I'm Just a DJ But...It Makes Sense to Me

This is a good book. I enjoyed the humor and humility Tom Joyner used to write this book. He explains his beginnings and how he came to be the hardest working man in radio. He also gives insight to himself as more than just a voice on the radio. I really enjoyed reading this book all the way through without getting bored or wondering how many more pages do I have to read untill the end!

My first thoughts about Tom Joyner's claim that he's just a DJ mirror my thoughts about 'O' saying she's just a..., but I digress. With a supporting cast of who's who in African American entertainment, Tom Joyner shares some infectious memories from being raised in Tuskegee, Alabama to his nationally syndicated The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Joyner, with what has become his humorous trademark, shares his meager beginnings as a DJ in Alabama and of a struggling, hustling student at Tuskegee Institute. But this book is far from a humorous undertaking. The message that resonates from the pages is that dreams are the springboard to life and a burning passion is the wind beneath your wings. It was those dreams and that passion that propelled him to reach beyond roadblocks, racism, and restitution. He talks about his weight, his family, his crew and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). And he shares his feeling of pride because of his dedication, hardwork and accomplishments. I'M JUST A D.J. BUT...It Makes Sense To Me is a candid, pensive and lively read. Joyner lends three distinct rules 1)learn your craft, 2) know your competition, and 3) let jealousy be a motivator to improve or join forces. He has no problem getting high-ballers to appear on his show now, but his allegiance is to the people who believed in him before he became 'The Hardest Working Man In Show Business'. In step with his DJing background, the chapters are titles of songs which carry a message. This book surprised me; it was a good read. Reviewed by aNN of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

"I was a fat kid, and a good sandwich was just the incentive I needed to become an advocate for change." That's Joyner telling about the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches served to sustain the protestors during his involvement in the protest against a white radio station that only played white music. My new mantra: Be all you can be, just don't join the Army. Listen to the Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) instead. I'M JUST A DJ BUT...demonstrates how Joyner is rich is spirit, advice and generosity. Believe it or not, Tom Joyner didn't wake up one day and suddenly realize he is a millionaire, he worked hard for his money and still does. In fact, his slogan is: "The hardest working man in radio, the fly jock Tom Joyner" holds a lot of truth. He dedicated countless hours of service, even when he wasn't sure about what he was doing; to always (not sometimes) make a good impression. He is "fly" because he once flew daily from Chicago to Dallas to work on two radio stations. Talk about dedication to the profession. Joyner speaks openly about issues with his weight, the road to syndication, marriage, parenting, the Tom Joyner Foundation, his crew, his commitment to Black people and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In fact, he's received plenty of backlashes for wanting to help ONLY Black people. Why not cater to your people? I imagine him on his soapbox, preaching his gospel to those who didn't agree and saying something like, "oh well, I'm going to do it anyway." Now that's a man who is comfortable with whom he is, no airs about him. Money didn't change him; it only changed how he spent it. He had a plan; he stuck to it and is now reaping the benefits of his labor. Sure, he made some mistakes along the way, but to err is to be human. Consistency is learned by seeing and doing. It's cyclical and it's up to you to keep the wheels turning and passing on the lessons and good habits. There are so many lessons obtained from reading I'M JUST A DJ BUT... In this book, Joyner reiterates points he's always talking about on his morning show. The pages are dog-eared and highlighted and soon to be passed on to my teenager. Don't sleep on good advice, even if it doesn't give a fool-proof plan on how to get more money. This is not about how to get rich quick; it's about how to work hard to get what you want and how to maintain it once you have it. Keeping a leveled head helps too. Reviewed by Esther "Ess" Mays for Loose Leaves Book Review

Hall of Fame disc jockey Tom Joyner uses a mix of comedy, music, and guests to discuss everything from careers to relationships as he shares the insights and lessons he's learned along the way. Now he is the host of a radio show that is in the most popular African Americans market. Joyner started his career at a small AM radio station in Alabama, working his way up to a spot at a Chicago station along with a morning show in Dallas.

I just finished Tom Joyner's I'm Just a DJ but..., Mr. Joyner is anything but just a DJ. He is an entrepreneur, activist, entertainer, employer and most of all, a GIVER. This book magnified the things we already knew about the author, he is a man who is about the betterment of his people. Tenaciously, he works constantly toward that goal. In his memoir/self help book, Joyner gives practical advice on achieving success, raising children, finding your passion and more. All of this is given to readers through his simple yet intelligent pros. This book is filled with wisdom and down home wit. I'm sure there will be those who criticize his unwavering loyalty to African Americans first and foremost. This novel shows that Mr. Joyner is not anti-anything. He is pro-black and apparently believes that charity begins at home. No matter what the race, color or religion, I highly recommend I'm Just a DJ but... to anyone who has a dream that is bigger than their current circumstances. It has encouraged me to continue the struggle to make my dreams come true and given me an added boost of energy. Most of all it has reminded me of why I'm proud to be an African American.