Reginald Eugene Utley, one of L.A.’s heralded gospel deejays, has left the broadcasting booth. Utley passed away from a heart attack in Los Angeles on Jan. 23, leaving thousands of ardent fans that he had accumulated in his 50+ years on the airwaves. He was 69-years-old.
His homecoming services were held on Feb. 4, in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. According to his dear friend and protégé, Nawania Perry-Lyles, a memorial concert is planned for Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m., at Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 8222 San Pedro St., in Los Angeles. The Rev. Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick is the host pastor.
Utley made a lasting impact in L.A. Known by many handles such as “The Gospel Ambassador” and “The Demon Slayer,” he began his professional gospel radio career at KGFJ and went to worked at KMAX, KACE and KTYM. Utley also served as a TV program announcer for several Badami Productions’ shows including “Gospel Music Presents” and “African American Short Films.”
In addition, he was the creator, producer and host of “Gospel Newsbreak from Hollywood,” which aired on BET’s “Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Show” as well as served as the news anchor for The Gospel Network.
Perry-Lyles credited Utley as a mentor who introduced her to gospel broadcasting. Recalling their relationship, she said, “He invited me to come to the radio station to assist him in choosing the songs to play on the air. Eventually, I became his assistant and later, the co-host of his morning show.”
Utley was also skilled as a technical engineer, program director and music director for various television and radio programs.
Sharing another memory, Perry-Lyles said, “Reginald was a perfectionist and masterful at his work. He was extraordinary when it came to putting it all together on a daily basis to do what needed to be done. He helped many unknown gospel artists become household names and get contracts with major record labels. He raised the standard to promote gospel music.”
Utley received many awards and commendations in acknowledgement of his contributions to gospel music. He earned a Stellar Award Announcer of the Year twice and Paul Award for Religious Announcer twice. He was also named the #1 Gospel Radio Announcer by Black Radio Exclusive magazine and bestowed the Christian Image Award for Community Excellence.
In addition, several record companies – including Light, Word, Intersound, Malaco and Savoy Records – awarded plaques to Utley in recognition of his influential role in exposing new artists to radio audiences. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Theology degree from Next Dimension University.
Perry-Lyles is the chief organizer of the Reginald Utley Memorial Concert in L.A. For details about the event, call (424) 279-3769.