A few weeks ago, we reported on a legendary figure in smooth jazz radio, Bob O'Connor had passed away and today we learned of the death of my friend and mentor Bernie Kimble. I met Bernie, while working at WNUA in Chicago back in 1988. Bernie was kind, smart and incredibly passionate about radio and the smooth jazz format. After our stint together in Chicago, Bernie went on to program WNWV in Cleveland, the city where Bernie spent most of his career.
This release came from The WAVE: "The staff and management of The Wave are saddened to hear of the passing of Bernie Kimble, who programmed our radio station through much of the 1990s and early 2000s. Along the way, Bernie helped to introduce and boost the careers of many smooth jazz artists both locally and nationally. He also guided The Wave to receiving the 2001 Marconi Award for Best NAC/Jazz Format Radio Station from the National Association of Broadcasters. Most recently, Bernie was an instructor and station manager for the campus station at Lorain County Community College."
Bernie was not only a nationally recognized radio programmer and personality, he was also an educator helping to enlighten the next generation of broadcasters.