Exclusive interview with Joyce Littel, formerly of V-103’s ‘Quiet Storm’
Joyce Littel recently celebrated 19 years at V-103 hosting the late-night “Quiet Storm,” playing sexy tunes by the likes of Luther Vandross, Robin Thicke and Teddy Pendergrass.
But on January 13, Littel received bad news from her bosses: she had to be let go.
“I was shocked,” she said. “It was totally unexpected. Yet, I was prepared. Whenever that day came, I was prepared.”
She said the brass told her the move was purely economic. Her ratings were fine. But she aired at a time when the station generates relatively fewer dollars (10 p.m. to 2 a.m Sunday through Thursday.) The station, which is going jockless during “Quiet Storm” for now, may seek a cheaper syndicated solution. “I am not bitter,” she said. “It’s just a time to readjust and keep moving forward.”
Rick Caffey, the market manager who runs the station locally, declined to comment about why he let go Littel (he’s not big about discussing personnel issues) but he hopes to have a replacement for that time frame no later than the first week of February.
Littel has been heartened by the response from fans since the news came out last week. At an event she moderated Monday night, the attendees gave her a standing ovation. “I know that my listeners embrace me whether I’m on air or off air,” she said.
An Athens native, she didn’t have plans to go into radio when she entered Morris Brown College many years ago. But the program director at WCLK-FM overheard her in an office, liked her voice and asked her to read public service announcements.
“I’ve been in radio every since,” she said. After a stint at 1380/WIGO-AM, she joined V-103 in 1990 when then Program Director Mike Roberts hired her. She started part time overnights but he quickly offered her the “Quiet Storm” job, one that was normally given to guys. He was also drawn to her silky voice. (Roberts in a phone interview today said she was a joy to work with and noted, “she can walk into a room and not bring her ego with it.”)
Littel, ten years ago, started an events production company Littel Concepts. She always had an entrepreneurial bug and figured having a backup plan when her radio gig ended was wise. She has been doing five events a year. Now, she’ll have time to do more.
Her signature event is her annual Passion and Poetry event, which is held at Center Stage in Midtown during Valentines’ Day weekend. “I’m not a poet,” she said. “But I love the art.” She sells 3,000 tickets a year over three concerts over two days. V-103, the city’s largest station, has helped her promote the event every year. She said the station will continue to do so this year with ticket giveaways and such.
“The relationship is still there,” she said. “I’m still a part of the family. When it comes to the bottom line, you can’t fuss and fudge with the bottom line. That’s why I feel the way I feel.”
She plans a concert series in Athens starting in April and would like to do a big annual old-school funkfest. She hasn’t counted out seeking a syndication deal for a radio show or going to another station. She is also planning to release CDs, including a spoken-word compilation with Eric Roberson and “Cosby Show” alum Malcolm Jamal Warner, who are both appearing at Passion and Poetry.
Littel declined to talk about her severance package. “I’m okay,” she said. “I’m good. I am working full time at my company. I go on my appearances. If anybody wants me to come see them, I go see them!”
IF YOU GO
“Passion and Poetry”
Center Stage
1374 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta
8 p.m. Saturday Feb. 13 (Malcolm Jamal Warner)
midnight Saturday Feb. 13 (Malcolm Jamal Warner)
7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 (Eric Roberson)
$25 general admission
www.ticketmaster.com 404-249-6400
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133 comments Add your comment
jawbonin.com
January 27th, 2010
11:54 am
Wow. Is all I can say, about the comments, which is why I listen to Tom Joyner in the Morning- sometimes Steve Harvey. Then listen to WAOK. But I can’t understand why WAOK plays Warren Ballentine twice a day, cutting off the first hour of Bev Smith- you can only talk about bad credit so many different ways. Good luck Mrs. Littel, on to bigger and better things.
Ms.Simon
January 27th, 2010
11:58 am
@ Spoiled
Elle definitely tries way to hard to act ghetto.
MyBoo
January 27th, 2010
11:59 am
The Quiet Storm with Ms. Littel was off the chain. I enjoyed when she bought the poets in for a little snap action. That was a bad move and will have to listen to another station untill I lay down.
Daya
January 27th, 2010
12:02 pm
The Steve Harvey Morning Show is awesome V103 needs to get some new producers and they will be alright.
Eric
January 27th, 2010
12:08 pm
The best voice on radio, I will truly miss her soothing tone. Sunday night’s Love & Relationship was one of my favorites, I would listen while I was at work.
Freak of the Week
January 27th, 2010
12:14 pm
Okay if Joyce isn’t bitter or angry about the decision, why are so many of you?? Perhaps this is God opening a door for her to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and expand on her business? Have mercy.
sad brotha
January 27th, 2010
12:17 pm
Blame Bush! Obama will get yo another job and pay your mortgage and fill your car up with gas!
Tony
January 27th, 2010
12:22 pm
You will be a very very missed voice. You are great.
Robert H.
