Crystal Livers never knew “the Loverman” DJ Jerry Wade, but she and her family listened to his WTLC radio show for so many years that he felt like a close friend.
She said nearly everyone she knew in the Black community listened to “The Quiet Storm with Jerry Wade” and many were in shock and disbelief this week to learn of his death at age 61. Livers began listening as a college student at IU and later as a young mother living in Indianapolis.
She said she feels Wade was a community treasure who came across as kind and unassuming on the air. “The music was good and the questions he posed about love and relationships certainly got conversations started,” said Livers, 55.
A DJ for more than 30 years at WTLC FM, Wade was best known as host of “The Quiet Storm.” It was on the air from 7 p.m. until midnight Sunday through Thursday. Wade’s family said in a statement that they “know how much he meant to his listeners and community, and will provide more details on honoring him and his legacy.”
Wade also had a mobile DJ service, and was executive director of Quality Life, an adult day services center on Indy’s east side. In addition, friends said he was a dating coach similar to Will Smith’s character in the movie, “Hitch.”
Friends and co-workers said he would greet you with a smile, kindness and encouragement. He also was willing to share his knowledge about media or just life in general.
Jalysa King, 34, who worked as a promotions assistant for Radio One while in college, said Wade was motivational and a mentor.
“He really taught you that you could love a job and that it could be so much more than a paycheck,” she said.
King said Wade saw the joy that he could bring to people and what music could do for people.
“Although Wade was the host of ‘The Quiet Storm,’ it never really was about him,” she said. “He had this way of making it about the audience.”
Much of that audience adored his show.
Jamesha Norwood, 41, tuned into WTLC this week expecting to hear Wade’s voice.
“I heard people on air talking, but it did not seem like a regular show, and I did not hear music or his voice,” Norwood said. “So then I start googling and found out that he had passed away.”
Norwood, who likes the same old school R&B as her mother, has been listening to Wade’s show for years. She often would hear him give relationship advice.
“It would be good advice, nothing inappropriate or vulgar,” Norwood said. “He actually listened and tried to understand a caller’s problem.”
Norwood recalls seeing Wade playing music at parties or grabbing a coffee at Starbucks. “He had this contagious smile,” she said.
Shirley Thomas, 64, said there have been many nights when she has fallen asleep to the sound of Wade’s soothing voice and music on the radio. Thomas said he would play artists she enjoys such as Jeffrey Osborne, the Isley Brothers and Anthony Hamilton.
Thomas said Wade definitely was “the Loverman” in more than just his music selection. She said Wade would give tips on how to find love, how to talk to your significant other or how to find a partner.
“He would tell you to show your partner how much you love them through words or touch.”
Thomas, a WTLC listener for more than 50 years, said she will miss Wade. “It will be hard to get used to not hearing his voice.”
Mirror Indy reporter Diane Moore covers the east side of Indianapolis. Contact her at diane.moore@mirrorindy.org or 317-732-5122. Follow her on X at DianeMoore80711.
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