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^ A City Council Resolution Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Herbert Rogers Kent aka "The Cool Gent"
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WHEREAS. Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called home Herbert Rogers Kent, an outstanding citizen and friend, to his everlasting reward in Heaven, and he departed this life doing what he loved most; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of this esteemed man's passing by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Chicago's great radio music icon, and widely beloved legendary music personality and community leader, Mr. Herbert Rogers Kent, passed on to rhythm-and-blues heaven on Saturday, October 22, 2016 after finishing his final weekly radio show broadcast on iHeartMedia's V103 FM, his musical home for over a quarter-century; and
WHEREAS, Herb Kent, also known as "The Cool Gent," and the "King of the Dusties", was a celebrated legendary Chicago radio DJ, who possessed a melodious deep voice, coupled with a smooth soothing style; and over his stoned 70+-year career helped launch the musical careers of black music greats such as The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, Smokey Robinson, singer/songwriter Gene "Duke of Earl" Chandler, songbird Minnie Riperton, and many, many others; and
WHEREAS, Herbert Rogers Kent was born Oct. 5, 1928, at the former Cook County Hospital, now known as Stroger Hospital. Kent was a South Side native, who grew up in the Ida B. Wells housing project. Kent noted over the years that he entered earth the same year as many other notables, including: the late poet Maya Angelou, R&B singer Fats Domino, actress Shirley Temple, as well as cultural icons Mickey Mouse, Rice Krispies cereal, the ever-popular Louisiana Hot Sauce and penicillin. He enjoyed his long-standing profession, while denying that he was among the earliest humans ever created, despite rumors to the contrary; and
WHEREAS, Kent attended Hyde Park High School and started spinning records as a music-loving teenager, ...
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