January 27th, 2010
12:30 pm
How can V-103 claim to be the ‘community’ station, yet early in the morning when we transport our children to school, they are exposed to the sex filled garbage by the ‘artist’ of today.
“OK Johnny, after you finish listening to ‘the thong song’ try to concentrate real hard on your schoolwork”!
Samma
January 27th, 2010
12:30 pm
I will truly miss you, that’s my relaxing time at night.There are bigger and better things in store for you, just wait on them.Good luck to you
sharon
January 27th, 2010
12:33 pm
Pandora you don’t think Steve Harvey’s show is trash?
Jules
January 27th, 2010
12:42 pm
Joyce, I will miss your soothing voice on the radio exactly at the same time that my family and I would be returning from a late night trip from out of town. The topics were always interesting and it kept my attention throughout the entire trip. I know you were an awesome asset to V-103 and I agree with others that they should get rid of Ms. Sophia because HE/SHE is TOOOOOOO GHETTO DRAMATIC. I’ve learned that if you’re not a GHETTO DRAMATIC person in the business world, you suffer the most. Joyce was very professional and definitely anti-DRAMA, and I liked that about her! Good luck in your future endeavors Joyce!!
Chardonnay
January 27th, 2010
12:45 pm
She will truly be missed from V-103! She is one of the few that I listened to on that station. I wish her all the best and I know that she will still do good things and be a role model to the community. There are not that many positive Black women that little girls have to look up to, and Joyce is one of the dynamic ones! You NEVER hear about Joyce being on drugs, being a drunk, sleeping with every guy that smiles at her, or having baby after baby out of wedlock. She is truly the epitome of greatness! Love her!
ByeJoyce
January 27th, 2010
12:50 pm
More feedback for V-103? Just googled this and found this about what’s going to happen with Frank Ski. Rodney, check this out. http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-2832-Atlanta-Entertainment-Examiner~y2010m1d27-Possible-V103-shakeup-said-goodbye-to-Joyce-Littel-but-look-who-may-be-back-in-DC
graynetta
January 27th, 2010
12:53 pm
Shocker…I did not know, you will be missed Joyce, best of luck.
debra
January 27th, 2010
12:53 pm
Good luck Joyce! Didn’t listen to you much because I’m sleep around that time but when I did, you was awesome. Very nice voice. V-103, get rid of Frank, Wanda and ugly a&^ Sophia (sp) or whatever his/her name is. Too much rap music and ghetto. The Tom Joyner morning show and 104 will always be my choice.
Brandi Shannon
January 27th, 2010
12:55 pm
Hey you,
You always said be prepared and seems like you were & you ARE gonna be ok! Class act fah-sho!
Donovan
January 27th, 2010
12:55 pm
V-103 has officially become a kiddie station now and that is why they suck.
hotlanta
January 27th, 2010
12:59 pm
Frank going to DC great. Then he will say that he knows Barak. Let him take his bragging somewhere else. Good riddance.
Theresa
January 27th, 2010
1:06 pm
Hello Soror,I just read bout your release from V-103. I have been away for a couple of years on military leave. We met and talked awhile back and you came to one of LEO’s-AKA functions. From what I read you are doing great(holding on and are very strong)and will contuine to do great. I also know that you will be on the radio again. God will take care of that. Just keep on doing what you do. All will be well. Sisterly love, “T”
Greg
January 27th, 2010
1:08 pm
Miss you all ready Joyce, Best of Luck to a classy classy lady
Dr. Stan
January 27th, 2010
1:09 pm
Joyce: I wish you much love and success in your current, now full-time, endeavors. Now that your nights are your own, you should take “Passion and Poetry” on the road. Do you thing and remember that Oprah’s success story began after she was asked to leave her station.
Carlos
January 27th, 2010
1:20 pm
Joyce Littel should go back to autoscoop. Since she left it has become a marketing tool for the car dealerships instead of a consumer advice show.
gloria
January 27th, 2010
1:28 pm
CLASS ACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU JOYCE
stephanie
January 27th, 2010
1:32 pm
Joyce, you have been the epitome of what it means to be classy. God has something even classier in store for you. Bitterness and anger has a tendency to block blessings. Do what you do best girl!!!
Biggest Loser Producer
January 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
Joyce….we have an opening if you are interested. Looks like you could stand to shed about a 150 lbs! Have your people call my people if interested.
Jay's Momo
January 27th, 2010
1:48 pm
Are you serious???????? Frank ski is a know it all can’t be wrong about anything. He is always name dropping..Please get rid of him and that ghetto wanda smith who is not funny at all. Joyce and Ryan are the only reason i listen to v-103. Then the morning show ratings were only high when RYAN was there and Frank was on vacation… V-103 listen to your listeners… We are so not pleased…
SportsFan31313
January 27th, 2010
1:53 pm
One Door Closes, Another One Opens For You. This is not a time for any sorrow, but for a new beginning. This may be the shove you really needed to get you out on your own. I see HUGE positive things coming your way. Put GOD first and everything else will fall into place…..
