Wade Briggs first made his mark on the city as a community-minded MC and radio personality at Detroit’s first Black-owned and operated radio station, WCHB, where he hosted the award-winning “Rap with Butter” show in the 1960s and ‘70s. (Photo from Family archive)
   

 

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Butterball Jr.’s impact on Detroit and its residents went well beyond the airwaves that carried his warm voice, comforting sense of humor, signature charm, and in-depth interviews to area residents. In fact, the hometown hero coined the nationally recognized phrase, "Take your souls to the polls and vote," which he used to encourage listeners to elect Detroit's first Black mayor, Coleman A. Young, in 1973. (Photo from Family archive)

  Wade “Butterball Jr.” Briggs: The man who did it all..and did it well!

By Ellen Chamberlain
For Tell Us USA News Network

Detroiters mourn the passing of radio personality, community leader, and businessman Wade Lee “Butterball Jr.” Briggs.

Detroit has lost another legend, but the city will forever reflect the heart and influence of Wade Lee “Butterball Jr.” Briggs.

Briggs first made his mark on the city as a community-minded MC and radio personality at Detroit’s first Black-owned and operated radio station, WCHB, where he hosted the award-winning “Rap with Butter” show in the 1960s and ‘70s.

He was a showman who was able to catch listeners’ ears with his catchy, rhythmic wordplay that was signature to most radio hosts of the day, but unmatched by most others. He would candidly inform listeners that he was, “Five-three, 263 [pounds], just as fine Black and round as I wanna be, on the radio” explaining his moniker.

Butterball Jr.’s impact on Detroit and its residents went well beyond the airwaves that carried his warm voice, comforting sense of humor, signature charm, and in-depth interviews to area residents. He was an active member of the community, serving as a volunteer, mentor, and political advocate throughout his youth and adulthood. In fact, the hometown hero coined the nationally recognized phrase, "Take your souls to the polls and vote," which he used to encourage listeners to elect Detroit's first Black mayor, Coleman A. Young, in 1973.

Later in his career, Butterball Jr. served the community as an investor in major economic development projects. He was a partner in the Alpha Restaurant Group, the ATWATER Motor City Casino Group, and other partnerships. He even held a U.S. patent for a home security device.

The radio star got his start in broadcasting while stationed in Amarillo, Texas, during his U.S. Air Force service. While in Texas, Butterball Jr. worked in both radio and television, but caught his “big break” when he landed a job as the only Black on air personality at KRAY radio. Within his first year, the personality that Detroit would come to know and love took the Texas station’s ratings from the bottom to the number two slot. His popularity and hard work earned him a promotion to the Program Director seat, allowing him to switch the station’s Top 40 format to Soul and R&B.

While still serving in the Air Force, Butterball Jr. attracted the attention of KFDA-TV 10 Amarillo and became its sports editor; later becoming a studio cameraman for KGNC-TV. By the time his military service ended, Butterball Jr. received over 20 offers from radio stations across the country. The Detroit native chose to return home and accepted an offer to join WCHB, where he worked as a DJ, Program Director, and later, Operations Manager for WCHB and WJZZ the next 14 years.

In 1982, the beloved radio personality traded his headphones for entrepreneurial pursuits as he took on the role of EVP of Barden Communications, Inc. While there, he and Don Barden were the co-founders of Barden Cablevision of Detroit which was instrumental in building the city’s cable television network. During his tenure as VP of Programming and Advertising, he helped mold a new generation of Detroit’s broadcast talent.

Wade L Briggs as Executive VP of Fee Records was instrumental in launching the careers of local music icons like Grammy Award-winning singer Anita Baker and The Floaters. The Floaters albumn, “Float On” attained Platinum status. He was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.

In 1994, Butterball Jr. founded VoiceNet Communications, Inc. which he later sold to Ameritech (now SBC Global) in 1997.

Wade L. Briggs Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1997 as a communications consulting firm that provided training and communications services for the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD). Butterball Jr. received recognition from Mayor Dennis Archer for launching the Cultural Change program that created strong communication ties between employees and management; DWSD and external customers.

Wade enjoyed time away from the city and purchased a home for the family “Up North” and loved boating on the “SS Butterfly I-IV.

As he often told his listeners, Wade Briggs was his Christian name, but Butterball Jr. was his claim to fame.

Throughout his life, Butterball Jr. kept his love for his family, faith, music, and community front and center. He leaves behind his wife, Celeste Briggs, daughters: Deana (Rex) Nelson, Erika J. Briggs, Maya C. Briggs, Candace A. Grooms, Corrin R. Grooms, sisters: Anita (Rev. Harry) Barnes, Daisy Aldridge, Jeanette (Tony) Marable a host of family, friends, and fans across Detroit and the nation to mourn his passing. But his legacy continues in the lives he touched over the years.


 

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