Skippy White made a showman’s entrance in an aptly white tuxedo when he arrived at the historic Florian Hall Aug. 5. Fellow living legends and hundreds of fans awaited the former WILD DJ at his elegantly dressed tribute concert: “An Evening with Skippy White, Musical Tribute to a Living Legend.” White is credited as one of the first to play Black music in Boston on WILD 1090-AM in the ‘60s, and is also known for his long career as a record store owner, DJ and music producer.
His four record stores became well-known in Boston for selling music by Black artists when many were not. During his career, White also became a de facto manager and producer for emerging talent in Boston by recommending music for radio – for his own show, and later, several others. After more than 60 years of service, the last of White’s stores closed in January 2020, but his love of music remains, as does his radio show.
White is still fondly respected, as friends and partners from his career performed his favorite joints for a long night of dancing. Groups performed doo-wop, gospel, soul, blues and more, as accomplished artists such as Toni Lynn Washington, Milton Wright, Bobby Hill (grandson of Dinah Washington, the Queen of the Blues) and more dazzled the audience with their persisting talent.
Those who ordered tickets from the event’s flier had them hand delivered by the organizers so that people could shake hands and meet “like the old days.” Reminiscent of times past, visitors to Florian Hall took a trip down memory lane with the seasoned DJ.
For video coverage and interviews from the night’s celebration, see Boston Neighborhood Network Media’s show from Friday, Aug. 11 on their website at bnnmedia.org or at the link here.