Best Wishes To You…………………
Mike
January 27th, 2010
1:54 pm
Yeah V-103 already see and feel the decline between 10pm-2am. I work graveyard and don’t even listen to them anymore on my way to work. CD’s for now on.
Brian Asselstine
January 27th, 2010
2:07 pm
She could play nose tackle for the Falcons.
PURPLE CRAYON
January 27th, 2010
2:24 pm
hahahahahahah
Mark
January 27th, 2010
2:34 pm
I’m willing to bet that Brian Asselstine, Ambigious & Androngous and Stan from Da’Klan are all white and have never even heard of Joyce Littel
JOYCE YOU WERE TRULY A CLASS ACT AND WILL BE MISSED TREMENDOUSLY!
Big Fan
January 27th, 2010
2:41 pm
Damn V103…all that is left now is bafonery with the Morning crew!
ME
January 27th, 2010
2:41 pm
What is a Brass?
She said the brass told her the move was purely economic
3proud
January 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
Joyce I listened to your show many times and attended one of your events at the Underground. You are greatly missed. I used to listen to Wanda and Frank in the mornings before my work schedule changed and often wondered why they would be playing “booty/bed” music at the same time youngsters are getting ready for school; have parents on with the kids in the morning; advertise youngster events, etc. but still played the “booty” music. Instead of something more uplifting and encouraging for them. If I had school age children, I would have call the station myself. Often wondered what other parents were thinking. Keep your head up Joyce!!!
Truthpaste
January 27th, 2010
3:26 pm
She’ll land on her feet.
TW
January 27th, 2010
3:31 pm
“every since”?? Get real…
lptothe3
January 27th, 2010
3:55 pm
“every since”…very un-ignorant and anti ghetto there people…then again most of you probably dont even know how ignorant that saying is.
Lisa Stokes
January 27th, 2010
3:58 pm
Should we start a blog to get rid of the morning show?
JV
January 27th, 2010
3:58 pm
Frank Ski is sooo NOT gay. So stop HATIN!!
Heavenly creature
January 27th, 2010
4:05 pm
Well, we all know her services ARE needed, but the station wants to go on the cheap. Hope they get what they deserve.
Animal187
January 27th, 2010
4:08 pm
She was the ONLY reason why I ever listen to that station and now she is gone. I wish her the best.
RayStantz
January 27th, 2010
4:14 pm
@ME, Brian Asselstine, Ambigious & Androngous,White Man, Stan from Da’Klan, sad brotha, etc.
I don’t know if it’s ignorance or a lame attempt to be funny but I’m guessing both. Even worse, it’s probably the same low life person who has nothing else to hang their hat on other than making comments such as these. You obviously failed at life so do all of us a favor and go play in traffic.
Paddy
January 27th, 2010
4:23 pm
There will be more to follow. Media today is hanging on and as a result you see good people let go. More and more outlets will “go on the cheap”. We best get used to it. Start looking for that 2nd career no mater what business you are involved in. Unemployment is at a 43 year high with no end in sight.
Paddy
January 27th, 2010
4:29 pm
Throw this around overr supper tonight. Instead of the stimulus package that was given out this past year; every adult over the age of 18 would have been given $100,000 to do as he or she pleased. If that had happened, how do you think the ecomomy would be today? If it had been done we would still have saved millions of dollars over what was spent and we have virtully nothing to show for it. Just a thought!
Lisa
January 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
SO sad to see Joyce go. I’ve always loved her voice, her spirit, and her positive influence on our community. Thank you for all you have done. And best wishes for much success in all that you will continue to do!
Shaun
January 27th, 2010
4:44 pm
Joyce you’re such a class act to follow. This is so unfortunate because it’s obvious management at V-103 has detoriorated. When El Duncan was selected to host midday, I knew the station was in trouble. El doesn’t have any maturity,makes inappropiate comments, the midday mix is a joke etc. Midday was supposed to be for the mature crowd. It’s far from it. Good luck Joyce.
Haywood Jablome
January 27th, 2010
4:51 pm
Maybe she just got too fat for radio.
Haywood Jablome
January 27th, 2010
4:51 pm
Maybe she just got too fat for radio.
shourite
January 27th, 2010
4:57 pm
They chose seniority over the Frank & Wanda morning show…ugh….they should fire Frank and keep wanda and Ms. Sophia…Frank is fake, fat and a closeted Gay. He has no personality but somehow he is egotistical…more like false confidence. There run as a morning show should end just because he is so boring. Tonya, the wife, you’re just like Monique and Starr Jones, what does it take to see that ya man is gay. And I know he’s shown more than enough gay tendencies. Gay vs metro sexual…big difference…and he acts if his opinion is the only thing that matters…needless to say, I’ve enjoyed joyce littels quiet storm for many years, am glad ryan cameron was added to the v103 family, but in essence, your morning show, deserves restructuring.