Iconic R& B Historian, distinctive radio host, motivational speaker, and philanthropist Tyrone DuBose hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up wanting a career in entertainment, he began his lifelong pursuit in 1985, when he became the host for a television program in the South Bay area of Southern California. Having a distinctive bass-baritone voice, DuBose quickly became a highly sought-after announcer for many events, phone auto-attendant for Fortune 500 companies and voiceovers for many national commercials. Like many great public personalities, mastering one art was not enough. Tyrone ventured into radio where he was heard live on air at KHWY-FM in Barstow California for over 7 years. This is where he began developing his on-air skills and working on his craft that would later open the doors for him to other radio stations across the nation and eventually television. R& voice. The national commercial for Doritos took me to another level that I’m forever grateful for.
Jules: Share your background and what led you to entertainment.
Tyrone: I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I grew up listening to Casey Kasem on WSAI and became mesmerized by his countdown, the chart position of the artist, and history about the artist as well. I then moved to Los Angeles and began my lifelong pursuit in 1985, when I became the host of my own public access television program in the South Bay area of Southern California. I won numerous awards, including producer of the year, and talk show of the year three times. I eventually ventured into radio, where I would drive almost 150 miles to the radio station KHWY-FM in Barstow California for over seven years. This is where I began developing my on-air skills and working on my craft that would later open the doors for me to other radio stations across the nation and eventually television. Because of my knowledge of R&B history and the national R&B singles charts, I created and host the radio program “Timeless Traxx”, a syndicated radio program that reaches over 40 stations and has gone abroad to the international market in five countries.
On the show, I countdown the top R&B songs in America according to the National R&B Charts. It includes six decades of artists in one show based on their peak position. I research and write each show based on the history of the song, along with giving the date the song enters the charts. The show does well, and my years of experimenting with the format and approach keep me consistently not only at the top of my industry but with a program considered to be the fastest-growing old school R&B countdown program in America.
Emerging from the show is “Do You Know”, an award-winning YouTube webisode series that gives fans a visual of the radio show, with trivia about the history of R&B.
My knowledge of R&B history eventually landed me on television as a show contributor for the popular TV One program “UNSUNG”. UNSUNG is the acclaimed award-winning series of one-hour biographies that celebrates the lives and careers of successful artists or groups who, despite great talent, over the years have been under-recognized or under-appreciated. On the show, I share unknown facts and commentary about legendary artists such as Martha Wash, Kashif, Hi-Five, The Manhattans and others. My work ethics and determination to educate music lovers about behind the scenes facts about their favorite artist, helped me earn the title of R&B Historian after astonishing fans as well as producers with knowledge that took devotion and exploration to discover.
In 2017, I was added as a trial run on to the highly successful Sheryl Underwood radio program as a daily contributor as “America’s R&B Historian, with a segment called “A 60 Second moment in music history. During this segment, I give trivia, history, and chart information on musical artists from six different decades. Due to an overwhelming response from the fans, “A 60 second moment in music history” became a permanent part of Sheryl Underwood Podcast.
Jules: You made history by becoming a 2x Hollywood African Prestigious Award (HAPA) winner. You won for Best Lead Actor in the independent film, A Better Baltimore, Best Voice Over in Hollywood (the first person to ever win this category). What did this mean to you, and what does it take to be successful in Hollywood?
Tyrone: Truly content with this award, but to know that I would win in the best leading role of an independent movie put me in another stratosphere. But what it mostly did was give me a sense of vindication. All of my hard work, long days and nights, people telling you it can’t be done, all went by the wayside after making history. But ultimately, it gave me the strength to keep going.
Jules: What have you learned along the way?
Tyrone: I have learned so much in my journey. But being honest, like many, I have had many struggles, and have worked hard to be a better person. There were people in my life that wouldn’t let me forget that I didn’t have it all together and reminded me of my misgivings and mistakes. At times I felt as though I was a loser. I also learned more about the people that were in my life and made many changes. I realized that for a long time there were three different types of people. There were friends that became better friends, and like family to me. There were strangers who became friends, and then there were strangers that I thought were my friends. I’ve had to make a decision to release those that didn’t give me peace anymore. And although it was a bit uncomfortable, it was extremely necessary for me to move and make shifts that were going to get me to a better level in my life. I’m realizing that I’ve made some of my best decisions in silence. I made the access to my energy now a privilege, because I believe it introduces me before I even speak. I don’t wish for anything; I work for everything. The whole time I thought that all of my struggles were holding me back, they were really giving me the tools to become one of the best. So, there is no more second-guessing, and no more blaming others, including myself. For the problems I’ve had in my life, it’s now a new day.
Jules: You are an iconic R&B Historian. 2021 was a world wind for you. You released Amazon’s Bestseller, The Four Seasons of R&B- Top 10 Picks of Greatest Singers/Groups 1960-1990 and received many accolades. Tell us about this time and your life.
Tyrone: The pandemic was life-changing for so many of us. Someone mentioned to me that I was legitimized, but a book would solidify my place as an R&B Historian. So, I dedicated myself to writing at least one page a day during the pandemic and it kept me focused. When the book came out, I was just grateful to know that I had accomplished something. But when the book reached number one on Amazon, I realized that I needed to stop counting my problems and count my blessings. There are four people that have come in my life that have made a tremendous impact on who I am today. My best friend Ernest Thomas (Actor) and I have an enduring friendship that could never be broken. My brother AJ Jamal allowed me to go on tour with him and learn what it was like to be a better person. He saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself. Meeting Casey Kasem and him knowing that he was my idol, giving me advice and helping me to get to where I am today was life-changing. I owe it to him to continue my journey and remembering his legacy. The other person that helped bring me to the status I am today was Sheryl Underwood. Many people said no to me and my dreams, but she said yes, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, pushed me to get better, and allowed me to dive deeper, think clearer, and give my best all the time on the radio show and her podcast. She was the one who began to call me affectionately “The Black Casey Kasem”. There are countless people that have been in my life that are too many to remember, that I owe so much gratitude for, and I’m grateful for those people who have come across my life to make me better. I feel God has seen more in me, sometimes than I saw it myself.
Jules: What amazing projects are you working on today?
Tyrone: I celebrated my 10th year as a show contributor on TV Ones UNSUNG, and it was another part of my life that has given me the tools to become where I am today. I’m still a part of the Sheryl Underwood podcast, which allows me to continually sharpen my skills as an historian of R&B music. I’ve also received a pilot order for my own television show called “Do You Know”, based somewhat on my book The Four Seasons Of R&B. The show is almost done, and my surprise guest for my first show. Let’s just say, it is a dream come true. I’ve been a mess, but I finally found a message. I want everyone to make their dreams come true.
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