Doug Banks Dead: Nationwide Radio Personality Dies From Illness

Doug Banks dead? It comes as a shock to many of his listeners. The host of the nationally-syndicated Doug Banks Show battled with a serious illness for years. Banks is mourned in his death.

According to V101.7, Doug Banks had been battling diabetes for many years. As mentions Roland Martin, before Doug’s death, his kidneys were failing, which can be seen in the tweet below.

BREAKING NEWS: I am stunned to hear of the death of Doug Banks. I heard he was not doing well and had failing kidneys. This is just so hard.

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) April 11, 2016

Martin also noted that Banks occasionally allow him to appear on his syndicated show in order to spread the word about news as it happened in urban communities. Roland laments that Doug was a huge supporter of his endeavors.

Likewise, WGN noted that Doug Banks had suffered from other complications of diabetes as well. So, as a concerned health promoter, during Banks’ show, he would usually advocate to this listeners the quintessential nature of getting regular health checkups.

As reports Jet magazine, Doug Banks had nearly a 40-year career run in which he gained millions of listeners and maintained a steady flow of syndicated listeners per day, nationwide.

According to the source, in his death, Doug Banks leaves behind his wife and two daughters. His wife is Wendy Banks. His two daughters are Kennede and Kellie Banks.

V101.7 reports Banks’ death as follows.

“We send our prayers and condolences to his family, friends, industry colleagues and millions of loyal listeners that he touched over the last three decades. Doug Banks was the highest standard of professionalism in the radio broadcast community. He will be missed.”

Likewise, via Facebook, Terrence B made an announcement about Doug’s death via 101.7’s page. He stated that Doug Banks was “one of the greatest urban radio personalities to grace the airwaves.”

https://www.facebook.com/V1017/photos/a.288162281237.145797.158510136237/10153583564141238/

Long before he died, according to 101.7, Banks started his radio career in high school. A local radio station, WDRQ, noticed Doug’s talent and hired him. At that moment, he was a temporary weekend DJ. However, Doug’s temporary position quickly turned into a permanent position — and this was all while he was still in high school.

Banks was noticed on KDAY in Los Angeles, and eventually, Doug moved around to other radio stations throughout his extensive career, including but not limited to Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Chicago. In Chicago, via WBMX (WVAZ), he hosted The Morning Show. According to 101.7, he took the show’s share from 1.8 to 5.6.

Similarly, before Doug Banks unexpectedly died, he was given a shot at a nationally syndicated spot. After so much morning success, Doug’s morning show was predicted to be a massive hit. On the show, Banks was accompanied by DeDe McGuire. However, Doug Banks teamed up with DeeDee Renee in his latter years. She is seen below.

Eventually, the two also started hosting in the afternoon as The Ride with Doug and DeDe. After so many years, Doug’s morning syndicate went back to the original name, The Doug Banks Show. DeeDee Renee wasn’t part of that syndicate, as she had not teamed up with the host at the time.

He was known for a particular segment on his show known as “Adult Conversation.” This is where he would discuss relevant topics that concern young and older adults. You can see many of the topics via Doug Banks’ Twitter page.

In Doug’s death, aside from his family, he leaves a legacy. Radio station 101.7 notes as follows.

“In January 2006, in collaboration with Disney and Boys & Girls Club of America, he launched the Doug Banks Literacy and Scholarship Initiative. The program supports the development of a fully literate American population by raising awareness about illiteracy and getting the private sector actively involved in supporting literacy across the country.”

WGN notes that Doug Banks was 57-years-old when he died. And even though Banks died from the continued onset of diabetes, Doug lived a full, prosperous life while helping millions of people via his health advice. As mentions several sources, Doug Banks will be missed.

How do you feel about Doug’s death? Did you ever listen to Banks’ radio show? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images Entertainment]