Condolences to the family and friends of our friend Jerome Simmons who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week.
He was a top celebrity photographer, Midwest Editor for the music weekly trade publication BRE (Black Radio Exclusive) and CEO of the Midwest Convention in Chicago. He was a friend to our radio stations and covered our events throughout the years.
Jerome started his career as a photographer at Johnson Publishing, contributing to Ebony, shooting weekly covers Jet Magazine and going on tour with Ebony Fashion Fair shows. He worked with many artists, shooting album covers and going on tour… he said his favorite artists to shoot were Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
He also worked with Don Cornelius of Soul Train and the Citizen Newspaper Group where he conducted interviews with artists, political figures and community leaders… his biggest honor was interviewing Lena Horne.
As an entrepreneur, Jerome owned a photography studio and started the Midwest Radio and Music Conference, honoring our contributions to the industry with his Griot Awards. He was honored by the DuSable Museum for his contributions to the culture last year. Blessings brother!
& Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo