But the fan-favorite will serve as the host at Bakewell Media “Music for the Soul” Stage at Taste of Soul once again
After 21 years of playing music at “The Soul of Southern California,” veteran radio host Pat Prescott of KTWV-FM 94.7 “The Wave” is retiring from the morning show.
“It’s hard to step away from such a wonderful job, but it’s time,” said Prescott. “These last 21 years at ‘The Wave’ were among the best of my life. I now look forward to freedom and the new adventures ahead!”
The listener-loved radio personality signed-off KTWV-FM on Friday, Sept. 30 from the morning drive-time slot, concluding a 47-year career in radio. Here in the southland, she became an industry favorite presenting everything from smooth jazz giants like Gerald Albright to adult contemporary classics like Sade and John Legend.
A Hampton, Virginia native, Prescott graduated from Northwestern University and launched a career as a middle school teacher after graduation. She took a leap of faith sabbatical and moved to New Orleans to begin a career in radio at the legendary rock radio station WNOE. Shortly after, she made a major move to New York City, the #1 media market, where she began spinning her musical first love – jazz – as the mid-day air personality at the former heritage station WRVR.
In 2001, she received a call that she could not resist. Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Dave Koz coaxed Prescott to transplant from snowy New York to sunny Los Angeles to co-host the morning show at “The Wave.”
“Dave is like my brother,” said Prescott about Koz. “Before Dave had his own radio shows, I had him sit in for me in New York. That was one of his first experiences. He was a natural communicator. He always said I got him started,” said Prescott, adding she gave the saxophonist a master class in radio for six years as his cohost.
Singer and songwriter Brian McKnight replaced Dave Koz when he left the show. “I was super sad when Dave left, “ said Prescott. “There were a lot of people who were trying to get his job. The two main candidates were Kenny G. and Brian McKnight. When they picked Brian, I did not know him well, but we became pretty good friends. When he would sit in the studio and play the piano and sing, that was a highlight because that man is an amazing talent,” said Prescott.
Prescott said one of the greatest joys of her job has been serving as the host for “The Wave” stage at the Taste of Soul (TOS) since its second year. Even though she is no longer working at “The Wave,” she will host the Bakewell Media “Music for the Soul” Stage, presented in conjunction with “The Wave,” because she has become an indelible part of festivalgoers’ experience.
“I will always be at the Taste of Soul,” said Prescott. “This is my community. Also because of the connection I have with Danny Bakewell. One of my favorite memories of the Taste of Soul was when War performed. You could see people moving and swaying all the way down Crenshaw Boulevard,” she recalled.
Prescott is only retiring from mainstream radio, but not the industry. She will continue to be a part of various music festivals and has returned to her jazz roots by hosting “Favorite Things with Pat Prescott,” broadcast on Newark, New Jersey’s acclaimed NPR Jazz station WBGO, 88.3 FM.
