RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Herb Kent has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Herb Kent was a legendary Chicago radio disc jockey who enjoyed a nearly seven-decade long career in broadcasting; and
WHEREAS, Known as "The Cool Gent/' Herb Kent entertained generations of listeners with his smooth style that helped to launch the musical careers of The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, Minnie Riperton and Smokey Robinson; and
WHEREAS, Raised in the Ida B. Wells housing project on the South Side, Herb Kent started in radio in the 1940s; and
WHEREAS, Herb Kent began his career at WGRY in Gary, Indiana before working for a number of Chicago area stations where he developed a distinctive on-air style; and
WHEREAS, From 1962 to 1970, Herb Kent built a huge following in the African-American community at WVON; and
WHEREAS, Herb Kent later worked at WGCl before joining WVAZ/V103 in 1989 where he continued to popularize old-school "dusties"; and
WHEREAS, In 1995 Herb Kent was inducted into the Museum of Broadcast Communications Radio Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, In 2009 Herb Kent with David Smallwood wrote his autobiography "The Cool Gent, the Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent"; and
WHEREAS, Off the air, Herb Kent was deeply involved in his community and the civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Herb Kent serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Herb Kent to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Herb Kent was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Herb Kent imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service...
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