Tributes to Joe Madison Pour In As News Media Remembers 'The Black Eagle'

SiriusXM host and Radio Hall of Famer Joe Madison, affectionately known as “The Black Eagle”, died Thursday at the age of 74 after a battle with prostate cancer.

A radio pioneer, Madison was well respected by the news media industry not only for his abilities behind the microphone but also for his activism in advancing civil rights causes.

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After the news of Madison’s death was unveiled, many prominent news media figures shared their admiration for the longtime radio host and remembered him fondly in messages to social media.

This was April 1, 2023. Joe Madison and I were at @bowiestateuniversity for the dedication of their performing arts center to @dionnewarwick. Joe was gonna. call an Uber and I told him that I would drop him off at home. We had our usually spirited conversation. It was full of 1/3 pic.twitter.com/3czDQfcqla
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) February 2, 2024

free flowing cussing! ???????????????? RIP, my dear brother. 3/3
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) February 2, 2024

In honor of my friend, The Black Eagle! May you rest in power Joe Madison! Now you can really fly. ???? @SIRIUSXM @UrbanViewRadio pic.twitter.com/xQpAIVKzR9
— Laura Coates (@thelauracoates) February 2, 2024

May he rest in power! A true legend https://t.co/U9jG1jZHQ5
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) February 2, 2024

Legendary radio host and civil rights advocate Joe Madison has died at age 74 after battling prostate cancer.

President Biden called Madison “the voice of a generation.” pic.twitter.com/FVTV5fZU5U
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 2, 2024

Saw Joe do his thing in studio for many years, a radio legend and a very nice man. Will miss seeing him around the office. https://t.co/Gn6a5CRAjL
— Ryan Balick (@rbalick) February 2, 2024

Doing a hit earlier with Roland Martin Unfiltered on the passing of my friend, Joe Madison bka The Black Eagle. He will surely be missed. pic.twitter.com/fHWqQ3ElFq
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) February 2, 2024

Some people talk about injustice, others do everything they can to fight it. Joe Madison did both. From the first day we worked together at WWRC — I was his board op — I’ve respected his passion for life. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. pic.twitter.com/dn93xwCn7a
— Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) February 2, 2024

This man indeed is a legend. One of the premiere talk show hosts in America. #RIPJoeMadison https://t.co/cYrQn7FY3e
— Donal Ware (@dware1) February 2, 2024

We lost a titan Thursday. Joe Madison was committed to his cause, pushed us all to be better and he never wavered in his mission.

I am praying for his family today. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years. pic.twitter.com/YtzaVI72ft
— Symone D. Sanders Townsend (@SymoneDSanders) February 2, 2024

#JoeMadison was the best in the business.

I was honored to work as an intern for him for his talk radio show in the late 80’s in Washington, D.C.

He was the consummate professional, an amazing communicator, and an agitator against injustice.

Listened to him every day on… pic.twitter.com/twZQ3vJs0Q
— Andrea Morehead (@Andrea_Morehead) February 2, 2024

“Great broadcaster…he’s a legend and deservedly so for the amazing work that he’s done for decades,” 77 WABC and former Rush Limbaugh producer Bo Snerdley told Barrett News Media in a phone interview Friday. Snerdley, like Madison, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I’m really sorry to hear about Joe.”

In addition to the news media honoring Joe Madison, prominent politicians like Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, and Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Gary Peters (D-MI) shared tributes to the radio legend.

It was an honor to talk with VP Kamala Harris (@VP) about the legacy of Mr. Joe Madison. “He reminded us all that you got to fight for progress. You can’t be a passive observer.”

Listen to the clip below & full discussion is on the app. pic.twitter.com/Bo1g9IHucL
— Clay Cane (@claycane) February 2, 2024

Joe Madison was the voice of a generation.

Whether it was a hunger strike for voting rights or his advocacy for anti-lynching legislation that I was proud to sign in 2022, Joe fought hard against injustice.

Jill’s and my thoughts are with his wife, Sherry, and entire family.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 2, 2024

The movement has lost one of its most iconic voices.

Joe Madison was a force who used his platform to fight injustice & uplift our community. I always enjoyed our conversations.

I’m praying for his family, friends, and all who knew & listened to him. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Z0GYBNq46q
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) February 2, 2024

My heart is broken tonight. Joe Madison, the Black Eagle, was a living legend who lifted millions with his voice and his vision. He lifted me as a mentor and friend, and someone who held me accountable as we should hold all of our elected officials.

I will miss him dearly.

My…
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 2, 2024

Joe Madison was an icon.

He got his start in Detroit, but his impact — especially his work to promote voting rights legislation — will be felt across our nation for generations to come.

I have many fond memories of joining him on his show. My thoughts are with his family.
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) February 2, 2024

BNM Staff

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