After 27 years keeping Minnesota and the Upper Midwest company on Sunday nights, longtime WCCO personality Jearlyn Steele is calling it a career.
Making the announcement on Sunday, Steele took time to thank the listeners and all of her coworkers for a remarkable run on the radio.
"It's all about you, it's all about what I have learned, because tonight is my last broadcast," said Steele. "I'm leaving WCCO Radio and it has been a blast."
Talking about why she's leaving, Steele simply said it was time to move on and give someone else the opportunity to do a show.
"I want someone else to be able to come in here, do a great job, and learn as much as I have learned," she said about stepping down."
Steele came to WCCO Radio after an amazing career as a singer. Her family, the Steele's, are an internationally acclaimed group. She's recorded songs with Prince, Carol King, and Elvis Costello just to name a few. She's starred in Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion and had a part in the "Prairie Home Companion" film alongside Meryl Streep.
Just as importantly, Steele brought important and unique perspectives to the WCCO audience, working hard to bring conversations about race, diversity and social justice to the airwaves. She was a trailblazer, being the first African American to host regular shows on WCCO radio and paving the way for many others who have been a part of the WCCO family in the 27 years since she began her show.
Steele credits another former WCCO host and amazing singer, Patty Peterson, with helping introduce her to management and giving her an opportunity to do a show.
"I never went forward thinking I'd be a radio host," said Steele. "They gave me a four hour show. I had to learn a clock. I had to learn about producers. And I have been here ever since."
Steele spent many years taking time to honor and spotlight the entertainment community in the Twin Cities. Dedicating an hour each week to showcasing local theater, musical acts and more, Steele's commitment to the arts brought significant support to a crucial group of Minnesotans.
WCCO was also honored to host several "Jearlyn Steele Christmas Specials" over the years, with many local musical artists coming to WCCO and the Cambria Gallery to showcase tunes for the holidays. It was a tremendous addition to WCCO's holiday programming and another great showcase for local art.
Several greats from WCCO's past took time to call-in and with Jearlyn well Sunday. Former newsmen Bruce Hagevik, Steve Murphy and Eric Eskola all chimed in as did current WCCO reporter and host Susie Jones.
"You have been a 'CCO Radio trailblazer, as a woman of color hosting a show for 27 years. You've been amazing," said former WCCO Managing Editor Steve Murphy. "Jearlyn, we're going to miss you. I have just one request. Never stop singing. You have the voice of an angel."
Ending the show, Steele thanked the audience and in her special way, asked for prayers from the audience after leaving a show that occupied her Sundays for over a quarter of a century.
"What you and your family have done for the community over many, many years, and sustained it, and will continue to do it, is just really awe-inspiring," said former WCCO journalist Eric Eskola. "Hats off to you and to all the folks in your family."
From all of us at WCCO Radio, thank you Jearlyn and enjoy God bless you!