PERCY SUTTON

Percy Sutton founded Inner City Broadcasting in New York City in 1970, and become a radio station owner in 1972, when the company purchased its first station, WLIB AM, in New York City. The company later purchased WBLS FM in New York City, before purchasing radio stations in ten more U.S. cities. 

Percy’s leadership guided the staff at each radio station to program rhythm and blues (R&B) music, and later, urban contemporary music. Talk radio programs also played on a role in Inner City Broadcasting’s programming as did community service. Each radio station’s programming was a mirror to the community of listeners, where opinions on culture, entertainment, city politics and relationships were welcomed on the air. The radio stations flourished in both ratings and revenue. As founder and chairman, Percy Sutton become known as “the Godfather of Urban Radio”, as a result of his leadership with the radio stations. 

The company’s purchase of the Apollo Theatre was accompanied by a renovation effort that revitalized the entertainment venue for new generations of performers and audiences to benefit from, which created an opportunity for a television series, Showtime At The Apollo. 

President Barack Obama recognized Percy Sutton as a public servant who positively impacted the careers of countless African Americans possible.   

Percy Sutton received a Legends Induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2024.