awareness to breast cancer. My mother also had breast cancer, and it is not always easy to share that part of my life. But if it helps one person, then it means something.
“It is not just about being a radio personality. It is about being part of the community that I serve.”
Haze now spends much of her time speaking at community events, hosting galas, and encouraging women to live healthier lives.
And her work has not gone unnoticed. Most recently she received the Cheryl Smith Communications Award presented by one of Dallas’oldest Black-owned newspaper, The Elite News.
Named after the Hall of Fame journalist and publisher, the award has been presented to other notable journalists, including Shaun Rabb of Fox 4 News and Demond Fernandez, formerly of WFAA-TV.
“I want my legacy to be that I made a difference. I want to know that I made someone smile and made people feel good. When I open the microphone, I want it to matter whether I am giving information, inspiration, or making someone laugh.” Lynne Haze can be heard on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Smooth R & B 105.7.
