MICHAEL BAISDEN

Michael Baisden is undeniably one of the most influential and engaging personalities in radio history. His meteoric rise to #1 redefined radio with the numbers to back it up. The show was heard in over 100 cities nationwide with over 7 million loyal listeners daily in his 10-year career.

As a college drop out, ex Air force airman, single parent, and transit worker from the south side of Chicago, Michael wanted his life to mean something. His career began when he took a leap of faith to leave his job driving trains in Chicago to self-publish his book and began touring the country selling books out of the trunk of his car. According to Simon & Schuster, Michael Baisden is “probably the most successful self-published African American male author out there today.” With nearly 2 million books in print his books blend the perfect combination of entertainment, humor, provocation and sexuality. Two of his titles ultimately were adapted into stage plays playing to sold out crowds across the US. Scripts for feature films based on his books are in development.

The New York Times best-selling author and relationship expert hosted two nationally syndicated TV talk shows: “Talk or Walk”, which was a compelling and fast-paced daytime reality series that combined the emotion of talk, the conflict of court shows and the fascination of a relationship series and a Late Night Talk show titled “Baisden After Dark” which aired on TVOne for two years. Additionally he produced two relationship documentary films and a television special titled “Do Women Know What They Want?”.

Through the power of his sheer determination Michael carved a unique niche as a speaker, radio personality, philanthropist and social activist. He is always in the lead when it comes to helping those whodon’t have a voice. He was honored by BBBS with the Michael Baisden Inspiration Award. The award named in his honor will be given in future years to people who are dedicating themselves to actively recruiting mentors. Baisden founded the Michael Baisden Foundation focusing on education, literacy and mentoring.

Michael believes that “books change lives” and he is living proof!

But his proudest moment came on September 20, 2007, when he passionately and skillfully spearheaded the famous Jena 6 March in Jena, Louisiana. This historic and momentous occasion garnered tens of thousands of citizens of all races to peacefully march in support of six young men who have been unfairly treated by the justice system. In addition, he urged millions of listeners to wear black on September 20th in protest of unequal justice. The news traveled throughout the country, everyone wore black in support of the Jena 6, from college students of all races to corporate executives.

2008 was another historic year. In late January Michael endorsed Sen. Barack Obama in the democratic primary. He celebrated President Obama’s victory with over 4,000 fans at a watch party in Miami on election night. The Obama camp along with millions of listeners credited Michael with being one of the major forces behind this historic victory to elect the first African American to the Presidency of the United States.

In December 2009 Michael called for a National Mentor Training Day and announced his plans for a 2010 nationwide campaign. He pledged up to $350,000 of his own money to be donated in over 72 markets he would visit on a bus tour. The outreach was named “One Million Mentors National Campaign To Save Our Kids.” Michael challenged his listeners to match or beat his donations and get involved. In October 2010 President Barack Obama publicly congratulated Michael on his efforts. He founded the Michael Baisden Foundation focusing on education, literacy and technology. Michael believes that “books change lives” and he is living proof!

Michael continues to entertain, enlighten and educate as he pursues one of his first dreams, to have his novels adapted to major Motion pictures. The other dream was to host a Late Night Talk show. He got that chance in the fall of 2007, when he partnered with TV One to host and co-executive produce “Baisden After Dark,” featuring comedian George Willborn and band leader Morris Day. The show was a smash hit, breaking records for viewers on the network.

In 2011, Michael continues to expand his media reach when he produced, wrote, and directed a ground breaking documentary film titled, “Do Women Know What They Want?” The reviews have been amazing! “It was time for something new and exciting, and no one else was doing it, not like this!” Michael said. Get ready! It looks like the baddest man on radio and late night TV, will be in theaters near you soon!

Stay tuned – it’s just the beginning of the Baisden legacy.